VZCZCXRO7365
OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM
DE RUEHML #3320 2780420
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 050420Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8492
INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS IMMEDIATE
RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI
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