By Jerome Paunan
MANILA (PIA) – ChildFund Philippines has intensified its digital literacy initiatives nationwide as part of efforts to protect children from online sexual abuse and exploitation, coinciding with National Children’s Month 2025.
The child-focused organization is conducting specialized digital safety sessions for parents and caregivers through its Pro-Digital LOOP Project, which aims to equip families with tools to navigate digital risks.
From Nov. 14 to 28, approximately 1,500 parents and caregivers across 10 public elementary schools in Manila participated in digital safety parenting workshops organized with partner organization GEMS HEART Outreach Development, Inc.
The sessions address critical online threats including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and predatory behavior, while providing practical guidance on establishing digital boundaries and maintaining open communication with children.
“Digital literacy is no longer an optional skill; it is a fundamental pillar of child protection in the 21st century,” said Anand Vishwakarma, ChildFund Philippines President and CEO.
The initiative aligns with this year’s National Children’s Month theme: “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!” (End OSAEC-CSAEM: Fight for Children’s Safety and Rights).
ChildFund Philippines previously led the #ShutdownOSAEC campaign, which helped mobilize support for Republic Act 11930, the Anti-OSAEC-CSAEM Law. The organization now implements its advocacy through the global #WebSafeAndWise campaign.
The Pro-Digital LOOP Project (Promoting Digital Literacy for Learning and Optimized Online Protection) represents a collaborative effort with ChildFund Korea, Child Rights Coalition Asia, and GEMS HEART Outreach Development, Inc.
The program targets children, primary caregivers, and teachers with training on safe, ethical, and responsible digital engagement.
“We thank ChildFund and GEMS for providing the ICT room, laptops, and other resources our children need. Your work has a powerful impact,” said Serwin S. Revaluga, PTA Vice-President of Justo Lukban Elementary School.
Vishwakarma emphasized that the organization’s approach combines safety and education to develop informed digital citizens rather than passive technology users.
The parenting sessions involve Parent-Teachers’ Association officers, school-based child protection committees, and caregivers from Manila schools including A.C. Herrera Elementary School, Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, and seven other partner institutions.
ChildFund Philippines has operated in the country since the 1970s, working with local partners across 19 provinces to ensure children remain safe, healthy, educated, and skilled while emphasizing child protection throughout its programs. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Contributed photo)
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