THE Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) has assisted 65 victim-survivors of prostitution, online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (Osaec), illegal recruitment, and surrogacy during the first half of 2025, slightly fewer than the 80 to 90 cases handled in 2024.
According to Gladys Credo, lead secretary of the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children at DSWD-Davao, 36 of the 65 cases were carried over from last year, while 29 were newly reported in 2025.
Meanwhile, Atty. Janet Grace B. Dalisay-Fabrero, regional prosecutor and IACAT-Davao Region network chair of the DOJ-Regional Prosecution Office, said their office is working closely with the education sector to conduct training for school counselors, often the first line of support for children in distress.
Another key initiative involves engaging the grassroots through Parents-Teachers Associations (PTAs), since many Osaec facilitators are close relatives or family members.
“Even if we strengthen our advocacy through trainings, sabihin natin mga seminars, it would not be that effective if we do not really reach the parents, mismo kasi sila ang pinakauna sa facilitates ng Osaec (Even if we conduct trainings and seminars, they won’t be as effective unless we reach parents directly — because they are often the ones enabling Osaec),” Fabrero said during the Kapihan sa Dabaw forum on July 28 at SM City Davao.
She added that a stakeholder consultation will be held on July 31, bringing together schools, PTAs, guidance counselors, faith-based NGOs, public safety officers, and representatives from resorts and hotels. The goal is to strengthen awareness and response at every level to help curb Osaec in the region. RGP