The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), conducted a five-day capacity-building training from 17–21 November 2025 in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro to strengthen the province’s response to human trafficking and gender-based violence. 

 

Members of the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) and the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), including Social Workers, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs), Law Enforcement Officers, Municipal Health Officers, and Local Government Operations Officers, were among the participants of the activity.

 

Miramelinda O. Leuterio, Regional Women Focal Person, provided an overview of the Comprehensive Intervention Against Gender-Based Violence (CIAGV) and facilitated a workshop assessing existing programs and service gaps.

Legal discussions followed, featuring Associate Provincial Prosecutor Marianne G. Reginaldo on the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Prosecution Attorney Sherlyn A. Layesa on the Safe Spaces Act and Anti-Bullying Act, and Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Jennifer Marasigan-Uy on Republic Act 11930.

“Collaboration is the cornerstone of our success; through unity and cooperation, we can effect lasting change in protecting the most vulnerable in our communities,” said OIC-DSWD MIMAROPA Director Benchie Gonzales, emphasizing the importance of partnership and coordinated action in addressing complex issues of trafficking and gender-based violence.

Participants also reviewed the Child Labor Law and took part in case simulations to enhance practical case-handling skills.

Hannah Morella, Secretariat to the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (RIACAT-VAWC), oriented participants on the DILG-DOJ-DSWD Joint Memorandum Circular, after which LGUs drafted their 2026 LCAT-VAWC structures and action plans.

PSWDO Head Zarah C. Magboo concluded the activity by emphasizing the importance of strengthened coordination and survivor-centered approaches, expressing confidence in the improved partnerships formed during the training.

Overall, the week-long activity highlighted the province’s unified commitment to building safer communities and ensuring that all survivors of trafficking and gender-based violence receive timely, coordinated, and compassionate support.