CHAPTER II

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table I. Socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents

Age of the Respondents
f % RANK
18-28 years old 95 30.06 2
29-39 years old 104 32.91 1
40-50 years old 60 18.99 3
51 years old and above 54 17.09 4
Not Indicated 3 0.95 5
Total 316 100.00
Civil Status of the Respondents
f % RANK
Single 123 38.92 2
Married 177 56.01 1
Widow/Widower 8 2.53 3
Legally Separated 3 0.95 5
Not Indicated 5 1.58 4
Total 316 100.00
Sex of the Respondents
f % RANK
Male 151 47.78 2
Female 165 52.22 1
Total 316 100.00
Work Institution
f % RANK
PNP 66 20.89 3
LGU 125 39.56 2
Hotel 125 39.56 1
Total 316 100.00
Length of Service
f % RANK
0-9 months 57 18.04 3
1-5 years 152 48.10 1
6-10 years 64 20.25 2
11-15 years 24 7.59 4
16-20 years 9 2.85 5.5
21 years and above 1 0.32 6
Not Indicated 9 2.85 5.5
 Total 316 100.00
Highest Educational Attainment
f % RANK
Elementary Level 6 1.90 7
Elementary Graduate 9 2.85 6
High School Level 15 4.75 4
High School Graduate 32 10.13 3
Vocational/Associate 14 4.43 5
College Level 58 18.35 2
College Graduate 177 56.01 1
Postgraduate 5 1.58 10
Total 316 100.00
Are you a member of an organization?
f % RANK
Yes 100 31.65 2
No 185 58.54 1
Not Indicated 31 9.81 3
Total 316 100.00

Table 1 depicts the socio-demographic characteristics of the stakeholders

involved in the study. Regarding of the age, 104 or 32.91% of them are aged 29-

39 years old, while 95 or 30.06% are aged 18-28 years old, additionally, 54 or 17.09%

are aged 51 years old and above and lastly, 3 of them or 0.95% did not reveal

their age.

Speaking of the civil status of the respondents, more than half or 56.01% are

married, while 38.92% of the stakeholders are single, 2.53% are widowed while

0.95% claimed that they are legally separated from their partners. However, there

are five (5) or 1.58% of them did not disclose their civil status.

With regards to the sex of the stakeholders, a little more than half or 52.22%

of the respondents are male, while the 47.78% are female.

 In terms of the work institution wherein the participants come from, the most

number of participants comes from hotel and resort establishment and local

government unit that specifically involves Department of Social Welfare and

Development, Tourism Office, Barangay Government Unit and Administration

Office with a percentage of 39.56, meanwhile, 20.89% of the participants are from

the Philippine National Police.

The length of service from work were articulated in this study, almost half or

48.10% of the respondents has been working for one year to five years, while

20.25% has been working for six to ten years, 18.04% of the stakeholders has been

working from one to nine months, while the rest of the stakeholders has been

working for eleven to fifteen years, sixteen to twenty years and twenty one years

and above. However, there were nine of them did not divulge the number of

years in service.

The highest educational attainment of the stakeholders were explored in

this study, more than half or 56.01% of the stakeholders were college graduate,

18.35% of them were college level, 10.13% of the stakeholders were high school

graduate, 4.75% of them were high school level, the rest were elementary level,

elementary graduate, vocational, and post graduate.

With regards to organizational affiliation, more than half or 58.54% of the

stakeholders were not a member of any organization, while 31.65% were

members of organization, while 9.81% did not disclose their affiliation to any

association.

