Solon pushes for inclusion of human trafficking in school curriculum

UNTV News, Apr 10, 2017

MANILA, Philippines — About 2,000 human trafficking victims nationwide had been assisted by the government in 2014, based on a report from the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD) .

The figure does not include the number of victims that have not been reported to the DSWD office.

According to Ako Bicol Partylist Congressman Rodel Batocabe, human trafficking is still a nationwide problem,with victims often being minors.

This is the main reason for pursuing House Bill number 4890 or the Human Trafficking Preventive Education Program Act.

The bill aims to inform the youth on how to avoid being a victim of human trafficking.

“At a young age, they should be informed about recruitment to jobs abroad, what should they know. The most basic is to make sure
that recruiters are licensed,” said Rep. Batocabe.

He said this is a significant move in guiding the youth toward their dream of a comfortable life.

“Even if you punish it by death penalty, and place a lot of prohibitions, it will continue if it is in our culture, or instilled in the mind,” said Batocabe.

Under the bill, the government will allot 100 million pesos a year for the implementation of this program.

The Committee on Basic Education and Culture is presently tackling the bill. — Nel Maribojoc | UNTV News & Rescue