Babelmachine

Microsoft lends hand in fight against human trafficking

May 29, 2006 14:00

We've always talked about how information technology can empower people, but the sad truth is that those who would benefit most from IT are often the ones who have no access to it.

The digital divide is a reality we live with each day. Even in the richest nations, many people aren't equipped with the right IT skills or have access to technology. So what more in an emerging economy like the Philippines?

The digital divide here can be even more pronounced. Some of us are fortunate to enjoy state-of-the-art technology and play with the latest gadgets, while across the country many have not even seen or touched a PC, let alone browsed the Net or tried different computer applications.


Which is why it's good to know that Microsoft Philippines has partnered with non-government organization the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc. to launch a two-year program called Stop Trafficking and Exploitation of People through Unlimited Potential (step-UP).

As the name makes clear, this is part of the software giant's global Unlimited Potential program, which seeks to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people across the world through IT. In the Philippines, the Unlimited Potential program has so far granted more than 100 million Philippine pesos (more than US$1.8 million or more than S$2.9 million) in investments in different projects. The step-UP project is supposed to benefit more than 10, 000 survivors and potential victims of human trafficking in the country.

The launch was held on May 26 at the Filipinas Heritage Library, which is located in the Philippines' financial capital of Makati City. The launch coincided with the third anniversary of the signing of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

You'll find the statistics on human trafficking very alarming, indeed. In the Philippines, the Port Halfway Houses, which is a partnership program between the Visayan Forum Foundation and the Philippine Ports Authority, have served the needs of a total of 10,523 victims and potential victims of human trafficking since 2001. Frightening as those numbers may be, they might only be the tip of the iceberg as it is difficult to get accurate numbers from remote areas, and many cases go unreported.

Meanwhile, the International Labor Organization has stated that in 2003 alone, the number of victims of human trafficking worldwide reached 1.2 million. You could visit Visayanforum.org for more facts and figures.

L-R: Severino Gaña Jr., Karrie Ilagan, Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda and Microsoft Philippines PR and community affairs manager Mae Rivera-Moreno

Statistics, however, cannot prepare you for meeting the actual victims of human trafficking face-to-face. I already knew that many of the victims are mere children--the victims are usually female, from 12-22 years of age, according to the Visayan Forum Foundation. Yet I still couldn't help but be shocked when we saw the rescued victims of human trafficking who performed in a short play during the launch to re-enact some of the hardships they endured.

Just before the former victims came out, Noel Nieva of Microsoft Philippines PR consultant Perceptions Inc. reminded the media not to take pictures or videos of them. I found myself thinking of my own four-year-old daughter Sam and her cousins and friends when I saw how young some of the victims were.

The step-UP program aims to help the Government and private sector in the fight against human trafficking by offering free IT skills training to former victims. Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, president and executive director of the Visayan Forum Foundation, stressed that IT skills training will go a long way in addressing the problem of human trafficking as many of the victims have not been able to finish their education and learn skills that would land them jobs.

She noted that "sustainable intervention" is needed, that it is not enough to rescue victims as you also have to teach them how to earn a living. Nor will the step-UP partners wait for underprivileged Filipinos to be victimized as they will identify areas that are hotspots for human trafficking and provide free IT skills training there. Oebanda said this proactive approach will enable them to reach out to potential victims of trafficking.

Oebanda (left) being interviewed by INQ7.net information technology reporter Alex Villafania

"We have waited a long time for a skills training program like this, and we are grateful to Microsoft for their support," Oebanda said.

Oebanda is the recipient of the 2005 Anti-Slavery Award from UK-based Anti-Slavery International.

The initial batch of 10 NGOs includes Religious of Mary Immaculate; Episcopal Commission on Migrant and Itinerant Peoples; Belen ng Batangas; University of Batangas; Philippine Agency for Community and Family; Rizal Memorial Colleges; St. Ma. Goretti Foundation; Share-a-Child Movement, Inc.; Social Action Center of the Diocese of Bacolod; and Lapu-Lapu High School.

Meanwhile, Severino Gaña Jr., Assistant Chief State Prosecutor of the Department of Justice, has called for the creation of a national database on human trafficking cases. In his speech, he said that this was an area where Microsoft Philippines might also be able to help. Gaña is the focal person for the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, which is the government body tasked with implementing Republic Act 9208.

When I asked her to respond to Gaña’s request, Microsoft Philippines marketing director Karrie Ilagan said that while the national database was not part of the existing partnership, this was something they could discuss. She said the step-UP program is now concentrating on providing training to victims and potential victims of human trafficking, but added that Microsoft Philippines would be more than willing to sit down with stakeholders and talk about the creation of a national database.

IT can be a potent weapon, particularly in the fight against poverty and exploitation. Let's use it for the benefit of those who need it most.

Recent Comments

 

Most Discussed

 

Browse Archive