OTON, ILOILO (July 29, 2026) -
In line with the observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Provincial Council Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (PCAT-VAWC) conducted its pilot Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Wednesday in the Municipality of Oton, gathering frontline responders and partner agencies to strengthen local efforts against human trafficking and violence against women and children (VAWC).
The Municipality of Oton was selected as pilot local government unit for the conduct of the FGD, which aims to gather valuable insights from barangay and municipal stakeholders on the challenges, gaps and best practices in addressing trafficking in persons and VAWC cases in the community level. The results of the discussion will serve as inputs in enhancing policies, programs, and interventions to further improve protection mechanisms across the province of Iloilo.
The activity brought together five (5) Punong Barangays, five (5) Barangay VAWC Desk Officers, and five (5) officers from Oton Women Association, Inc. (KALIPI). Also participating were officials and representatives from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) Municipal Health Office (MHO) and the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Desk (PNP-WCPD).
Supporting the activity were representatives from the Public Employment Office (PESO), Provincial Planning and Development Office – Gender and Development (PPDO-GAD) Unit , Provincial Inter-Agency Committee Against Human Trafficking-Oton, the Office of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Rolex Suplico, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Anti-Trafficking in Persons Network, Inc., DSWD Field Office VI, TESDA Iloilo Province, KALIPI, Iloilo Police Provincial Office- Women and Children Protection Desk, and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Iloilo Province.
Prior to the conduct of the FGD, members of PCAT-VAWC paid a courtesy call on the Office of the Mayor of Oton. Municipal Administrator Ma. Diadema Vigo representing Mayor Sofronio L. Fusin Jr., warmly welcomed the delegation.
The Provincial Government of Iloilo through PCAT-VAWC continues to intensify collaboration with LGUs and partner agencies in building safer and more resilient communities where the rights and welfare of women and children are protected and upheld.