On the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, GCash, the Philippines’ foremost finance app and the largest cashless ecosystem, has teamed up with the Partnership for Development Assistance in the Philippines (PDAP) to heighten awareness about human trafficking and Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
In collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), PDAP’s project, Strengthening Local Systems and Partnerships for more Effective and Sustainable Counter Trafficking in Persons in the Philippines (Strength CTIP), has partnered with national and local government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to combat labor trafficking, OSAEC, the creation of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM), and other forms of human trafficking.
It is estimated by the Philippine government and local non-government organizations that 60,000 to 100,000 Filipino children are trafficked each year. The prevalence of OSAEC and CSAEM has risen in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which also increased the number of unemployed workers, making them more susceptible to labor trafficking.
Despite the Philippines maintaining its Tier 1 status in the 2024 Trafficking in Persons report of the US State Department, recognizing the Philippine government’s efforts in combating human trafficking, there is still much to be done, particularly in engaging the general public in the fight against human trafficking.
Today, July 30, 2024, GCash users will encounter a pop-up on the GCash app, urging users to be aware of human trafficking and to report any instances they experience or witness.
PDAP Strength CTIP Chief of Party Eugenio M. Gonzales said, “USAID and PDAP’s Strength CTIP Project eagerly anticipate a robust partnership with GCash in the battle against human trafficking. GCash equips their 94 million users with knowledge about the warning signs of human trafficking and provides a means to report traffickers. This collaboration underscores the pivotal role of the private sector in addressing societal issues."
GCash Chief Legal Officer Atty. Maricor Alvarez-Adriano added, “GCash is dedicated to fostering trust and security, which encompasses the safety and well-being of all Filipinos. We acknowledge the influence of our platform in amplifying crucial advocacies that directly impact vulnerable members of our community. We stand with our partners and stakeholders worldwide in raising awareness about the urgency of eradicating human trafficking.”
GCash, a staunch advocate for safer online spaces and more secure fintech platforms for Filipinos, has been collaborating with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) to foster a safer and more secure cyberspace, particularly for the Philippines’ most vulnerable sectors, which include women and children.
Reports of instances or experiences of human trafficking can be made via the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking at (02) 1343 or at www.1343actionline.ph, or the Department of Migrant Workers at (02) 1348 or at repat@dmw.gov.ph.
FAQs
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What is the purpose of the collaboration between GCash and PDAP? The collaboration aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
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What is the Strength CTIP project? The Strength CTIP project is an initiative by PDAP, in partnership with USAID, to combat labor trafficking, OSAEC, the creation of CSAEM, and other forms of human trafficking.
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How prevalent is human trafficking in the Philippines? It is estimated that 60,000 to 100,000 Filipino children are trafficked each year.
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What is GCash’s stance on human trafficking? GCash is committed to raising awareness about human trafficking and is dedicated to fostering trust and security, which includes the safety and well-being of all Filipinos.
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How can instances of human trafficking be reported? Reports can be made via the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking at (02) 1343 or at www.1343actionline.ph, or the Department of Migrant Workers at (02) 1348 or at repat@dmw.gov.ph.