Surigao Norte local councils strengthen awareness on child protection, anti-VAWC laws
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — To reinforce local governance mechanisms for the protection of women and children, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), spearheaded a comprehensive capability-building seminar held at the SP conference room in Surigao City.
Held on July 31, the activity aimed to enhance the operational capacity of both the Surigao del Norte Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) and the Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (PCAT-VAWC). This also served as the province’s culmination activity of the National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month.
Local leaders, department heads, and key stakeholders gathered to realign strategies and update their knowledge on critical child protection and anti-trafficking frameworks.
PSWDO Officer-in-Charge Lorena L. Silvosa reiterated its commitment to maintaining zero-tolerance policy environments against abuse, trafficking, and exploitation across the province.
“Through continuous capacity-building initiatives, the PSWDO and its partner agencies aim to ensure that protective services remain accessible, responsive, and legally sound at every level of local implementation,” Silvosa said.
The seminar featured technical presentations and legal briefings from subject-matter experts. PCPC roles and functions were discussed by Krystal Ryedel P. Antoni-De Jose, coordinator of the Caraga Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC).
She also tackled the orientation on the core mandates and operational responsibilities of council members to ensure effective local child-focused programming.
Meanwhile, Attorney Joseph Jennel M. Malelang, provincial prosecutor, delivered a lecture on Republic Act No. 9208 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by Republic Act No. 11862, emphasizing stronger legal measures and institutional responses to combat human trafficking.
Malelang explained the topic on Protection Against Online Exploitation: A targeted session detailed Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act, highlighting enforcement strategies and preventive mechanisms against digital threats facing minors.
Meanwhile, the National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month is celebrated every July under Proclamation No. 1180. Led by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), this year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Sa Bagong Pilipinas. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)
