L-R: Department of Information and Communications Technology Information Technology Officer I Engr. Royden Rusiana, Philippine National Police-Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 7 Chief Police Col. Lemuel B. Gonda, and Department of Social Welfare and Development 7 Social Welfare Officer IV and Children Sector Focal Ligaya G. Dael during the Kapihan sa PIA on Feb. 13, 2025. (PIA7)
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) – Be vigilant against all forms of violence and abuse.
This was the call of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking 7 – Violence Against Women and Their Children (IACAT- VAWC) 7 as they emphasized “zero trust” during the 2025 Safer Internet Day observance on Feb. 11.
Zero trust is a strategic approach that secures an organization or an individual by continuously validating every stage of digital interaction, such as adopting multi-factor login authentication.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 Social Welfare Officer IV and Children Sector Focal, Ligaya G. Dael, highlighted during the Kapihan sa PIA on Feb. 13 that the event serves as a call to action for responsible internet use.
“Kitang mga adults, kitang mga ginikanan, dako kaayo ta ug papel sa atong mga anak. Kaning mga kabatan-onan mosunod sa unsa ilang makita nga example, maong ato sila i-educate unsaon pagkagamit sa insaktong teknolohiya,” Dael said.
(We the adults, especially parents, play a huge role in guiding our children. The youth tend to follow what they see as examples, so we need to educate them on the proper use of technology.)
Meanwhile, Engineer Royden Rusiana, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Information Technology Officer I, said cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.
He warned about the risks of dating apps, especially when money is involved.
“Daghan mga sectors matawag nato nga vulnerable sa internet. Kami sa DICT, aduna ta’y mga programa in partnership with PNP and other national agencies to continue to advocate kay ang cybersecurity is everybody’s responsibility,” he said.
(There are many sectors vulnerable to internet threats. At DICT, we have programs in partnership with the PNP and other national agencies to continue advocating for cybersecurity because it is everybody’s responsibility.)
This year’s Safer Internet Day carries the theme: “Digital Bayanihan, Para sa Kabataang Ligtas at Protektado Online.”
It aims to promote a whole-of-nation approach in creating a safer digital environment for children.
Police Col. Lemuel B. Gonda, Philippine National Police-Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 7 chief, highlighted the rising cases of Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) involving minors.
“Nakita nato nga daghang biktima nga mga kabatan-onan online labi na kining OSAEC and CSAEM. Alarming ni siya nga sitwasyon,” Gonda revealed.
(We have observed many young victims online, especially in cases of OSAEC and CSAEM. This is a very alarming situation.)
Gonda also noted that the IACAT-VAWC is focusing on “home-made” or pre-recorded videos that are produced offline but later uploaded online.
These cases require thorough investigation involving PNP operations, DSWD intervention, and the issuance of a digital warrant for case filing.
Dael and Rusiana also emphasized their collaboration with DICT on Digital Parenting and awareness campaigns to prevent online abuse and scams.
“Nagconduct ta ug awareness campaign, lain-lain nga stakeholders. Focus dira ang mga mama, mga single moms, and apil ang mga bata and mga maestra pud sa DepEd,” said Rusiana.
(We conducted awareness campaigns for different stakeholders, focusing on mothers, single parents, children, and even teachers from DepEd.)
Gonda also reiterated the importance of “think before you click” whether it’s for texting, calling, or web browsing.
The observance of Safer Internet Day for Children Philippines every 2nd Tuesday of February aims to promote safer internet use.
It was first introduced in 2004 in Europe and is now celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide. (MYP/PIA7 Cebu)
