IOM Philippines recently participated in the MTV EXIT Live in
Manila event, which sought to raise awareness on human trafficking
among Filipino youth. The event, which was coordinated by MTV EXIT
(End Exploitation and Trafficking), AusAID and USAID was held on 29
October 2011 at the SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds and drew about
25,000 people.

IOM's information booth showcased various advocacy materials,
handouts, posters, stickers, banners, and capacity building
materials which highlighted its work in the field of
counter-trafficking.

IOM staff also provided free face and body painting of
anti-trafficking slogans, head bands/ribbons with the message "Stop
Human Trafficking", stickers, T-shirts from MTV Exit and some
candies.

Concert-goers, youth summit delegates, as well as
representatives of internationally and locally based NGOs
approached IOM staff to inquire about the organization's anti-human
trafficking initiatives and how they can foster partnership to
fight human trafficking.

A number of anti-trafficking advocates also graced the concert
to show their commitment in the fight against human trafficking
including Philippine Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Visayan Forum
President Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, MTV Exit Campaign Director Matt
Love, MTV Exit Celebrity Ambassador Dingdong Dantes, US Ambassador
to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas, Australian Ambassador to the
Philippines Rod Smith, and Chair of the Inter-agency Committee on
Anti-Trafficking (IACAT) Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

Earlier, IOM Philippines sponsored the participation of six
youth delegates from Masbate, Antique, Maguindanao and Agusan del
Sur to the joint Visayan Forum and MTV EXIT National Youth Summit
of the Movement of Anti-Trafficking Advocates (MATA) held on 24
October 2011 at the Ateneo de Manila University.

The MATA is an anti-human trafficking advocacy network aimed at
motivating and engaging the youth to become the voices for the
voiceless victims of human trafficking in the Philippines. MATA
("eye" in Filipino) serves as the "watchful eye"—vigilant
youth committed to providing appropriate mechanisms that address
human trafficking in the country.

The MTV EXIT Campaign aims to increase awareness and prevention
of human trafficking through television programs, online content,
live events, and partnerships with anti-trafficking organizations,
and featured local and foreign artists/bands including VJ Holly,
Evaline, Ebe Dansel, Itchyworms, Pupil, Parokya ni Edgar, Jason
Mraz, and Jay Park.

The MTV EXIT Live in Manila concert special will be aired on GMA
NEWS TV Channel 11 on November 20 at 9:55 PM. Meanwhile, "Enslaved:
An MTV EXIT Special" will premiere GMA NEWS TV Channel 11 on
November 27 at 9:55 PM.

For more information, please contact :

Ma. Teresa T. Cruz

IOM Philippines

Tel: +632 230 1753

E-mail: "mailto:mcruz@iom.int">mcruz@iom.int