PLDT and Smart are calling for urgent, collective action across government, industry, schools, families, and communities to address growing threats to children in the digital world, stressing that no single sector can protect young Filipinos online on its own.

For PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez, the issue has become among the top priorities of the company as the mounting risks confronting children have increasingly extended into both online and offline spaces.

Representatives from government, law enforcement, telco, education, media, and the private sector came together for a forum led by PROTECTA Pilipinas to strengthen efforts to protect children against online violence and exploitation.

As Cagayan de Oro City continues to strengthen initiatives that protect children from online risks, local government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector are working together to help create a safer digital environment for the youth. In support of the campaign against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) donated mobile phones and connectivity devices to Xavier Science Foundation, Inc. (XSF) for the implementation of Project Swipe Safe.