U.S. Embassy Photo Release

July 12, 2007

 

 

U.S. Supports New Halfway House at Manila North Harbor for Victims of Trafficking;

Ambassador Kenney Speaks at the Groundbreaking and Capsule Laying Ceremony

 

 

 

         The U.S. continues its support for the fight against trafficking in persons in the Philippines, at the groundbreaking and capsule laying ceremony for a new halfway house in North Harbor, Manila.  Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney was the keynote speaker at the event, which took place Wednesday, July 11.

 

         The new halfway house, Bahay Silungan sa Daungan, will replace the current facility at North Harbor and provide better services to victims and potential victims of human trafficking.  Members of the Visayan Forum Foundation Inc. (VFFI) will operate and manage the halfway house with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development.  The new house is one of many facilities given by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) located at major Philippine ports, including Batangas, Sorsogon, and Davao.

 

          Pictured above, Ambassador Kenney receives a bouquet of flowers from a former victim of trafficking who was saved thanks to the efforts of the Visayan Forum and the Philippine Ports Authority.

 

         The fight against human trafficking in the Philippines is important to the United States, and the Philippine government and civil society shares in this fight.  Ambassador Kenney lauded government agencies, private organizations, NGOs, media, and volunteers for their enduring dedication to the cause.  In close cooperation with the Philippines, the U.S. will continue its devotion to preventing human trafficking, protecting its victims, and prosecuting those involved with trafficking in persons.

 

 

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