Anti-Trafficking partners feted during 2nd INA
By Rudolph G. Alama
THE Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (Iacat) honored its different partners in the anti-human trafficking campaign during 2nd Iacat Network Awards or INA held on December 8 at the Apo View Hotel.
“We named the awards after Ina or mother because just like mothers the Iacat is on a constant endeavor to make our world a safer place for children,” Deputy Regional Prosecutor Atty. Barbara Mae Flores said during the awards night.
In its second year, the INA is a regional search that seeks to recognize and pay tribute to the outstanding and exemplary members and stakeholders of Iacat-11 Network.
“We recognize them for their significant contribution to the network advocacy in eradicating trafficking in persons and online sexual exploitation,” Pros. Flores said.
The awardees for the 2nd INA were:
Outstanding National Government Agency
Department of Justice – National Prosecution Service 11
Department of Social Welfare and Development 11
Commission on Higher Education 11
Philippine National Police PRO 11
Commission on Human Rights 11
Outstanding Non-Government Organization
Global Impact Phils Foundation
Talikala Inc.
International Justice Mission Cebu Field Office
Child Alert Mindanao Inc.
Outstanding Local Government Unit
Davao City
Panabo City
Province of Davao Oriental
Island Garden City of Samal
Tagum City
Outstanding Survivor-Advocate
Rlea Lomanta
Lory Pabunag
Girly Diamante
Arvie Jay Juntilla
Maravilla
Demheca C. Cutoban
Outstanding Learning Institution
Ateneo Migration Center
“Thank you for recognizing the efforts of the local government on anti-trafficking and gender-based violence issues, we also thanked Talikala for nominating us for this award. We take this recognition as an inspiration for us to continue the work that we do, to not waver in our resolve to do our best to address trafficking-in-persons and the online sexual exploitation of women and children,” Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said in a message which was read by Davao City Administrator Zuleika Lopez.
The local chief executive in the message said the city will reinforce current measures being implemented in the city and work with partners like Talikala on areas of improvement.
Lory Pabunag, awardee for Outstanding Survivor-Advocate category, shares her award to fellow survivors and those victims not yet recognized.
“Unta kining among nadawat na award mahimong inspirasyon sa mga survivor ug biktima na mahimong lig-on taliwala sa hagit sa kinabuhi na adunay kagawasan luyo sa kapait ug kasakit na gi-agihan namo (I hope the award we receive will serve as inspiration to survivors and victims to become strong amidst the trials of life that there is a salvation amidst the hardships and pain we experienced),” Pabunag said. CEA
