PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), together with Bidlisiw Foundation, Inc. and Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdHN), bolster the child safeguarding initiatives of the City Government of Naga in Cebu province, emphasizing education and awareness in combating online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC).

“Our commitment has always been to provide a safe digital experience for all our customers, especially Filipino children. By collaborating with local government units, we can promote internet safety in more communities and encourage the public to help end OSAEC,” said Marylou B. Gocotano, Stakeholder Management Visayas Relations Head at PLDT and Smart.

Over 80 educators and barangay social workers in Naga City have participated in the training on understanding Republic Act 11930 or the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act, and Republic Act 11862 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

Organized by the Naga City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), this initiative aims to empower the whole community to take part in the fight against OSAEC and human trafficking by providing them with the necessary knowledge to effectively address these forms of criminal activity online.

PLDT and Smart gave a talk on the basics of internet concepts and global internet and usage statistics, as well as helpful tips on cybersecurity, highlighting the group’s efforts on child protection and internet safety.

April Dianne Bacus-Sasan, Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) and Gender and Development (GAD) focal person at Barangay Cabungahan, expressed her gratitude in being part of this initiative. “This training is a great opportunity for us to improve our skills and become more effective in our roles, helping us better serve the women and children in our community,” she said.

“We are grateful for PLDT and Smart’s courage in pushing forward their advocacies to protect children, together with Bidlisiw Foundation and TdHN. May this inspire other private institutions to join us in combating OSAEC and human trafficking through policy strengthening and continuous public education,” said Kathryn April Osorio-Briones, Social Welfare Officer III at Naga CSWDO.

Boosting local government units’ child protection initiatives forms part of PLDT and Smart’s commitment to help the country attain UNSDG 16 which promotes just, peaceful and inclusive societies including the end to abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.