Officials, residents want new image for Cordova town

CEBU, Philippines – After issues of cyber pornography  have reportedly affected the image of Cordova town, municipal officials, church leaders, education officials, civic groups, private organizations and barangay officials agreed to help each other address the problem and repackage the town.

Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy admitted that until now the issues of cyber pornography badly affected the image of the town especially every time when arrest was made against residents who are involved in online prostitution.

"Basta duna na gani madakpan nga nalambigit sa online prostitution sa Cordova ma focus gyud dayon ang mga tawo," Sitoy said.

A couple, Wilfredo and Eillen Ontong, residents of Barangay Ibabao, Cordova, were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation after they allegedly used their minor daughter in online pornography.

Both are now detained at the Cebu Provincial Jail facing charges of human trafficking.

Sitoy told The Freeman that it is a problem that needs support and cooperation from everyone in the town, especially the private sectors.

The mayor said he called a meeting with the different sectors in Cordova and they agreed to help each other in addressing the problem.

"Dili ko mutuo nga ang kalisud ug walay trabaho sa atong mga kaigsoonan sa lungsod sa Cordova maoy hinungdan nga sila misulod sa online prostitution, kon dili gusto lang gyud ang uban nga diha diha maka kwarta bisan kon kini makadaut sa ilang moralidad," said Sitoy said.

According to Sitoy, most of those engaged in online prostitution engaged in vices like gambling while some of them are users of illegal drugs.

The said information based on the arrest of those involved in online prostitution in the town.

Sitoy admitted that on-going information and education dissemination are underway to different barangays, with the active participation of the private sectors.

Last week, a two-day seminar was conducted by the Children's Legal Bureau. Six out of 13 barangays in Cordova participated in the seminar.

Sitoy said the same seminar will be held next year with the participation of all barangays.

Ibabao Barangay Captain Chito Bitanzal told The Freeman that his barangay initiated a massive training for unemployed women residents.

The barangay also established linkages with the different industrial companies inside Mactan Export Zone who accommodate their graduates especially in sewing, a skill that is in demand of companies inside MEZ. – JRS