Members of the Zonta Club of Cebu II, Philippines, wore blue to show solidarity with human trafficking victims worldwide as they joined Mandaue City’s Gender and Development personnel for a workshop and orientation on trafficking in persons. This event, held to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July, brought together Violence Against Women (VAW) desk officials, Department of Social Welfare staff, Department of Justice lawyers, police officers and representatives from the Commission of Filipinos Overseas, among others. 

The workshop focused on anti-human trafficking laws, risk factors that contribute to trafficking and exploitation in vulnerable communities, identifying red flags, and utilizing referral networks for rescue and prosecution efforts. Discussions emphasized the need for increased community awareness, improved referral systems, interagency collaboration, and effective reporting and investigation to strengthen the prosecution and conviction of traffickers. 

Participants advocated for a stronger, united campaign against trafficking, particularly child trafficking. The club members also distributed their statement against the trafficking and exploitation of children and minors, available in both English and the Cebuano dialect.