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, officer-in-charge of the PPA Port Management Office in Iloilo said the construction of the facility started in November 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 fully furnished dining and kitchen areas.

There are also cable and telephone line connections.

The BSD is open 24 hours a day, seven 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 it is also 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 a law 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)