Negrense advocates join Blue Heart campaign to end human trafficking

BACOLOD: Advocates from various sectors in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City joined the Blue Heart campaign in separate gatherings at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon and the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on Tuesday. In the province, Fifth District board member Rita Gatuslao, Provincial Council For Women chairperson Andrea Lizares-Si, and Gender and Development action officer Marie June Castro led the blue heart formation to signify the global awareness-raising initiative to fight human trafficking and its impact on society. It was followed by the tying of blue ribbons in the perimeter fences of the Capitol Lagoon and Building and a walk to the adjacent Ayala Malls Capitol Central, where the culmination program was held. In his message read by Promotion and Information Section head Charina Magallanes-Tan, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who is the chairperson of the Provincial Committee Against Trafficking, urged the Negrenses to be vigilant in the p revention of trafficking, protection of victims, and the prosecution of offenders. 'In this goal, strategic partnerships and collaborations are of utmost importance. We must work hand-in-hand with local and national government agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and international partners,' he added. Lacson said the trafficking of individuals is not just a crime but a form of slavery and a serious violation of human rights. A forum was held to discuss the salient points of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 and 2012 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, along with a panel discussion on addressing human trafficking during the program. Members of the Provincial Committee Against Trafficking, Child Pornography, and Violence Against Women and Children also took their oath of recommitment. In this city, an advocacy walk kicked off the activity, followed by the blue heart formation and a forum at the BCGC lobby. Two commitment signing events were held at the Bredco port and the Bacolod-Silay Airport. This year's Blue Heart campaign, themed 'Reach Every Victim of Trafficking, Leave No One Behind,' aims to raise awareness of disturbing developments and trends and calls on the government, law enforcement, public services, and civil society to assess and enhance their efforts to strengthen prevention, identify and support victims, and end impunity. In the Philippines, the observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is themed 'Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon. Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Tapusin ang Human Trafficking Ngayon! (One Nation, One Action. In New Philippines, End the Human Trafficking Now!). Source: Philippines News Agency