Lack of technology hampers services for women, children

CEBU, Philippines - Citing lack of technology, Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said the rehabilitation and after-care services for women and children who were victims of human trafficking remains to be a problem in the province.

She, however, is optimistic that the three-day exploratory talks with international and local providers will improve the current setup.

"Rehabilitation process is a big problem for us (in Cebu), especially with the lack of technologies.  So, we really need help." Magpale said in the opening of the three-day exploratory conference yesterday at the Legislative Conference Hall.

The Provincial Women's Commission (PWC) and the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children (PCWC) have partnered with non-government organizations, such as the International Justice Mission and US- based skills providers from the Children's Hospital of the University of Southern California, to visit and help several rehabilitation centers in the province.

The exploratory conference is expected to help provide skills, techniques and strategies to personnel managing and operating these centers in providing after-care and rehabilitative services to women and children victims/survivors of human trafficking and all forms of violence.

During her message, Magpale congratulated Gov. Hilario Davide III for the newly built rehabilitation center in Lahug, Cebu.

In an interview, Davide, who was there to welcome the guests, said they were happy and grateful that there are international and local organizations that are helping out address this problem.

"Interesado sila sa pag help sa center for women, to share their knowledge and experiences.  So, we're just happy that they are willing to help," Davide said.

Cebu Provincial Prosecutor Pepita Jane Petralba, a PCWC commissioner, said that local government units are supposed to build facilities for these victims, but just could not do so easily due to financial constraints.

"Cebu province man gani is the richest province, dili man gani ta kadali-dali'g tukod og facilities.  (And) it will not be only about the facilities but the personnel as well who must be well-trained," Petralba said.

Magpale said that it has always been her advocacy to protect families, the women and children, even before she became the provincial vice governor.

"More than a couple of decades ago, mga 34 years tingali, I had an advocacy in protecting the women, family and minor in my small city, in Danao.  I was a legislator, and marijuana was just starting and (I see) families starting to get fractured with mothers going abroad for work. I thought of doing something to strengthen the Filipino family, Cebuano families in particular. I was privileged and honored to have been brought in the provincial level as I continued my advocacy. And here in the Provincial government I started the same organization for family, women and minor." Magpale said.

"The advocacy part was easy, but when we stumbled on that time brought about by modern technologies, it became difficult," she added.

Yesterday afternoon, the participants of the exploratory talk visited the Cebu Provincial Women and Children Development Center in Sudlon, Lahug.

They would be visiting other rehabilitation centers and children home facilities in Cebu province until tomorrow, when the three-day activity concludes. (FREEMAN)