The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has renewed its commitment to assist survivors of human trafficking as the country marks National Anti-Trafficking Awareness Month 2026.
As co-chair of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (I-ACT), the DSWD said it will continue helping victim-survivors recover from trauma, rebuild their lives, and return safely to their families and communities.
“Human trafficking is a severe human rights violation that robs individuals of their fundamental rights, freedom, and potential. Because this crime exploits poverty and deception, we need to address it collectively as a whole nation to ensure that victim-survivors will be able to rebuild their lives with dignity,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said Monday.
This year’s observance carries the theme, “Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Tapusin ang Human Trafficking Ngayon!,” which calls for a whole-of-nation effort to end trafficking.
“The DSWD stands in solidarity with all the survivors of human trafficking and calls on the public to remain vigilant and to protect those who are most vulnerable by reporting suspected trafficking cases. We must all help each other to raise awareness and strengthen our communities to become a part of the solution to completely end human trafficking,” Dumlao said.
Dumlao said the agency remains committed to strengthening the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP), which provides a comprehensive package of services for victims of trafficking.
In 2025, the DSWD served 2,476 reported trafficking cases. Of the total, 1,200 victim-survivors were immediately reintegrated or reunited with their families and communities following assessment and recommendation by social workers.
The assistance provided to survivors included psychosocial support, temporary shelter, case management, livelihood and educational aid, transportation assistance, and other interventions.
“Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., national government agencies have been relentless in providing assistance, while also holding perpetrators accountable. However, we are also urging the public to immediately report suspected cases of human trafficking,” Dumlao said.
The DSWD also cited a recent case in Cebu City, where two minors were rescued from a foreign national allegedly involved in child prostitution.
The suspect was arrested after an anonymous caller reported the case through the RRPTP Helpline. After the rescue operation, the DSWD Field Office 7 in Central Visayas immediately processed the case and provided psychosocial support and other necessary interventions to the rescued children.
“By recognizing the warning signs of trafficking, reporting suspicious activities, and fostering communities that uphold the rights and welfare of every individual, we can help stop exploitation before it begins,” Dumlao said.