CBCP, ECMI Conducts DCAHT

The CBCP Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) together with the Archdiocese of Davao and Arise Foundation conducted a 2-day Strategic Planning on Institutionalization of Diocesan Committee Against Human Trafficking (DCAHT). The said strategic planning was attended by 19 individuals coming from different Pastoral Ministry of the Archdiocese of Davao last April 25–26, 2025 held at the Dominican House of Prayer, Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City. The said activity talks about our Understanding, Causes and Demand in HT, its dynamics the ugly and evil business of it.

The first speaker was Hon. Norman R. Solis, Prosecutor of Davao del Norte, who shared about the different kinds of Human Trafficking that is very rampant nowadays not only in the rural but also in the urban areas such as; Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking, Organ Trafficking and Child Labor.

With all these thoughts that Prosecutor Solis shared, our second speaker from DSWD Miss Rosevic Joey Matilac – Jayme, RSW shared her expertise on How to Handle Things when dealing Victims – Survivor. She also talks about on How to Give Care and Empowerment to the victims- survivors as well as on How to Conduct an Interview and Documentation Protocols for HT Cases. She also emphasizes that we should always remember that we need to act according to our role always.

Mr. Cristelito T. Abadilla the CBCP-ECMI Mindanao Regional Migration Deck Focal Person hold the Resource Mobilization and Stakeholders Mapping Workshop on How we can help the victims and their families using our strength and abilities as a church and individual. Mr. Jessie A. Torino the Archdiocesan Migrants Ministry Secretary said that the said training is advantageous for the participants since they will become the future speakers who will give social awareness to the victims-survivor and to their families left behind. Rev. Fr. Roger C. Manalo, CS, during his homily added that the Philippines is now ranking Tier 1 among nations, this means that our country is leading in imposing strict laws and fines for several years in HT, and yet here in Davao Region has recorded lots of fake Birth Certificate Registration to aliens/ foreigners and Filipinos used in HT. And so; as Filipinos can do change especially this coming election. By not becoming partisan, vote for those who are for Filipinos, vote for individuals who can fight against HT and for the country, and we must tell our families and friends on what we are aiming against the said abuses. The activity is the first step in showing our love to our fellow country men the second step is on the line to protect our land. In God’s Grace Pax Et Bonum. (Mary Jane C. Imas)