COWCP brings Anti-Trafficking Campaign to the Grassroots with RIGON

By Joy Velasco Unica

In observance of the 2026 National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month (NATAM) and in celebration of the 12th World Day against Trafficking in Persons (WDATIP), the Cáceres Office for Women and Children Protection (COWCP) spearheaded RIGON: Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Capacity Building Seminars, reinforcing community-based efforts to combat Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). Conducted in partnership with the ARISE Foundation and in collaboration with local government units and community stakeholders, the seminars equipped frontline responders with practical knowledge, legal updates and resilience-building strategies to strengthen child protection at the grassroots level.

The campaign started with RIGON 19.0 on July 30 at the St. Peregrine Laziosi Parish in Calabanga, Camarines Sur. 126 participants represented all 48 barangays of Calabanga. In collaboration with the Calabanga Women and Children Protection Desk led by PSSg Rosa Fe Mediario, Ateneo ILAO and with the support of CBSUA APO, participants learned from Atty. Alfea Barra-Gagalac on protecting children in the digital age through strengthened anti-OSAEC and anti-CSAEM mechanisms, while COWCP Director Fr. Jhonan’z Vibar, CMHA, CMHT emphasized the importance of mental well-being and resilience among anti-trafficking and child protection frontliners.

The initiative continued with RIGON 20.0 on July 31 at the Magarao Convention Center, bringing together 90 participants from the Magarao WCPD, VAWC Desk Officers, LCPC and LCAT-VAWC members, child representatives, and women's organizations. In collaboration with the LGU and MSWDO Magarao led by Ms. May Bediones Sales, and Ateneo ILAO, Atty. Sharmaine Zen O. Manzano discussed emerging trafficking trends and the salient provisions of Republic Act No. 11862, while Fr. Vibar once again highlighted the importance of sustaining the well-being of frontliners who carry the demanding work of child protection.

The series concluded with RIGON 21.0 August 1 at the ALS Building in Naga City, where 80 community stakeholders participated in sessions focused on online child safety. Through the expertise of Atty. Raizel V. Dimaano, participants gained practical knowledge on recognizing and preventing OSAEC and CSAEM, while Fr. Vibar reinforced the message that resilient caregivers are indispensable in building safer and more responsive communities.

The three RIGON seminars demonstrate that the fight against trafficking begins where children live, learn, and grow—in barangays, parishes, schools, and local communities. More than a series of seminars, these initiatives embody the grassroots commitment of the Bicol Stakeholders Network Against Human Trafficking to strengthen prevention, protection, partnership, and community empowerment across the region. As trafficking and online exploitation continue to evolve, so too must the collective response of government agencies, civil society, faith-based organizations, and local communities. With more capacity-building initiatives on the horizon, COWCP and its partners remain steadfast in advancing a culture where every child is protected, every community is vigilant, and the advocacy against human trafficking continues with renewed purpose and shared responsibility.