SHEILA Lumbatan, Chief of Staff of the City Mayor's Office, on Thursday revealed the city government's efforts to combat prostitution, exploitation, and the abuse of youth and women.
Under the administration of Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy, the Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB) has called on operators and managers of spas, massage clinics, inns, and motels to support the city's campaign against these issues.
Lumbatan, who also serves as the city's Gender and Development focal person, stated that the initiative aims to safeguard the well-being of the community.
Lawyer Jose Edgardo Uy, co-chairman of the RCB, emphasized that allowing minors, especially when accompanied by unrelated foreigners, into inns and motels violates city laws.
He stressed that this prohibition should not be limited to the "International Day of No Prostitution" but should be consistently upheld to protect the youth from harm.
In line with this action, the participating establishments, along with relevant agencies and partner organizations, held a signing of commitment.
Through this pledge, they have committed to enforcing existing laws and guidelines to ensure the success of the campaign.
City Councilor Imee Moreno, co-chairman of CIACAT-VAWC (City Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-Violence Against Women and Children), attended the event.
Various supporting agencies such as the PNP, CSWD, Balay Mindanaw, Tingog sa Kasanag (TISAKA), Human Rights, and World Vision were also present.
"This collective effort signifies the unity of various stakeholders in addressing the issue at hand," Lumbatan said.
It demonstrates a shared commitment to create a safe and secure environment for the community, especially for vulnerable sectors, she added.
Lumbatan highlighted that the involvement of different organizations and government bodies showcases the comprehensive approach taken by the city government in addressing these challenges.
The city's initiative is not limited to a single day but extends to ongoing efforts to combat prostitution and safeguard the youth and women from exploitation, according to Lumbatan.
By involving both government and non-governmental organizations, the campaign aims to raise awareness, enforce laws, and provide support systems to prevent and effectively address these issues.
This symposium serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and learning.
It allows for the exchange of ideas and best practices among operators, managers, agencies, and partner organizations.
Together, they can streamline their efforts, enhance their understanding of the problem, and implement strategies that will yield positive results.
Through this collective action, the city hopes to create a community where prostitution, exploitation, and abuse are eradicated, Lumbatan emphasized.
Lumbatan added that by promoting respect, awareness, and adherence to the law, the campaign strives to provide a better future for the youth and women, free from the shadows of exploitation.