Table II. Towns, Barangays and Stakeholders Respondents

FIRST DISTRICT OF BOHOL
Panglao f % f % f %
63 100 Doljo 5 7.94 Philippine National 7 11.11
Police
Tawala 58 92.06 Hotels & 56 88.89
Restaurants
TOTAL 63 100 TOTAL 63 100 TOTAL 63 100
Tagbilara 106 100 Cogon 25 23.58 Philippine National 29 27.36
n City Police
Mansasa 21 19.82 Local Government 22 20.75
Unit
Poblacion I 5 4.72 Hotels & 55 51.87
Restaurants
Poblacion II 50 47.16 TOTAL 106 100
San Isidro 5 4.72
TOTAL 106 100 TOTAL 10 100
6
Tubigon 28 100 Cahayag 4 14.29 Philippine National 9 32.14
Police
Macaas 4 14.29 Local Government 19 67.86
Unit
Poblacion 13 46.42 TOTAL 28 100
Pooc 7 25
Oriental
TOTAL 28 100 TOTAL 28 100
SECOND DISTRICT OF BOHOL
Ubay 44 100 Calangg 9 20.45 Philippine National 12 27.27
aman Police
TOTAL 44 100 Casete 3 6.82 Local Government 32 72.72
Unit
Fatima 5 11.36 TOTAL 44 100
Poblacion 20 45.45
San 4 9.1
Vicente
Tapal 3 6.82
TOTAL 44 100
THIRD DISTRICT OF BOHOL
 Anda 32 100 Poblacion 32 100 Philippine National 4 12.50
Police
Local Government 15 46.88
Unit
Hotels & Restaurants 13 40.63
TOTAL 32 100 TOTAL 32 100 TOTAL 32 100
Jagna 43 100 Canjulao 7 16.28 Philippine National 5 11.63
Police
Canupao 15 34.89 Local Government 37 86.04
Unit
Looc 8 18.6 Hotels & Restaurants 1 2.32
Pagina 6 13.95 TOTAL 43 100
Tejero 7 16.28
TOTAL 43 100 TOTAL 43 100
OVERALL 316 100 OVERALL 316 100 OVERALL TOTAL 31 100
TOTAL TOTAL 6

Every child has the right to live

peacefully away from bad influences.
Every child has the right to be
protected from abuse of adults.

Girls are the only victim of child sex

tourism.
FALSE

Child sex tourism is tourism for the TRUE

purpose of engaging in the prostitution
of children, that is commercially…

Child refers to a person aged below 18

years old.

0 20 40 60 80 100

Figure 1.1 Knowledge on Child Sex Tourism among the Stakeholders

 The figure above portrays the knowledge of the stakeholders on child sex

tourism. The survey explored on what they know about the topic and gave them

true or false as options for answers.

Out of three hundred sixteen (316), two hundred eighty three (283) or 89.6%

agreed on the statement “Child refers to a person aged below 18 years old” while

the rest of them (15.2%) stated false. Meanwhile, majority of them (89.6%)

believed that the statement on “Child sex tourism is tourism for the purpose of

engaging in the prostitution of children that is commercially facilitated child

sexual abuse” is true, although minor number of them (15.2%) agreed that it is

false. However, over a little of three fourth (80.4%) disagreed on the statement

that “Girls are the only victim of child sex tourism” while almost one fourth (19.6%)

stated that it is true. With regards to the statement on “Every child has the right to

live peacefully away from bad influences” almost all (97.2%) of the participants

said it is true and the remaining number (2.8%) stated that it is false. When asked

about the child’s right on “RA 7610 that refers to special protection against child

abuse, exploitation and discrimination” almost all of them affirmed that it is true

and a minor percentage (6.6%) determined that it is false.

 Cyber exposure of children who are
sexual assaulted is one example of
child sex tourism.

RA 10175 refers the cybercrime

prevention of 2012.

RA 9262 refers to defining violence

against women and their children,
providing for protective measures
for victims, prescribing penalties.

RA 7610 refers to special protection

against child abuse, exploitation FALSE
and discrimination.
TRUE

Every child has the right to be

cared whenever their parents are
not available or cannot sustain their
needs.

0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00

Figure 1.2 Knowledge on Child Sex Tourism among the Stakeholders (Continuation)

The figure above is the continuation of the knowledge statements on child

sex tourism among the stakeholders. The graph emphasizes the various rights and

laws pertaining to child and its violations from offenders.

 The statement on “RA 9262 refers to defining violence against women and

their children, providing for protective measures for victims, prescribing penalties”

majority of them or 95.3% claimed that it is true while 4.7% of the stakeholders

answered false. The item on “RA 10175 refers to cybercrime prevention of 2012”,

93.4% answered that it is true while 6.6% responded false. The item on “Cyber

exposure of children who are sexually assaulted is one example of child sex

tourism”, almost all of them (94.6%) responded that it is true while the remaining

respondents (5.4%) confirmed that it is false. Item on “Child abuse refers to the

maltreatment, whether habitual or not, of the child which includes sexual abuse”

95.9% answered that it is true while 4.1% said that it is false. Statement on “Child

prostitution refers to children whether male or female who for money, profit, or

any other consideration or due to coercion or influence of any adult, syndicate

or group, indulge in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct, are deemed to be

children exploited in prostitution and other sexual abuse” 95.9% of them agreed

that it is true while 4.1% of them said that it is false.

