SEVERAL entertainment clubs, night bars, and massage centers in Cagayan de Oro City did not operate for a day in respect for the International Day of No Prostitution, Wednesday, October 5.
Marlene Joy Suazo, volunteer of Tingog sa Kasanag (Tisaka), a partner organization of People Working Against Prostitution (PWAP), said establishments offering entertainment during night time were requested to shut down their operations just for a night.
The mobilization was joined by the City Heath Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, police, village officials, and PWAP partners.
"I-mobilize nato ug suroyon ang mga establishments ug hangyoon nga dili sila mag-open. Although, nagpadala na ta sulat daan sa barangay kay sila na maghatag notice sa mga establishments," Suazo said.
"Apil mga imnanan kay kung naay inom naay mga babaye diha," Suazo added.
Suazo said prostitution in the city is worsening due to poverty and other factors such as incest and past experiences of the prostituted women.
The group is conducting outreach and rescue operations especially to young girls abandoned by parents in the streets.
Nestor Banuag, advocacy coordinator of Social Development Office of Xavier University, urged local legislators and law enforcers to put "teeth" on ordinances related to prostitution.
"Naa naman tay mga ordinances ang kinahanglan lang is butangan gyud og ngipon ang balaod dapat strong enforcement of laws. Like diha sa prostitution diha pud gasugod ang human trafficking," Banuag said.
Fritzie Estoque, chairperson of Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro City Aids Network (Mocan), said concrete livelihood programs somehow abate prostitution.
"Nalipay ta kay ang local government regular nga gahatag og regular services para ma-check sila sa City Health Office but pinaka-importante is concrete livelihood program aron dili na sila mosulod sa 'transactional sex'," Estoque said.
Earlier, PWAP partners, academe, police, government and non-government organizations held a walk for a cause and Zumba presentation at Divisoria, this city with the theme "Hiniusang Pakigbisog Batok sa Prostitution and Human Trafficking."
Prostitution includes, but is not limited to, pornography, phone sex, cybersex, mail-order bride services, sex trafficking, and activities that sell the body and dignity of the prostituted.
r
