TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 02 (DSWD FO2), through its Sectoral Unit-Community Based Services Section, has recently celebrated the Safer Internet Day and National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation at SM City Tuguegarao.
In a message from Regional Director Lucia S. Alan, through her representative Franco G. Lopez, assistant regional director for operations, she stated that in child sexual abuse, adolescents used children for sexual stimulation.
She mentioned that while the internet is a very good platform for education, it poses threats and challenges to vulnerable individuals, especially young ones.
Alan also encouraged parents and guardians to be mindful and vigilant when it comes to their children.
Furthermore, according to Kathleen T. Supranes of DSWD 2, the region has 21 member councils to help in the campaign on the safe use of the internet in support of Republic Act (RA) 11930 or known as the "Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act and RA 11934 or known as the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act.
The celebration was then highlighted by the launching of the Sim Card Registration Assistance and Advocacy Desk/Booth and the pledge of commitment among the participants to prevent child sexual abuse and promote a safer internet. (OTB/MJCT/PIA Region 2)