 RA 7610 refers to special
protection against child abuse,
exploitation and discrimination.

FALSE
TRUE

Every child has the right to be

cared whenever their parents
are not available or cannot
sustain their needs.
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00

Figure 1.3 Knowledge on Child Sex Tourism among the Stakeholders (Continuation)

Item on “Every child has the right to be cared whenever their parents are

not available or cannot sustain their needs” gained a percentage of 97.2 as true,

while 2.8% said that it is false. Meanwhile, item on “RA 7610 refers to special

protection against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination” 93.4% of them

said it is true while 6.6% mentioned that it is false.

 Any person who shall hire,
employ, use, persuade, induce
or coerce a child a child to
perform in obscene exhibitions
and indecent shows, whether
live or in video, or model in…
Child prostitution refers to
children whether male or
female who for money, profit, or FALSE
any other consideration or due TRUE
to coercion or influence of any
adult, syndicate or group,…

Child abuse refers to the

maltreatment, whether habitual
or not, of the child which
includes sexual abuse.

0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00

Figure 1.4 Knowledge on Child Sex Tourism among the Stakeholders (Continuation)

Statement on “any person who shall hire, employ, use, persuade, induce or

coerce a child a child to perform in obscene exhibitions and indecent shows,

whether live or in video, or model in obscene publications or pornographic

materials or to sell or distribute the said materials shall suffer the penalty of prison

mayor in its medium period” almost all of the stakeholders (93.4%) confirmed that

the item is true while 6.6% of them said it is false. Item on “Child prostitution refers

to children whether male or female who for money, profit, or any other

consideration or due to coercion or influence of any adult, syndicate or group,

indulge in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct, are deemed to be children

exploited in prostitution and other sexual abuse” majority (95.9%) answered that
it is true while the remaining respondents (4.1%) mentioned that it false. Lastly, the

statement on “Child abuse refers to the maltreatment, whether habitual or not,

of the child which includes sexual abuse”, majority (95.9%) of the respondents said

it is true while 4.1% of them claimed that it is false.

Any person who shall hire, employ,

use, persuade, induce or coerce a
child to perform in obscene
exhibitions and indecent shows,…

Any person who shall keep or have

in his company a minor, twelve
(12) years or under who in ten (10)
years or more his junior in any… FALSE

Any person, owner, manager or TRUE

one entrusted with the operation
of any public or private place of
accommodation, whether for…

Any person who shall engage in

trading and dealing with children
including, but not limited to, the
act of buying and selling of a…

0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00

Figure 1.5 Knowledge on Child Sex Tourism among the Stakeholders (Continuation)

When asked about the item on “Any person who shall hire, employ, use,

persuade, induce or coerce a child a child to perform in obscene exhibitions and

indecent shows, whether live or in video, or model in obscene publications or

pornographic materials or to sell or distribute the said materials shall suffer the

penalty of prison mayor in its medium period” almost all of them (93.4%) believed

that the statement is correct while a portion of them (6.6%) refers to item as false.
On the other hand, item on “Any person who shall keep or have in his company

a minor, twelve (12) years or under who in ten (10) years or more his junior in any

public or private place, hotel, motel, beer joint, discotheque, cabaret, pension

house, sauna or massage parlor, beach and/or other tourist resort or similar places

shall suffer the penalty of prison mayor in its maximum period and a fine of not less

than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00): Provided, That this provision shall not apply

to any person who is related within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity

or any bond recognized by law, local custom and tradition or acts in the

performance of a social, moral or legal duty” is believed to be true among 91.1%

of the respondents while 8.9% of them said it is false. On the item “Any person,

owner, manager or one entrusted with the operation of any public or private

place of accommodation, whether for occupancy, food, drink or otherwise,

including residential places, who allows any person to take along with him to such

place or places any minor herein described shall be imposed a penalty of prison

mayor in its medium period and a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,

000.00), and the loss of the license to operate such a place or establishment”,

almost all of the stakeholders (91.5%) answered true while the rest (8.5%)

answered false. Finally, the last item that tackles on “Any person who shall engage

in trading and dealing with children including, but not limited to, the act of buying

and selling of a child for money, or for any other consideration, or barter, shall

suffer the penalty of reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua. The penalty shall

be imposed in its maximum period when the victim is under twelve (12) years of
age” was claimed to be true among 92.4% of the respondents while remaining

7.6% uttered that it is false.

