Page 35 - 2017 JUL -DEC KAAKBAY

July to December 35
2017

Anti-Trafficking Action Plan Discussed in New York

Anti-Trafficking issues in the US were at the center of discussions
among the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office for Migrant Workers
Affairs , the Philippine Consulate General, and anti-Human Trafficking
advocates in New York.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Reynaldo Catapang, Consul
General Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Consul Kerwin Tate, held a dialogue
with Filipino Community members on ways to collaborate on Anti-
Trafficking efforts.

The Damayan Migrant Workers Association, whose members

attended the dialogue expressed readiness to work closely with the

Consulate on extending assistance to vulnerable Filipino workers who fall L-R 1st row Consul General Theresa De Vega, Assistant Secretary
prey to labor trafficking. Reynaldo Catapang, Consul Kerwin Tate with Damayan members.

Collaborative programs such as Know Your Rights Seminars,

outreaches, information campaigns, and case management of trafficking victims were discussed extensively. Initial joint efforts

and activities are set to be undertaken before the end of 2017.

Assistant Secretary Catapang acknowledged the critical role played by Filipino-American community advocates and
stated that the Philippine Government is committed to intensify efforts to combat trafficking as well as responding to the
concerns of Filipino overseas communities. He likewise briefed the community members on latest developments on migration
issues currently being discussed at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

US Heads of Posts To Intensify Provision of Frontline Assistance to Nationals

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and heads of Philippine Consulates General in the US held a Command
Conference on Assistance-to-Nationals and other frontline services in New York on 02 October 2017.

Chaired by DFA Office of Migrant Workers Affairs Assistant Secretary Reynaldo A. Catapang, the Heads of Post
discussed means of streamlining assistance efforts to overseas Filipinos, updating contingency plans in light of new challenges
and immigration policy developments, forging closer partnerships with US government partners, civil society organizations, and
advocacy groups, extending legal and other assistance, more effective information dissemination, and speedier responses to
human and labor trafficking cases.

The participants likewise briefed Foreign Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano on developments in their respective areas
as common concerns of posts in the US.

The heads of Post also attended the Speaking Engagement of Secretary Cayetano at the Council on Foreign
Relations (CFR), one of the oldest international affairs and foreign relations organizations in the United States.

The following Heads of Post took part in the Command Conference: Consul General Generoso Calonge (Chicago),
Henry Bensurto (San Francisco), Adelio Angelito Cruz (Los Angeles), Gina Jamoralin (Honolulu), Marciano De Borja (Agana),
Theresa Dizon- De Vega (New York), and Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Patrick Chuasoto (Washington, D.C.)

Assistant Secretary Catapang (3rd from left) leads the discussions at the L-R Consul General Adelio Cruz, Consul General Generoso Calonge, CDA
Command Conference (photos by NYPCG) Patrick Chuasoto, Amb. Teodoro Locsin, Consul General Gina Jamoralin,
Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano, Assistant Secretary Reynaldo Catapang,
Consul General Marciano De Borja, Consul General Henry Bensurto at the Council
on Foreign Relations