Barangay IACAT 2.0 takes the nation by storm, beginning with Antipolo as a pilot site

24 August 2024

Antipolo City – August 24, 2024 – The Department of Justice (DOJ) through the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is proud to present the launch of the Barangay IACAT 2.0 Community Program last August 22 to 24 in partnership with the local government of Antipolo City.

"Together, we are continuously building on the strong foundation we have established in Antipolo since 2020. Community involvement has always been at the heart of our efforts to drive positive change, and the Barangay IACAT Program’s success reflects the power of unity in safeguarding our citizens," Antipolo Mayor Casimiro Ynares III said.

The Barangay IACAT 2.0 is a three-day grassroots activation, aimed to raise awareness and mobilize community-wide action against human trafficking and online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC).

“When it comes to offenses as widespread and as urgent as these, we believe that there is strength in numbers,” Usec. Nicky Ty, DOJ Undersecretary-In-Charge of IACAT underscored. “Through the Barangay IACAT initiative, we are able to empower communities, foster collaboration, and build capacity at the grassroots level to protect our most vulnerable citizens.

The three-day activation included a town hall meeting, providing a platform for open dialogue and insights sharing among public servants, stakeholders, and citizens of Antipolo City, as well as capacity-building sessions, equipping barangay officials and local partners with the knowledge and tools they need to attack trafficking, abuse, and exploitation head on.

All these activities were meant to help the local government of Antipolo and its constituents identify, prevent, and respond to trafficking cases within their own homes and circles of influence.

The event culminated in a vibrant parade and motorcade, symbolizing the whole-of-society commitment to combat these unspeakable crimes.

The success of the Barangay IACAT movement in Antipolo highlights the power of community-led initiatives in the fight against all types of trafficking, abuse, and exploitation. The DOJ, through IACAT, remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with local communities to build a safer nation for all Filipinos.

“Barangay IACAT reignites the true Filipino spirit of compassion, reminding us that when we come together, we can make a positive impact in the lives of our fellow countrymen here and all over the world,” DOJ Asec. Michelle Anne Lapuz, Brgy. IACAT Program Lead added.

Before the year ends, Barangay IACAT is set to engage with local authorities across the nation, where they will tailor-fit the activation to the needs identified and insights shared by the communities concerned.

“While we are proud of the work that we have done at DOJ and IACAT in eradicating human trafficking and OSAEC, the fight does not stop here. We will not rest until every Filipino is safe from these heinous crimes,” Usec. Ty concluded.

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