Empowering Voices, Ending Silence: An Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign
On November 13, 2024, Marie Ernestine School, in collaboration with its Family and School Collaborative Association (FASCA), hosted a powerful event—“Empowering Voices, Ending Silence”—that became a rallying cry for the fight against human trafficking. Held at the school’s North Campus, the event was an unforgettable call to action, bringing together a diverse group of leaders, community representatives, and advocates to address one of society’s most pressing issues—the scourge of human trafficking.
The Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris proudly participated in this event, joining hands with the local community to raise awareness, spark dialogue, and empower individuals to take action against the exploitation of vulnerable people.
The event was a clear statement: human trafficking is not a distant issue; it is a local crisis that demands our attention and immediate response.
Participants had the opportunity to hear from esteemed leaders in the fight against trafficking, including:
Dr. Cyndi Romine, Founder and President of Called to Rescue Philippines, whose decades of work rescuing and protecting children from exploitation is a testament to unwavering dedication and compassion. Her global efforts have saved countless children, empowering them with a future free from exploitation.
Mr. John Paulo "JP" Delas Nieves, Managing Director of ReVibe Social Impact Consulting and Executive Director of +iMPACT Leadership, also serves as the immediate past president of The Rotary Club of Metro Escolta. With his wealth of experience, JP brought valuable insights into community leadership and innovative solutions to combat human trafficking. His powerful perspective illuminated a clear path forward, emphasizing that real change begins at the grassroots level.
The event was not just an opportunity for speakers to share their knowledge—it was a space for dialogue.
Barangay workers and representatives from Bacayan, Talamban, Pit-os, and San Jose engaged in dynamic discussions on the various forms of trafficking that are rampant in the Philippines today: sex trafficking, labor trafficking, child trafficking, and organ trafficking. The statistics surrounding these issues are staggering. In the Philippines, more than 60% of trafficking victims are children, and the country is considered a source, transit, and destination point for human trafficking.
These forms of exploitation continue to wreak havoc on individuals, families, and communities.
The workshop session that followed allowed participants to explore practical solutions to address trafficking at the local level, providing the tools needed to identify red flags and take swift, informed action when necessary.
This event was a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration. Marie Ernestine Denise Fajatin, past president of the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris and owner of Marie Ernestine School, showed remarkable leadership in making this event possible, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to ending human trafficking. President Myra Urbiztondo and her team, including her husband Rotarian Alden Urbiztondo, Rotarian Hazael Urbiztondo, and Director of Public Image Dorothy Borces, joined the initiative with full-hearted dedication, reinforcing the club’s commitment to this crucial cause.
The Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris stands firm in its mission to support peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and, above all, to take active steps in fighting the human trafficking crisis. Together, we can be the voices that end the silence—one community, one conversation, and one action at a time.
"Human trafficking thrives in the silence of indifference, but together, we can break the chains of inaction."
The Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris remains steadfast in its resolve to bring this crisis to the forefront and continue the fight for a future where trafficking no longer has a place in our society.
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