The Covid-19 pandemic is more than a health crisis — it’s a struggle for food, income, and security, especially for socioeconomically vulnerable families.

Through the support of the Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation and Skoll Foundation, VF has provided emergency food packs, hygiene kits, and primers on COVID-19 safety and human trafficking to 4,600 families to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic and natural disaster - Typhoon Vamco.

These efforts ensure that these communities access information and basic needs, alleviating their vulnerability to abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.

Work Skills Connect PH is an online community platform created by Voice of the Free to respond to the massive displacement of local and migrant workers. It aims to connect displaced migrant and local workers to decent work and livelihood opportunities in their area. Job seekers can access helpful information on available government services and decent opportunities to reduce their vulnerability to unsafe migration and human trafficking.

The program was piloted in Negros Occidental, a province in Western Visayas, where it has reached 1,519 job seekers since the WSC's launch in August 2020.

Voice of the Free partnered with government agencies and civil society organizations including Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), PESO Offices, and the Overseas Filipino Worker Federation of Negros Occidental to offer comprehensive assistance to displaced workers.

Voice of the Free amplified its efforts against Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children (OSAEC) by partnering with community pantries and community kitchens in identified OSAEC hotspots within Metro Manila in June 2021.

Give what you can, take what you need.

Community pantries are community-led food banks that operate by the idea ‘Give what you can, take what you need’ where people can donate food supplies to provide to those in need. VF partnered with four volunteer organizations running community pantries to supplement their food supply and distribute informational flyers on human trafficking, OSAEC, and helplines. An estimated 2,200 benefited from the donations coursed through VF.

Daniel* was rescued in October 2021 after a neighbor reported physical abuse perpetrated by the child’s guardian. Daniel was found with bruises on his face, neck, and legs, and cigarette burns on his ears.

According to the initial investigation, the guardian bought the child for 3,000 pesos on Facebook. Voice of the Free is coordinating with authorities for the continuing investigation. Daniel is now staying at the Center of Hope and will be eventually referred for permanence of placement.

*An alias is used to protect the victim's identity.

What began as tennis training is now a full sports program at the Center of Hope including tennis, karate, and volleyball.

Crazy About Sports (CAS) is a group that aims to nurture children's passion for sports. In 2020, the group offered scholarship grants to girls who have shown potential and dedication in sports. Scholarships have so far been given to four survivors. Three scholars are currently in college while one is finishing her studies under the Alternative Learning System education program.

All survivors under Voice of the Free's care are encouraged to join at least one activity to foster their physical strength, social skills, and discipline. Center of Hope also offers other non-CAS strength training and physical fitness activities such as boxing and ballet.

The pandemic has tested our individual and collective resilience. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Voice of the Free has remained committed to protecting and empowering the most vulnerable. We adopted new methods and strategies to provide essential services to our beneficiaries and the people needing our interventions during this trying time.

The impact that we have accomplished is all thanks to our hardworking and dedicated staff. Thank you for your outstanding service and dedication. I would also like to thank our Board of Trustees for their expertise and guidance. On behalf of the Voice of the Free team and survivors, I express our sincerest gratitude to our donors, partners, and volunteers — our allies in the fight against human trafficking — for supporting our programs. Your contributions enabled us to sustain our work, helping us reach more individuals, families, and communities and mitigate their vulnerabilities to all forms of abuse during this crisis.

And finally, to our beneficiaries, the survivors, and communities we work with, thank you for being paragons of change and hope. As we steadily regain our footing as an organization, we aim to help more individuals in the years to come.