By BIN Staff | 08:18 AM August 19, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY – The fight against trafficking and violence against women and children (VAWC) in Bohol is gaining momentum, as the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in Region 7 (IACAT-7) conducted a site visit at the Provincial Capitol on Monday, August 18, to assess local efforts and strengthen collaboration.
Governor Aris Aumentado welcomed the IACAT-7 team composed of officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
According to DSWD-7’s Xhelxea Francesca Lerios, at least 42 VAWC survivors from Bohol are currently engaged in capacity-building programs in Ubay, Tagbilaran, Tubigon, and Guindulman. She noted that Bohol remains one of the most proactive provinces in Central Visayas in supporting survivors through financial, educational, and livelihood assistance in partnership with NGOs.
While the province has recorded fewer rescue operations than other areas, Lerios cited a conviction in Buenavista in 2024 as proof of Bohol’s commitment to pursuing cases with the Provincial Government’s support.
Anne Mariquit Oppus, Alternate Chair of the GAD Focal Point System, said the increasing number of reported cases reflects growing awareness and confidence among survivors to seek help. She underscored the need to harmonize data-sharing and strengthen monitoring at ports, given Bohol’s position as a tourism hub.
Board Member Jamie Aumentado-Villamor, author of Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-012, which bans Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM), stressed accountability among tourism-related businesses and called for intensive LGU orientations on the law.
DOJ-OCP Tagbilaran’s Fiscal Adolfo Doroy announced that a Cebuano-language module on VAWC is now available, ensuring interventions are more accessible to the public. Meanwhile, DILG-7’s Ma. Reina Quilas said that anti-trafficking and VAWC initiatives are now aligned, but urged stronger grassroots involvement, particularly from LGU GAD focal persons.
Looking ahead, the council is eyeing Bohol as the possible host of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026, a move that stakeholders say would bring regional attention and activities to the province.
These initiatives support the Capitol’s Strategic Change Agenda on Social Equity and Human Development, which seeks to expand access to health, education, and protection across Bohol communities.