Legend:

Score Category Level of Knowledge

100 – 75 Extreme
74 – 50 Moderate
49 – 25 Slight
24 – 0 Low

Table III. Level of Knowledge among the stakeholders on child sex tourism
Level of Knowledge f %
Extreme 294 93.03
Moderate 17 5.38
Slight 4 1.27
Low 1 0.32

In this table, the level of knowledge among the stakeholders on child sex tourism

has been grouped based on grade point by calculating the total score out of the

seventeen items on knowledge questions. Level of knowledge was categorized based

on scaling and rated as extreme, moderate, slight and low. Questions tackled on child

sex tourism, laws against any forms of child abuse and child’s rights.

Majority of the respondents (93.03%) are knowledgeable on the context of child

sex tourism. Minimal number (5.38%) of the respondents showed moderate knowledge

towards the topic, while the rest of the counts showed that some of the respondents are

slightly and less knowledge at all.

Table IV. Level of Awareness on among the Stakeholders on Child Sex Tourism
ITEMS N Mean Std. Deviation Derived Value Rank
 Aware of what is 316 3.35 0.84 Fully Aware 1
child sex tourism.
Aware that I am 316 3.25 0.86 Fully Aware 2
liable and
responsible with my
actions towards child
sex tourism.
Aware that there are 316 3.24 0.84 Moderately Aware 3
certain authorities
whom I can report on
child sex tourism
cases.
Aware that my 316 3.09 0.92 Moderately Aware 4
community has
implementing policy
on child protection to
address child sex
tourism.
Aware that child sex 316 2.8 1.06 Moderately Aware 5
tourism is happening
in my community.
Aware of who are 316 2.53 1.11 Moderately Aware 6
the victims of child
sex tourism in my
community.
Aware and can 316 2.32 1.04 Slightly Aware 7
identify offenders of
child sex tourism in
my community.
Composite Mean 2.94 Moderately Aware

This table illustrates the level of awareness among the stakeholders involved

in this study on child sex tourism in their respective communities and the province

scope itself. It came out that the stakeholders are fully aware of what are child

sex tourism and its context, with a mean of 3.35. Next in rank is the item on “Aware

that I am liable and responsible with my actions towards child sex tourism” with a mean

rate of 3.25 derived as fully aware. Third in order is the item on “Aware that there are

certain authorities whom I can report on child sex tourism cases” with a mean rate of 3.24
which is interpreted as moderately aware. Fourth in order is the item on “Aware that my

community has implementing policy on child protection to address child sex tourism” with

a rate of 3.09.

With items ranked in the bottom, the stakeholders claimed that they are slightly

aware on the item “Aware and can identify offenders of child sex tourism in my

community” with a rating of 2.32. On the other hand, item on “Aware of who are the

victims of child sex tourism in my community” ranked as the second from the bottom

gained a rate of 2.53. Lastly, item on “Aware that child sex tourism is happening in my

community” ranked third from the bottom with a rate of 2.8 also derived as moderately

aware.

Table V. Level of Perception on Child Sex Tourism among the Stakeholders

ITEMS N Mean Std. Deviation Derived Value Rank
Sexually assaulted youth 316 3.35 0.81 Moderately Agree 1
and children often self-
disclose exploitation to
social workers or human
health professionals.
Children who are sexually 316 3.29 1.02 Moderately Agree 2
assaulted may still be
under the control of a
pimp/trafficker, even after
they are returned to foster
care, family home, or are
rescued.
Outward symptoms of 316 3.09 0.81 Moderately Agree 3.5
depression or hostility may
present as difficult
behaviour to assistance
when working with a
possible victim.
Sexually exploited children 316 3.09 0.78 Extremely Agree 3.5
and youth often identify as
victims.
 Prior sexual abuse is 316 3.05 0.80 Moderately Agree 5
commonly experienced
among commercially
sexually exploited children.
Exploited children typically 316 2.84 0.92 Moderately Agree 6
report their
traffickers/pimps.

