HARRY POTTER AUTHOR HELPS VICTIMS IN RP

HARRY POTTER AUTHOR HELPS VICTIMS IN RP
by Alvin E. Lauran on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 4:39pm
HARRY POTTER AUTHOR HELPS VICTIMS IN RP

BY: CYNTHIA D. BALANA
PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
JUNE 15, 2010; PAGE A7

THE CENTER OF HOPE, A SAFEHOUSE for victims and survivors of human trafficking pursuing legal cases against traffickers, was recently inaugurated on a lot purchased in part with the help of a sizeable donation from JK Rowling, author of the famous “Harry Potter” series of books.

The building which has two floors and a basement and sits on a 1,500 square-meter property in Antipolo City, was constructed by the Visayan Forum Foundation Inc. (VFFI) and the Angelo King Foundation.

VFFI, which has ongoing projects funded by the US government, has been working for the welfare and protection of children and women against child labor and human trafficking and has been concerned with the plights of domestic helpers.

The US embassy joined the VFFI, the Angelo King Foundation, Microsoft and Boysen Philippines in launching the Center of Hope on May 28.

The launch was attended by Leslie Bassett, deputy chief of mission of the US Embassy, who was the guest of honor, as well as Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar, civic and philantrophy groups, nongovernment organizations, law enforcement agencies and business groups.

Cecilia Flores-Oenbanda, VFFI president and executive director, said the Center of Hope is the foundation’s response to the lack of facilities to secure and prepare victims for successful prosecution.

According to the United States of America Department of State Trafficking in Persons report, the Philippines is a major source and transit area for trafficking, specially for forced labor and prostitution.