06/09/2025
The observance of the World Day Against Human Trafficking held last August 19, 2025, at Barangay Maguisguis, Botolan, Zambales, under the flagship program Gender Fair Education Towards a VAWC-Free Community spearheaded by the PRMSU Botolan Campus GAD Office, stands as a testament to our collective effort in safeguarding the rights and dignity of every individual.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Punong Barangay Roseller Tabunday for his warm and supportive welcome remarks, which set a positive tone for the day’s meaningful discussions. We also acknowledge the inspiring messages of Assoc. Prof. Lyn F. Luzano, PRMSU BC GAD Coordinator, Dr. Emelyn Bugayong, University GAD Director, and Mr. Arnold Magsanap, IPMR of Maguisguis, whose words reminded everyone of the continuing fight against human trafficking and the importance of community solidarity.
The success of this gathering would not have been possible without the active participation of the Barangay Maguisguis Council, 4Ps beneficiaries, parents, Barangay Health Workers, Civil Society Organizations, teachers of Loob Bunga II Elementary School, the Student Body Council led by Dr. Johnson Cabangon, Principal I, as well as the Tribal Council. Their involvement signified the shared commitment of various sectors in protecting vulnerable groups, especially women and children.
Special recognition is due to PSSg Jerica D. Dela Cruz, who shared valuable insights on Trafficking in Persons, and Mr. Angelo C. Fermil, who tackled the pressing concerns of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Minors (CSAEM). The Open Forum facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Lyn F. Luzano, allowed meaningful dialogue and was enriched by the contributions of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC), the VAW Desk Officer, and Kagawad Pia Joy Arabejo, together with Ms. Delia Avila and other barangay council members.
We likewise commend Mr. Isagani Ecle, MSWDO Officer, for his comprehensive message emphasizing the necessity of convergence among government agencies, civil society, the private sector, advocates, and the community in the fight against gender-based violence. His words resonated with the day’s advocacy for united action.
We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our Proactive University President, Dr. Roy N. Villalobos, whose leadership strengthens PRMSU’s gender and development initiatives, and for the encouragement of the Vice President for Research and Development, Dr. Marlon James Dedicatoria. Our thanks also go to the Technical Working Group members—Mr. Yukiyan Butlig, Ms. Carla Joan Schuck, Ms. Anna May Punzalan, Mr. Jayson Fernandez (OSA Coordinator), Mr. Edwin Elane, Dr. Marven Lanuza (BSF), Dr. Alex Villa (CTE Chairperson), Ms. Jessica Ruth Diesta (BSA Chairperson), Ms. Shela Gilvizon, and Ms. Maria Thea Rubac—for their dedicated contributions.
We also acknowledge the presence and support of Mr. Ian Jule Malong, School Head of Loob Bunga High School, whose involvement strengthened the partnership between schools and the community.
Appreciation is also extended to the Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT) for their unwavering advocacy and for providing IEC materials that enriched the program’s learning resources.
Finally, the program concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Assoc. Prof. Lyn F. Luzano, PRMSU BC School GAD Coordinator, sealing the commitment of all sectors present to continuously champion women’s rights and stand firm against human trafficking.
Indeed, the success of this event reflects the power of unity, shared responsibility, and unwavering advocacy towards building a safer and more gender-fair community.