The Local Committees on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) of the provinces and highly urbanized cities in the region recently underwent the comprehensive FY 2025 Onsite Final Assessment, conducted from May 30 to June 11, 2025, by the Regional Inter-Agency Monitoring Team (RIMT). The evaluation aimed to gauge the effectiveness and functionality of the LCAT-VAWC in its critical role of combating human trafficking and addressing violence against women and children within the community.

 The LCAT-VAWC RIMT, a multi-sectoral body dedicated to upholding these protections, is composed of key representatives from various government agencies and non-government organizations. Participating members included representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), alongside representatives from ACTION INC., an organization actively involved in anti-trafficking efforts.

The assessment process involved a thorough onsite review of the LCAT-VAWC's programs, initiatives, and operational procedures. This hands-on evaluation allowed the LCAT-VAWC RIMT to directly observe the committee's efforts in preventing trafficking, protecting victims, and responding to cases of violence against women and children.

An exit conference was held immediately after each onsite evaluation, during which the RIMT presented the final scores and the functionality level achieved by the LCAT-VAWC for the current assessment year. These discussions provided valuable feedback to the local committee, highlighting areas of strength and identifying aspects that may require further enhancement to improve their anti-trafficking and anti-violence efforts.
The findings of this assessment will guide future interventions and resource allocation to strengthen the fight against human trafficking and gender-based violence in the region.