About Us
Our mission is to innovate lasting solutions to end exploitation and modern slavery.
By working with as many partners possible,
we envision a society where people are free, protected, and empowered
to explore opportunities without the risk of exploitation and slavery.
Read on to know more about who we are, what we do, where we work and whom we work with.
If you are inspired to work with us, or you want to be a volunteer, click Act Now.
To know more about our transparency and integrity measures, check out the Disclosures section.
Who We Are
Established in 1991, the Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc. (VF) is a non-profit, non-stock and tax-exempt non-government organization in the Philippines known for innovations in addressing modern-day slavery, especially human trafficking and the exploitation of domestic workers.
VF is licensed and accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide residential care and community-based programs and services for women and children in especially difficult circumstances.
We currently serve as the representative of the Women’s Sector to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, a high-level government council tasked to develop and implement programs and policies to combat trafficking in persons, after having been duly appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines.
To know more about us, cllick here: Who We Are
What We Do
The Visayan Forum Institutional Strategy Map is designed to elevate the organization’s interventions to end modern slavery
We protect. We prevent. We influence. We build social movements.
Our work is to inspire leaders to innovate solutions to end modern slavery. By demonstrating impact and learning, we serve as a beacon for leaders who invigorate partners to mainstream such innovations in their own programs and strategies.
We pursue a momentum of success gained from years of struggle and hard work. We advocate for policy reforms and effective implementation towards lasting and durable solutions.
We build strong social movements that share resources and expertise for protection, prevention and prosecution. Through partnerships, we mainstream solutions that address the root causes to be able to break the vicious cycle of exploitation and vulnerabilities. We continue to strengthen our governance and systems in pursuit of differentiation, operational excellence, accountability and transparency.
To know more about our strategies, click here: What We Do
Where We Are
Visayan Forum continuously studies the business model and operational intricacies of human trafficking. The modus and routes of traffickers are constantly evolving.
In the Philippines, traffickers operate in identified source, transit, and destination areas. As such, VF has strategically located its shelters and project areas along the known trafficking routes by partnering with private sector and transport authorities to guard ports and airports.
While VF aims to disrupt the viability of the business through effective interception as it happens, it also aims to work with strategic partners in source communities to empower families and young people to guard themselves against new methods of recruitment.
By partnering with institutions that address root causes of poverty and the erosion of family values, the long-term causes of trafficking can be addressed.
To know where our project areas are, click here: Where We Are
Who We Work With
Walk for Freedom Campaign, 2012
Cecilia Oebanda with Nick Grono of Walk Free, Philippine Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima, and Secretary of Social Welfare and Development Dinky Soliman
Visayan Forum believes that the fight to end human trafficking and modern slavery can be won with the strength of many harnessed into one.
As traffickers and slave traders work through networks, so are the fighters required to join hands and collaborate.
Over the years, VF’s interventions have been sustainable because of shared responsibility through a multi-stakeholder approach.
VF continues to partner with over 200 local and international socio-civic groups, NGOs, government agencies, and private institutions to combat human trafficking and modern slavery.
To know who they are, click here: Who We Work With
Work With Us
Are you bold, brave, and compassionate? Can you make change happen? Do you have what it takes to end human trafficking and modern slavery?
Join our team!
At Visayan Forum, we live up to the highest level of professionalism and service. We value transparency and accountability. We anchor ourselves on a spirit of volunteerism. We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on innovation and initiative. Most of all, we espouse joy at work.
At Visayan Forum, whatever your role is, you are helping build a society where people are free, protected and empowered to explore opportunities without the risk of exploitation and slavery — you are saving and transforming lives.
At Visayan Forum, you are not just working, you are on a mission to serve those who need you most.
With us, you are serving, leading, loving, and fighting for a better world. Join Now
Disclosures
We value transparency and accountability by disclosing key information related to our work. You can download our annual reports, financial position and external project evaluations in this section.
If you want to know how we spent your donations and what we have learned in the process of through implementing key programs, you can proceed to the Disclosures Section by clicking on the link below.