29 August 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Abuja headed by Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Alex V. Lamadrid visited Cote d’Ivoire and conducted a Gender and Development (GAD) seminar on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and prevention of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in cooperation with the Philippine Honorary Consulate headed by Honorary Consul Philippe Forest on August 17 in Abidjan.

The TIP seminar was facilitated by the Embassy’s Assiatance-To-Nationals (ATN) officer Raymund C. Ondiano. The seminar tackled the definition of TIP, prevention measures, identification of victims of human trafficking and ways of assisting them. The event was well attended especially by female overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Abidjan, particularly those working in hospitality business establishments. The seminar was held in line with the Embassy’s advocacy to educate OFWs on their rights especially among women.

After the seminar, Mr. Ondiano rendered consular services and overseas voters registration to the participants.

Prior to the TIP seminar, Ambassador Lamadrid exchanged views with the Filipino community on the identification and prevention of Ebola virus disease (EVD). Participants reported to Ambassador Lamadrid that no Filipino in Cote d’Ivoire has been infected by EVD. Members of the United Nations Operations in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) shared their insights on how the UN is coping with EVD. Ambassador Lamadrid exhorted the OFWs in Cote d’Ivoire to observe elementary rules of hygiene, avoid crowded places, and report any suspected case of EVD to the proper health authorities. END