Cagayan de Oro City will pilot a digital safety program that aims to teach more than 10,000 public school students how to protect themselves from online abuse, exploitation, and other internet risks.
Project Swipe Safe will be rolled out in five public secondary schools: Mambuaya National High School, PN Roa Sr. National High School, Kauswagan National High School, Lapasan National High School, and Cagayan de Oro City High School–Junior High School Campus.
Xavier Science Foundation Inc. (XSF) is implementing the project in partnership with ChildFund Philippines and the City Council for the Protection of Children (CCPC) of Cagayan de Oro City.
The program teaches children and young people practical digital safety skills. These include understanding online risks, creating personal safety plans, and knowing how to respond when they encounter harmful content or behavior.
“The project helps children learn key concepts about the internet, develop personal safety plans, and practice positive online safety behaviors through engaging and meaningful learning experiences,” said Sheila de Lima, project manager of Xavier Science Foundation.
PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) donated mobile phones and connectivity devices to XSF to support the program. Facilitators will use the equipment to conduct training sessions and other Project Swipe Safe activities.
The support forms part of efforts to fight online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), a growing concern as more young people spend time on social media, messaging platforms, online games, and other digital services.
“At PLDT and Smart, we promote the use of technology because it enables people to learn, connect, and build communities,” said Roby Alampay, head of Public Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “But equally important is teaching online safety. By supporting partners like Xavier Science Foundation and initiatives such as Project Swipe Safe, we not only help protect young people but also empower them to become advocates of responsible digital citizenship.”
ChildFund Australia developed the Swipe Safe mobile application and training package. It was first launched in Vietnam and has since been introduced in several countries across the Asia-Pacific.
The Philippines is the latest country to adopt the program, with Cagayan de Oro City serving as its pilot site.