Ifugao town forms anti-trafficking group

By Marcelo B. Lihgawon

HINGYON, Ifugao  -- The local government here has formed an anti-trafficking group to encourage participation among rural communities, people’s organizations and non-government organizations in the protection of  children and women.

The groups is called the Municipal Committee  on Anti-trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children.

           

The committee is chaired by Mayor Mario Buyuccan  with the municipal planning and development coordinator as co-chairman.

           

Members are the Sangguniang Bayan  committee chairman on housing development, heads of municipal and national offices based in the area, SB committee chairman on women and children and nongovernment representatives.

           

The  committee  was tasked to institute policies and programs to protect women and children who are victims of trafficking and violence, create and establish systems on surveillance,  investigation and rescue to ensure effective coordination.

           

The group will undertake information, education, and advocacy campaign  and oversee strict implementation of Republic Act 9208 and other laws for the protection of women and children in the town.

           

RA 9208  provides the state shall give highest priority to the enactment of measures and development of programs that will promote human dignity, protect the people from violence and exploitation.