QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography (IACACP), and the United Nations Chldren’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines will launch two studies to enhance public awareness against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) on July 30.

The studies entitled, “National Study on Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children in the Philippines” and the “Philippine Kids Online Survey”,  aim to enhance the prevention and protection mechanisms and policies to address the issues on OSAEC and promote a safe online environment for children. These efforts are also aligned with the Philippine Plan of Action to End Violence Against Children.

The event will be attended by representatives of IACACP member agencies, local government units, representatives of UNICEF Philippines, research investigators, student leaders (Supreme Student Government officials), parents, youth leaders, child protection advocates, civil society and non-government organizations.

The IACACP is an inter-agency body chaired by the DSWD, while the Department of Justice serves as vice-chair. Comprising of 11 national government agencies  and three non-government organizations, IACACP  was mandated under Republic Act 9775 also known as the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 to formulate, plans, policies, strategies and to conduct national information drives and advocacy activities against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).

With the ongoing threat of COVID-19 in the country, the DSWD will continue to coordinate with partners and law enforcement agencies to address and respond to all forms of Violence Against Children (VAC), including OSAEC. (DSWD)