The year 2019 has once again proven that collaboration of key sectors is vital in advancing our work against sexual exploitation of children (SEC). Through our engagements with key government agencies and local government units, policies and programs on the issue were either strengthened or institutionalized.
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The effects of disasters to disadvantaged children and their families heighten their vulnerability to different forms of abuse and exploitation. The lack of access to primary needs like food, clothing, medicine, shelter and livelihood can make them easy preys to predators, including traffickers. To help reduce this vulnerability, ECPAT Philippines urgently shifted its priority to helping provide victim-survivors with their immediate needs – while continuing to work on empowering young people and key stakeholders through information-education campaigns and advocating for stronger child protection programs and mechanisms in both national and local levels
2022 Annual Report
In 2022, as the COVID-19 crisis showed signs of containment, ECPAT Philippines transitioned to a more flexible work environment, allowing for face-to-face activities while complying with health protocols. The organization responded to a surge in child abuse and exploitation cases during the lockdown by intensifying efforts and seeking sustained donor support. With new leadership, a five-year strategic plan was developed to uphold the mission of ensuring a safe and dignified life for children.
ECPAT in the Philippines was one of the lead organizations that lobbied for the enactment of national landmark legislations which aid in the prosecution of criminals associated with sexual exploitation of children: Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children from Abuse, Discrimination and Neglect of 1992; Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 9208 and Republic Act 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009. Further realizing the importance of localizing these national laws in order for them to be truly implemented in vulnerable communities, ECPAT has also pushed for the enactment of local ordinances in areas where it works. In 2016 and 2017, it has successfully lobbied for the adoption of Anti-Child Sex Tourism ordinances, the first of its kind, in the province of Bohol and municipality of Malay in Aklan, respectively. Today, ECPAT’s programs and projects are strategically aimed to help ensure that these laws do not only remain in paper, but efficiently enforced... Read more
