AMBASSADOR AND MTV LAUNCH ANTI-TRAFFICKING AWARENESS

UNCLAS MANILA 003320 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR G/TIP AND EAP/MTS PASS TO USAID FOR ANE E.O. 12958: N.A. TAGS: PHUM KPAO KWMN KCRM RP SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND MTV LAUNCH ANTI-TRAFFICKING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ¶1. Summary: On September 25, Ambassador Kenney, a local pop star, USAID Director, and executives from MTV launched the Philippine portion of "EXIT"(End Exploitation and Trafficking),an MTV-produced campaign against trafficking in persons (TIP) in Asia. EXIT's first release was a 30-minute anti-trafficking documentary, featuring stories of victims from Asia. The event was widely covered by local print and broadcast media. The awareness campaign is part of an Asia-wide MTV/USAID partnership, made possible through a Global Development Alliance between the USAID Regional Development Mission Asia (RDM/A),MTV Europe Foundation and MTV channels in participating countries. In the Philippines, our Mission and MTV will partner to pursue follow-on activities for the EXIT campaign including a website, public service announcements, and outreach with local NGOs. End Summary. Launch of MTV Trafficking in Persons Documentary -------------- -------------- ¶2. On September 25 at Manila's Hard Rock Cafe, the Ambassador and local pop star, Christian Bautista, were the featured guests at the launching of "Traffic," a 30-minute anti-trafficking documentary produced by MTV. Emboffs, representatives from local anti-TIP NGOs and the media were among the approximately 120 guests present at the event. The event included remarks by the Ambassador, representatives from MTV, and a U.S.-supported NGO engaged in anti-TIP activities. During her remarks, the Ambassador pledged continued US assistance to Philippine authorities, local NGOs and MTV Philippines to help end trafficking in persons, a form of modern-day slavery. The Ambassador urged all in attendance to do everything possible "to protect their families and friends from unscrupulous recruiters offering false promises of jobs and economic security." Local pop star Christian Bautista lent his considerable fame to the EXIT campaign by urging the media to carry the day's important message to as wide an audience as possible. ¶3. A local band performed a song against trafficking that had been commissioned by MTV Philippines for the event. Guests and media then viewed the 30-minute documentary, "Traffic." The documentary targets young viewers and introduces them to trafficking in persons through the stories of real people involved -- victims, police, NGOs, and even the traffickers themselves. The documentary provides information on avoiding recruiters, protecting their friends and family members and cooperating with anti-TIP NGOs. EXIT Campaign -------------- ¶4. USAID RDM/A contributed approximately $4 million to MTV's $14 million EXIT campaign. Wide distribution of Traffic DVDs, especially since MTV has declared the documentary "rights free," and multiple broadcasts on MTV Philippines during October and November will provide an excellent opportunity to raise awareness among potential trafficking victims and mobilize communities to prevent trafficking. Embassy Manila will continue to work with MTV Philippines, local NGOs and Philippine Government authorities to maximize the benefits of the EXIT campaign through a follow-on outreach campaign, including a website and public service announcements. Media Coverage -------------- ¶5. The presence of Filipino pop-star Christian Bautista ensured significant media coverage of the event, the documentary, and also U.S.-supported anti-TIP efforts in the Philippines. The Ambassador and Christian Bautista were interviewed together by a local television news networks and the major print media following the event. The Ambassador's comments on USG efforts against trafficking were widely reported, drawing attention both to the seriousness of the issue and the significant levels of U.S. assistance. KENNEY