Communities are better prepared to combat OSEC, Child labor trafficking

The cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Taguig and the municipality of Cordova are now better equipped to fight Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) and Child Labor Trafficking (CLT) as a result of World Vision’s work in these cities under the Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership.

The CPC Partnership is a multi-year plan developed between the U.S. Department of State and the Philippines Department of Justice's Inter-agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), demonstrating the shared commitment of the two governments to strengthen efforts to prosecute and convict child traffickers, provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for victims of child trafficking crimes, and improve existing community-based mechanisms to prevent and combat OSEC and CLT cases in the Philippines.

Implementation of objectives and activities under this CPC partnership is carried out by non-governmental organizations focused on anti-trafficking efforts, including International Justice Mission and its sub-recipient, World Vision.

“Helping keep children safe from any form of harm and abuse is a mission which partnerships can do so well. As we conclude the Child Protection Compact Project, allow me to thank our partner organizations and governments. May our achievements today continue to inspire more people in the future to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children,” shares World Vision Philippines National Director, Rommel V. Fuerte.

World Vision’s focus is on strengthening existing community-based systems and services meant for the protection and recovery of children affected by OSEC and CLT, and preventing these crimes.

For over four years of implementation, local government units in the barangay level reactivated their Barangay Child Protection Council with integration of anti OSEC and CLT advocacies. Community groups and key individuals such as faith-based organizations, care groups, students, and government officials became empowered and are now the guardians in their respective communities. A guidebook was also formulated for both duty bearers and CLT survivors. Academic institutions, especially the University of San Carlos and the University of the Southern Philippines, joined World Vision in its work, extending the reach of the program. Local government units also changed some of its existing programs based on World Vision's research-based recommendations.

“Partnerships are essential to ensure that all the hard work in protecting the most vulnerable children continues after a program concludes. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with World Vision under the Child Protection Compact. I am confident that the seeds we’ve planted together, all the successes we share, will continue to bear fruit,” says Atty. Samson Inocencio, Regional Vice President of the IJM Global Hub Against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children and National Director of IJM Philippines.

A youth advocate of anti-OSEC and CLT campaigns

Angel, a 17-year-old student, is empowered and became a champion of anti-OSEC and CLT campaigns. She was part of the many capacity-building workshops of World Vision in 2019 and became an advocate ever since.

“Youth empowerment is the key to fight CLT and OSEC. When they are informed and empowered, they have a better chance to protect themselves from abuse and exploitation,” Angel expressed.

A celebration highlighting World Vision's work was held virtually and it was participated by around 750 participants who are part of the project. The celebration was also streamed live on Facebook.