Telecommunications company PLDT Inc. and its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. are working closely with local communities in Bantayan Island, Cebu, to help protect children from online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).
With online crimes involving children becoming more sophisticated, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create abusive materials, the two companies have strengthened their child protection efforts through digital education and awareness drives.
“We are all-in when it comes to protecting children online, and we will continue to raise awareness, empower communities, create a safer online space for children, and help end OSAEC,” said Marylou Gocotano, head of Public Engagement Visayas Relations at PLDT and Smart.
Focus on schools and local engagement
PLDT and Smart hosted the “#BeCyberSmart against AI-enabled OSAEC” symposium at Santa Fe National High School, where 130 students and teachers joined discussions about online safety.
“Given how easy it is for everyone, including children, to access the internet these days, we must be cautious and responsible in our online activities,” said school head Linmar Cayson. “This is also relevant because these crimes could happen in Santa Fe, a popular tourist destination. We need to be vigilant and be more proactive in educating our students and teachers about these online crimes involving children.”
Strengthening community awareness
Beyond schools, PLDT and Smart also took part in the “Pista sa Kaalam” (Fiesta of Knowledge) cyber-caravan led by the Bidlisiw Foundation. The activity supports Project SCROL (Safety for Children and Their Rights Online) of the Dutch group Terre des Hommes Netherlands.
The four-day caravan featured interactive booths and games for children and teens. These activities were designed to teach them how to recognize unsafe online behavior and build good digital habits.
At the PLDT and Smart booth, young participants learned social media do’s and don’ts while staying connected through PLDT Home’s fiber internet.
Get the latest before it trends. Follow Back End News on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, and TikTok for updates and in-depth coverage across the tech and security landscape.