DFA Mindanao Attends IACAT Xi Launching of the Anti-Trafficking in Person Short Film Competition 2023
DFA Mindanao Assistant Secretary Renato Pedro O. Villa (left) with Cultural Officer Diane Montecillo and Protocol Officer Raquel Javier attends the launching of the short film competition on anti-trafficking in persons at Cinemateque Center in Davao City
MINDANAO 01 August 2023 – DFA Mindanao Assistant Secretary Renato Pedro O. Villa attended the launching of the Anti-Trafficking in Person (TIP) Short Film Competition 2023 on 26 July at Cinemateque Center in Davao City. The event was conducted by the Department of Justice-Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-Region XI Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force (DOJ-IACAT-RATTF XI) and IACAT XI Network in commemoration of the 2023 World Day Against Trafficking (WDAT).
Regional Prosecutor and IACAT XI Chairperson Janet Grace B. Dalisay-Fabrero delivered the welcome remarks, while Deputy Regional Prosecutor Barbara Mae P. Flores conveyed the rationale of the activity.
Flores said July 30 was designated as WDAT by the United Nations through a resolution adopted on 18 December 2013. The rationale behind the activity is to raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking, and for the promotion and protection of their rights. IACAT XI organizes region-wide activities to commemorate WDAT.
The Anti-TIP Short Film Competition is an advocacy project of IACAT in its continuing campaign against human trafficking with the theme “Reach Every Victim of Trafficking, Leave No One Behind.” Its goal is to showcase the best Anti-TIP message through a short film that depicts a strong anti-TIP advocacy.
The theme is in response to the disturbing trend highlighted in the 2022 Global Trafficking in Persons Report released by the UN. According to the report, there is an 11% global decrease in detection of trafficked victims, a staggering 60% decrease in detection and a drop in conviction of traffickers in the Asia Pacific, and 27% decline in conviction of traffickers worldwide.
The Philippines has a 21% decrease in conviction from 2019 to 2020. 41% of the victims escaped through self-rescue and initiated contact with authorities. The findings underscore the need to intensify detection mechanisms, ensure traffickers are punished and enhance psycho-social services to the victims.
The competition is open to all independent filmmakers/non-vloggers ages 18 years old and above, and residents of Region XI.
Criteria for judging includes theme, creativity, originality, audience impact, cinematography, video and audio, and editing. Winners will receive the following prizes : First Prize (Php20,000), Second Prize (Php15,000), Third Prize (Php10,000), People’s Choice (Php5,000) and two (2) consolation prizes of Php3,000 each. Deadline of submission per province is on October 31. Winners will be announced on December 12. END
DFA Mindanao Assistant Secretary Renato Pedro O. Villa (front, 5th from left) and other members of IACAT XI during the launching of the Anti-TIP Short Film Competition.