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The International Women's Day celebration on March 8, 2023, held at Limbaga 77 Resto in Manila, was a resounding success. Hosted by Religions for Peace Philippines, Uniharmony Partners Manila, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the event featured discussions on how technology and innovation can be used to promote gender equality, with a focus on anti-human trafficking.
DOWNLOADSister Bon Kyong Koo Choi of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offered the welcome remarks and emphasized the importance of women and mothers in the home to strengthen family values. Dr. Lilian J. Sison, President of Religions for Peace Philippines, shared her efforts on anti-human trafficking and educating women and children not just in the Philippines but at the Asian level. Atty. Liza Jorda, City Prosecutor of Tacloban City shared the many cases she had handled on anti-human trafficking, providing insight into the devastating impact it has on communities.
Ma. Cecilia Balajadia moderated the first session, which focused on men's views on human trafficking, particularly online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC). The panelists included Justice Reyes from Knights of Columbus, Bro. Nelson Yao from Buddhas Light International Association, Theon Schuyler Garcia from Immaculate Heart of Mary, Parañaque, and Dr. Joey Gutierrez, a family expert and father of four girls. The panelists discussed various ways technology can be used to prevent and combat human trafficking. They also emphasized the importance of educating men and boys on the negative impact of OSEC.
For the second session, the discussion focused on multireligious cooperation to combat human trafficking, especially OSEC. The panelists included Rev. Ehravilla Maga-Cabillas from Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Atty. Salma Rasul from Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, Ven. Miao Jing Shi from Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, and Ms. Sheryl Loseño from Voice of the Free. Haidi Fajardo moderated this session. The panelists discussed the importance of multireligious cooperation in ending human trafficking and highlighted the role of technology in providing support and resources for victims.
DOWNLOADParticipants were then tasked to discuss how they can help in their own efforts to combat human trafficking. The event concluded with closing remarks from Rev. Father Richard James Babao, Assistant Minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs of the Archdiocese of Manila. Dr. Jho Bagaipo served as the emcee for the event.
The International Women's Day celebration was a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together to support women and promote gender equality. The discussions and sharing of experiences and expertise emphasized the crucial role of technology and innovation in combating human trafficking and promoting gender equality.