Tarroja Speaks during Project S.A.F.E. Online Launch

If figures could move the country to resolve a crisis, then two million Filipino children subjected to exploitation should push its leaders to act with haste.

The number of children affected by online sexual abuse and the experiences they have undergone were part of a study conducted by UNICEF—together with ECPAT International and INTERPOL—and spurred the organization to launch Project S.A.F.E. (Safe Access for Every Child), on February 28 as part of the celebration of Safer Internet Month. The initiative seeks to support the government and to focus on systems strengthening in an effort to protect children from the risks posed in online and offline platforms. It also aims to empower children to identify and manage risks, protect themselves, report experiences of violence, and seek professional help.

A panel discussion was conducted during the Project S.A.F.E. launch and was participated in by SDRC Research Fellow and former Director Dr. Maria Caridad Tarroja. She stressed the importance of the role of research in facilitating evidence-based practice; the need to empower the youth by listening to their voices in all work that involves them; and the consequence of making services accessible, particularly remote counseling, which victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse can avail of at any time, for their mental health.

Dr. Tarroja was joined on the panel by Lester Cristal, writer/director of the film “#bagets,” concerning a young teen’s attempt to remove a private video leaked on social media, which was also screened during the launch; Bon Andrew Lentejas, the film’s main actor; Atty. Maria Margarita Ardivilla, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist; Jennel Reyes of Parenting for Lifelong Health Philippines; Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, Council for the Welfare of Children; Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty and Atty. Margarita Lourdes Magsaysay, Department of Justice; Glaiza Norico, Youth Representative; Daniela Gueco, Young Heroes Initiative-Angeles City; and PCol. Mary Grace Madayag, Philippine National Police.

The event was held at the Cine Adarna of the UPFI Film Center in Quezon City.