By Ma. Teresa Montemayor | Philippine News Agency
The National Coordinating Center Against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM) has intensified its nationwide awareness and prevention efforts as the Philippines marks Safer Internet Day 2026, emphasizing shared responsibility in keeping children safe.
In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview on Monday, NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM Officer-in-Charge and Executive Director Barbara Mae Flores said the national theme for this year’s observance is “Ako, Ikaw, Tayo Konektado at Protektado Laban sa OSAEC at CSAEM,” which underscores the need for collective action amid digital connectivity.
“So, the internet is here to stay. Hindi na naman natin pwedeng tanggalin iyong internet. So, we are all connected, not just within the Philippines but even from people or society outside the country,” Exec. Dir. Flores said.
Flores said the effectiveness of government campaigns against OSAEC and CSAEM is partly measured through increased reporting, noting that while studies show a high number of victims, official reports remain low.
She expressed hope that public familiarity with the terms OSAEC and CSAEM would eventually mirror the level of awareness achieved for other forms of abuse.
The government rolled out new initiatives to strengthen enforcement and prevention, including the launch in December 2025 of the country’s first Philippine Strategic Action Plan Against OSAEC-CSAEM, which outlines multi-sectoral programs to address online child exploitation.
“Balak din namin to engage more iyong mga learning institutions … para matuto po iyong ating mga guro paano ba ma-identify iyong mga red flags,” she said.
She said parents and caregivers must be trained to become digitally literate and more vigilant, “Ang role talaga ng family and also ng school is bantayan iyong ating mga kabataan.”
Further reforms championing youth welfare online
The agency is also pushing for amendments to Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Act, to impose greater responsibility on technology platforms and the financial sector.
“Magkaroon ng mas [higit na] responsibilidad ang mga technology platforms … para maiwasan iyong paggamit ng platform nila to facilitate OSAEC and CSAEM,” Flores said.
For Safer Internet Day 2026, Flores said the NCC partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) for a nationwide learner-focused campaign on online safety, and with local government units through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Stairway Foundation to train village officials in identifying red flags and raising community awareness.
She added that the agency continues to engage online platforms and internet service providers through regular dialogues with companies such as Meta and Roblox to strengthen child safety protocols.
Flores identified low reporting and stigma as among the biggest challenges in addressing OSAEC and CSAEM cases. Hence, sustained awareness efforts are needed.
“Hindi dapat iyong biktima ang nahihiya kung hindi iyong mga perpetrators,” she said.
She likewise reminded the public to exercise caution online, “Iwasan din natin ilagay online iyong mga personal information natin. Too much information online is also very dangerous. Think before you click.” (PNA)
