01 July 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Abuja conducted a seminar entitled “Fighting Vulnerability of Women and Children through Information and Action: Combating Trafficking in Persons,” for its personnel and overseas Filipinos on June 27 at the Embassy Chancery.

Attended by over 30 people, mostly female OFWs, the interactive seminar aimed to equip Filipinos with information on trafficking in persons (TIP). The discussion tackled its definition, realities and challenges, especially as it affects women and children, who sre considered as  the most vulnerable sectors of society.

Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Alex V. Lamadrid explained to the participants in his welcome address that the seminar was essentiallly a re-echo of the training workshop conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs for Middle East and African Posts last April in Ankara, Turkey. Ambassador Lamadrid also shared his optimism that with seminars like this, Filipinos in Nigeria and West Africa will be better informed of their rights as they relate to trafficking in persons.

Facilitated by Vice Consul Ralf G. Roldan and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Officer Raymund Ondiano, the seminar was able to clarify TIP. A lively open forum followed the seminar at the end of which the Philippine Embassy served dinner to the attendees. END