Chronic runaway and 316 2.72 0.84 Extremely Agree 7

homeless youth are at
highest risk for exploitation.
Composite Mean 3.06 Moderately Agree

In this portion, the level of perception on random child sex tourism related

statements are being scaled from the stakeholders depending on how they perceive on

the given statements. With the rate of 3.31, item on “Sexually assaulted youth and

children often self-disclose exploitation to social workers or human health professionals”

ranked as the highest among all of the statements. This is closely followed by the item on

“Children who are sexually assaulted may still be under the control of a pimp/trafficker,

even after they are returned to foster care, family home, or are rescued” with a rate of

with a rate of 3.29. Third in rank is a tie between two items on “Outward symptoms of

depression or hostility may present as difficult behaviour to assistance when working with

a possible victim” and “Sexually exploited children and youth often identify as victims”

with a mean rate of 3.09.

With regards to items ranked as the bottom three, Item on “Chronic runaway and

homeless youth are at highest risk for exploitation” ranked as the lowest among the

statements with a rating of 2.72. While this is followed by the item on “Exploited children

typically report their traffickers/pimps” with a rating of 2.84, and lastly, item on “Prior
sexual abuse is commonly experienced among commercially sexually exploited

children” gained a rating of 3.05.

Table VI. Relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics and level of

awareness

Variable df p Computed Critical Remarks

value value
Age and Level 9 0.05 0.84 16.91 Insignificant
of Awareness
Civil Status 3 0.05 0.99 7.81 Insignificant
and Level of
Awareness
Sex and Level 3 0.05 0.98 7.81 Insignificant
of Awareness
Length of 15 0.05 0.99 24.99 Insignificant
Work Service
and Level of
Awareness

Organizational 3 0.05 0.99 7.81 Insignificant

Affiliation and
Level of
Awareness

In this portion, the relationship between the selected socio-demographic

profile and the level of awareness was subjected to a chi square test that

determines the significant relationship among the two variables. The mean value

among each of the variables was used to calculate the computed value. The

degree of freedom and the p were the bases for the critical value to be

compared to the computed value.

Results showed that there is no significant relationship between the

selected socio-demographic profile and the level of awareness among the

stakeholders. This remark defines the notion that regardless of the profile it has

nothing to do with the level of awareness on child sex tourism.

Table VII. Relationship between the Socio-demographic characteristics and

level of perception

Variable df p Computed Critical Remarks

value value
Age and Level 9 0.05 0.99 16.91 Insignificant
of Perception
Civil Status 3 0.05 0.98 7.81 Insignificant
and Level of
Perception
Sex and Level 3 0.05 0.91 7.81 Insignificant
of Perception
Length of 15 0.05 0.99 24.99 Insignificant
Work Service
and Level of
Perception
Organizational 3 0.05 0.99 7.81 Insignificant
Affiliation and
Level of
Perception

In this portion, the relationship between the selected socio-demographic

profile and the level of perception was subjected to a chi square test that

determines the significant relationship among the two variables. The mean value

among each of the variables was used to calculate the computed value. The

degree of freedom and the p were the bases for the critical value to be

compared to the computed value.

 The findings attributed that there is no significant relationship between the

variables, this means that the profile of the stakeholders doesn’t define the level

of perception they possess with regards to child sex tourism.

Paired Samples Correlations

VARIABLES N Correlation Sig. REMARKS
Knowledge & Insignificant
Awareness 316 0.05 0.32
Knowledge & Insignificant
Perception 316 0.06 0.27
Awareness & Significant
Perception 316 0.44 0.00

Paired Samples Test

Paired Differences
95% Confidence Sig.
Std. Std. Interval of the (2- REMARKS
Mean Devi Error Difference tailed
ation Mean t df )
VARIABLE Lower Upper

Knowledge 0.77 0.80 0.04 0.68 0.86 17.05 315 0.000 Significant
&
Awareness
Knowledge
& 0.65 0.74 0.041 0.57 0.73 15.62 315 0.000 Significant
Perception
Awareness
& -0.11 0.67 0.03 -0.19 -0.04 -3.13 315 0.002 Significant
Perception

This table depicts the significant difference between the variables on knowledge,

awareness, and perception. Between knowledge and awareness, the computed t value

is 17.05 with a degree of freedom of 315 at the level of .005, proved that there is a

significant difference between the two variables. Meaning, the level of knowledge differs
with the level of awareness on child sex tourism among the stakeholders in the province

of Bohol.

