Mandate

Republic Act No. 9208 declares that the State shall give highest priority to the enactment of measures and development of programs that will promote human dignity, protect the people from violence and exploitation, eliminate trafficking in persons, and mitigate pressures for involuntary migration and servitude of persons to ensure their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Republic Act No. 9262 underscores the commitment of the State on safeguarding the dignity of women and children while guaranteeing full respect of their human rights and to protect them from violence and threats to their personal safety and security.

Both laws likewise provide stronger mandates and direction to relevant government agencies and stakeholders to immediately address human trafficking and VAWC by organizing Inter-Agency Councils (IACs) for trafficking and VAWC; cognizant of the important roles and responsibilities of the field offices of national government agencies and local government units in the effective implementation of the two laws, and in the prevention and monitoring of trafficking and VAWC cases at the local level, an enabling mechanism that would facilitate the full implementation of RAs 9262 and 9208 needs to be created.

Members 

The Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) shall be composed of the Mayor as Chairman, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer, the Municipal Administrator, SB Committee on Social Services, ABC President, Sk Federation President, DepEd District Supervisor, MGLOO, MHO, MPDC, MBO, PESO Officer, Municipal Treasurer, MNAO, Municipal Agriculturist, MPS-PNP Chief, Women and Children’s Protection Desk Officer, Children’s, Solo Parent and OFW Sector and Non-Governmental Organizations/Civil Society Organizations, as members.

Functions 

The functions of the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and VAWC are the following:

1. 1. Institute policies and programs to protect women and children who are victims of trafficking and violence (formulate local ordinances and resolutions);
   2. Create and establish system on surveillance, investigation, and rescue to ensure effective and efficient coordination;
   3. Undertake information, education, and advocacy campaign against trafficking in persons and VAWC;
   4. Monitor and oversee the strict implementation of R.A. 9262, R.A. 9208 and of the IACAT and IACVAWC national plans of action.

Meetings and Quorum

The Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) shall conduct a quarterly meeting and special meetings as needed. 

Secretariat

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer and/or LCAT-VAWC Focal Person is hereby designate as the Secretariat, which shall provide administrative and technical support services to the Municipal Committee on Anti-Trafficking and VAWC as well as responsible for the documentation of proceedings of meetings and preparation of reports and other necessary documents as needed by the council.