Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 1180)
Proclamation No. 1180 dated July 6, 2021 declares the month of July of every year as the "National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month."
Section 11, Article II of the Philippine Constitution declares it a policy of the State to value the dignity of every human person and guarantee full respect for human rights.
Section 2 of RA No. 9208, as amended, states that the State shall give the highest priority to measures and programs that promote human dignity, protect people from violence and exploitation, eliminate trafficking in persons, and ensure recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration of trafficked persons into society.
IACAT is tasked to formulate a comprehensive and integrated program to prevent and suppress trafficking in persons, and conduct massive information dissemination and campaigns on trafficking issues through local government units, concerned agencies, and non-government organizations.
The 2020 UN Global Report recorded 49,032 victims of trafficking worldwide in 148 countries, and as of March 2021, there were 1,608 victims of trafficking based on convictions recorded in the Philippines.
The Philippines is a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.
The 30th of July of every year is observed internationally as the World Day Against Trafficking.
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), in coordination with concerned agencies, is responsible for leading the observance and implementation.
The funding requirements shall be charged against the available appropriations of the IACAT, and for succeeding years, incorporated in the budget proposals subject to the usual budget process and relevant laws.
All agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government including government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, local government units, the private sector, relevant non-government organizations, and civil society groups are enjoined and encouraged to actively participate and support the IACAT.