With regards to the level of knowledge and perception, with a computed value

of 15.62 and with the degree of freedom of 315 at the level of .005, the result came out

with a notion that there is a significant difference between the two variables. This brings

an implication that regardless of the level of knowledge and perception, it has nothing

to with each of the variable.

Lastly, the level of awareness and perception were also measured to determine if

there is a significant degree of difference between the two variables. With a computed

t value of -3.133 with a degree of freedom of 315 at the level of .005, it resulted to a

significant degree of difference between the two variables. The same notion with the

other variables, the level of awareness has nothing to do with the level of perception

towards child sex tourism.

Focus Group Discussion

The focus group discussion aimed to capture the depth of information to further

understand the dynamics of child sex tourism in the municipality of Panglao as well as in

the province. To assert the objectives of the study, focus group discussion guide was

prepared to establish comprehensively the stakeholders’ knowledge, awareness and

perception on child sex tourism.

The researcher introduced herself prior to the discussion. The outline and

guidelines were discussed and the researcher made it clear to the participants
that they were free to raise their opinions because there were no wrong and right

answers. The researcher also stressed that the opinions of the participants will be

recorded.

Socio-demographic profile of the participants.

Theme 1: Knowledge on Child Sex Tourism

The Focus Group Discussion started with the knowledge questions. First

question made emphasis on the symbolic description of a child. Three

participants referred child as seventeen years old and below, however, one

participant stressed out that a child also refers to a person who has a disability,

meaning, a physical or mental disorder that limits a person from normal

movement. One participant mentioned about the needs of a child that it is to be

well taken care of by the parents, should be sent to school, and should be given

a bright future. Also, one participant best described that a child is innocent in all

aspect.

“A child is vulnerable. Technically, 17 years old and below, but according

to the Philippine Law, any person who have disability in any forms is considered
as child.”

Bea, Female, 36 – ECPAT, Philippines

“Child needs to be loved to be cared, and to be sent to school for the future, the
parents should be responsible to take care of them.”

Grace, Female, 57 – DSWD, Panglao

“A child is innocent.”

John, Male, 28 – Tourism Office, LGU-Panglao

The participants made various responses when asked about what is child

sex tourism. They expressed that it is about sexual exploitation, pleasure and

sexual gratification. One of the participants pointed out that it is indeed

happening in their community, in fact, there were three to four instances wherein

child sexual exploitation happened, however, acting upon on it never occurred

since the family received payments from the perpetrators. They agreed that the

lack of vigorous monitoring from the authority hinders the success from

eradicating child sex tourism in the area.

“In our barangay, it is happening, there are three or two instances that cst
happened. Below 16 years old were involved in the case. What happened was
the filing of the case didn’t push through because the parents received an
amount from the foreigner.”

Jenny, Female, 37 – Barangay Official

“Sexual exploitation, pleasure, sexual gratification”

Bea, Female, 36 – ECPAT, Philippines

 The stakeholders’ participants declared that they can picture out and

categorize the picture of child sex tourism. They know very well when it happens.

A resort staff pointed out that whenever she sees a foreigner checking inn to the

resort along with a very young Filipino, she would automatically suspect that it is

something illegal. The participants also pictured that a child is asked to be naked

and dance on top of the floor. Several respondents affirmed that a foreigner

holding the sensitive parts of the child is a form of child sexual abuse. And lastly,

one participant portrayed that child sex tourism is like a trading of flesh in

exchange of money.

“In our community, the child is asked to dance naked, it usually happens in
the beach area. And it seems that the mother is paid for the child’s sexual services
rendered to the foreign tourist”

- John, Male, 28 – Resort Owner

“Based on my experience as a resort staff, a foreigner checked in to the

resort with a very young lady, maybe around 15 or 16 years old.”

- Nelly, Female, 32 – Resort Staff

“The guy is foreigner, the child is a Filipina. The child is molested by holding
the sensitive parts. The picture is very obvious that the foreigner is paedophile.”

-Louise, Female, 36 – Barangay Official

“If I am going to paint a picture, it is a child a camera and a dollar sign.”

-Ricky, Male, 40 – Tourism Office, LGU

 Participants had a clear view of why both local and foreign tourist would

opt for child for sexual exploitation plainly because they’re fresh and virgin. One

participant made an emphasis that psychologically a child is easily tempted with

money, gadgets and other forms of gifts. They also pointed out that a child

doesn’t know about the law, and the fee is minimal compared to the old ones.

