The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), represented by Ms. Joanna Bautista, participated in the Committee on Migrant Workers hearing of the 21st Davao City Council, chaired by Councilor Atty. Rachel P. Zozobrado, to address illegal recruitment and human trafficking in the city.
The hearing convened members of the City Council, local government offices, and national agencies to deliberate on policy and program interventions aimed at preventing trafficking, protecting victims, and improving enforcement measures.
During the session, Bautista highlighted the CFO’s mandate and key anti-trafficking initiatives, including the 1343 Actionline, the Community Education Program (CEP), and advocacy activities for the 2026 National Anti-Trafficking Awareness Month (NATAM) and the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (WDAT) this July.
She also presented migration and trafficking data specific to Davao City and the Davao Region, emphasizing the importance of close collaboration between the CFO, local governments, and partner agencies to prevent illegal recruitment, combat human trafficking, and safeguard vulnerable migrants.
“Preventing human trafficking requires coordinated action at all levels. Through programs like NATAM, WDAT, and our community education initiatives, we aim to empower local authorities and communities to protect our fellow Filipinos,” Bautista said.
The hearing reaffirmed the Commission’s ongoing commitment to addressing trafficking risks and strengthening protective measures for overseas and local migrant workers in the region.