'Bahay Silungan sa Daungan' inaugurated
The country's eight "Bahay Silungan sa Daungan" (BSD) was inaugurated in this city last May 8.
The newly constructed halfway house is intended for trafficked women and children in Iloilo City. It is operated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in partnership with Visayan Forum, a non government organization tasked to be the caretaker. The project is also supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Francisco Salem, OIC of the PPA Port Management Office – Iloilo said the construction of the facility started in November 24, 2007 and was completed March this year costing P2,450,001.38.
Located at the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex, the BSD covers a floor space of 80 square meters and boasts of facilities that include two air conditioned accommodation rooms with receiving area and dining kitchen that are fully furnished with furniture, appliances and kitchen accessories. There are also cable and telephone line connections.
The BSD is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Aside from being an emergency temporary shelter, it also provide the following: information assistance about travel; employment and possible support service networks; quick referral of cases including legal remediation; telephone hotline counseling; regular outreach programs for stranded passengers; training and advocacy to port community members; and research and volunteer immersion.
Salem said the establishment of the halfway house is not only part of the PPA's social responsibility but a frontline project with the enactment into law of Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 or Republic Act 9208 four years ago.
"The facility is a first step for the prevention of possible exploitation or trafficking of vulnerable groups such as women and minors who are stranded in the port," said Salem.
Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 or Republic Act 9208 is an act to institute policies to eliminate trafficking in persons, especially women and children, establishing the necessary institutional mechanisms for the protection and support of trafficked persons, providing penalties for its violations and for other purposes.
Other BSDs in the country have been established in North Harbor, South Harbor, Batangas, Matnog in Sorsogon, Davao, Zamboanga, and Lipata in Surigao. (PIA)