“A child is fresh and virgin.”

- Grace, Female, 57 – DSWD, Panglao

“The child is innocent on what the law is all about.”

- Ricky, Male, 40 – Tourism Office, LGU

Not all of the participants can articulate the national and international

laws. One participant responded that there is an existing international law for

child protection mandated by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Other participants mentioned that there is a law pertaining to special protection

against child abuse, while one speaks about Republic Act 8353 on rape law. It

was also discussed that Violence against women and children also known as

VAWC is a law currently implemented in the country.

The stakeholders’ participants demonstrated knowledge of who are the

perpetrators in the community but despite the idea, they revealed that it is hard

for them to report them because they know that the parents among these abuse

children are the ones who tolerate the suspects. Resorts and hotel owners cannot
fully identify the perpetrators because bookings and reservations are made

online, moreover, they identified potential pimps among the abused children and

one of them is tricycle or habal-habal drivers. The local authority (PNP) has been

very active in the reinforcement by posting photos of identified suspects in the

community for people’s awareness.

“We cannot run after the perpetrators, there is secrecy among the guest
and the business owners. One time, there is a prominent person from Manila who
bought children (2 girls and 1 boy) for check in, but the security guard did not
disclose the information. Sometimes, it is the security guard, tricycle drivers and
not only the parents.”

Jose, Male, 28 – Barangay Official

Theme 2: Awareness on Child Sex Tourism

Majority of the participants knows very well the dynamics of child sex

tourism in their community and in the province. When asked about the severity of

the cases in the community, some admitted that the impending problem is very

rampant, others responded that if they’re going to scale it from one as lowest and

ten as highest, it is measured as seven. One of the respondents claimed that it is

not that rampant compared to the nearby barangay.

 “If I am going to scale it from one as lowest and ten as highest, the case on
child sex tourism in our community is on the level seven. Because we can really
observe that it is happening in our place. It is obvious that the parents itself does
the transaction with the foreign tourist.”

-Louise, Female, 36 – Barangay Official

“Child sex tourism is very rampant in our community. As resort owner, I have
plenty of observations when it comes to foreigner and local girl relationship. It is
not usual for a middle aged foreigner to hold hands with a young girl and hold
their sensitive parts, and I think it is something alarmed about.”

-John, Male, 28 – Resort Owner

Theme 3: Perception on Child Sex Tourism

In addressing the dilemma, the participants were asked on how they

perceived the local government action. Participants from the tourism office

claimed that the municipal mayor has identified child sex tourism as an existing

problem in the town. In fact, some barangays are now under surveillance from

the local administration for the reason that it is known to be rampant in the area.

On the other hand, the local government is conducting seminars in every village

on parents’ effectiveness to provide information dissemination on overcoming

parenthood.

When asked about why up until now policies on protecting children from

various abuses are not properly implemented, the stakeholders’ participants

pointed out that it can generally decrease the generating income of the tourist
establishments. They added that the lack of political will and there is no priority

when it comes to child protection in the province. They also pointed out that the

problem becomes very hopeless since it involves parents who motivates and

encourages the child for socio-economic purposes.

“It is scary to know that the number pimp identified are the parents itself.
They do the negotiations and they are the ones receiving payments from the
tourists. They plainly don’t know the consequences of the child who are sexually
abused.”

Gab, Male, 29 – Tourism Office, LGU

“I just hope that while we get rich with our on-going businesses, we also
become rich in the idea on embracing the implementation on policies that
addresses child sex tourism in our province.”

Bea, Female, 36 – ECPAT, Philippines

While it is being identified by the participants that the parents are number

one pimps in the community, we looked into their perspective on how they deal

with the situation. For the participants, the ultimate reason for indulging into these

kinds of activities is due to poverty. Even though the area imposes numerous

opportunities for the local residences since it is a top tourist destination, the

participants claimed that most of the household in the community would opt for

easy money. It is reported that most of the family in the area are member of The

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program also known as 4P’s, a human development

measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the
poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of

children aged 0-18.

Lastly, the participants were asked on how committed they are in

embracing the challenges in the battle of child sex tourism, they answered that

they are one hundred percent committed to completely eliminate the