CEBU City–The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Region VII continues to strengthen its awareness and advocacy campaigns on the worsening problems of online sexual abuse of minors, human trafficking, and violence against women and children.
“There is a critical need to enhance advocacy efforts with direct services. Beyond these services, we are also intensifying our advocacy efforts to combat trafficking, OSAEC (Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children), and gender-based violence, particularly VAWC (violence against women and children). This is crucial because women and children continue to be highly vulnerable to these issues,” said Shalaine Marie Lucero, DSWD regional director told Manila Standard.
DSWD7 through the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-Violence Against Women and their Children (IACAT7-VAWC) bared that as of Aug. 31, 2025, the agency has assisted 179 individuals through the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP), providing a total of ₱823,000 in aid.
Of the 179 served, 123 were victim-survivors of OSAEC, 33 of sexual exploitation, 16 were cases of debt bondage, and seven trafficked individuals were intercepted, Lucero said that DSWD7 is collaborating with local government units to monitor the families and communities on possible unreported cases. “The victims must be identified and assisted as soon as possible,” she added.
DSWD7 and the IACAT7-VAWC worked closely with the law enforcement agencies in conducting rescue operations, while several cases were referred by LGUs for intervention because trafficked individuals undergo assessment by social workers to determine appropriate interventions, Lucero said.
According to Lucero, labor trafficking remained a major concern in the region as seen in the 2023 Sulu Case, where victims, many from the island communities in the region, were rescued from Tubba Lubok Island after being deceived into joining large-scale fishing operations and subjected to exploitative working conditions.
In 2024, DSWD 7 also provided assistance to foreign nationals rescued from illegal POGO operations in Lapu-Lapu City. Both foreign and local victims were provided with appropriate assistance.
Fishermen rescued from Sulu arrive at the Cebu City Port, while foreign nationals from illegal Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators in Lapu-Lapu City receive psychosocial counselling,
Despite intensified efforts, cases of OSAEC and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) remained prevalent in communities, with data showing a continuing upward trend. To ensure support, RRPTP provides social welfare services for victims and their families, including livelihood, medical, and educational assistance.
It also offers employment and skills training, logistical support during court hearings, and psychosocial counselling during rescue operations. Victims are also accommodated in temporary shelters through DSWD 7’s facilities, such as the Haven for Women, Home for Girls, Reception and Study Center for Children, and the Center for Women and Children.
Lucero said that in expanding advocacy reach, DSWD7 promotes awareness through community forums, radio and television programs, and advocacy caravans in schools, amplifying public awareness and rallying support.
“We do not only aim to reduce and prevent cases of trafficking and abuse but also empower the public through increased awareness,” Lucero explained.
She concluded that by making people informed and given access to reporting mechanisms, the greater the chances of reducing the number of victim-survivors referred to the agency for intervention.
