PLDT and Smart Help Communities in Cebu Protect Children in the Digital Age

For many young Filipinos, the internet is where they learn, socialize, and explore opportunities. But alongside these benefits come risks that children, parents, and educators are increasingly being asked to navigate.

Recognizing the need to equip communities with the knowledge to stay safe online, PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue to work with Terre des Hommes Netherlands and Bidlisiw Foundation, Inc. through Project SCROL, a partnership that brings online safety education and child protection advocacy closer to the communities that need it most.

Through initiatives like the recent Pista sa Kaalam (Festival of Knowledge) Cyber-Caravan at the University of San Carlos Main Campus, students, teachers, and parents gained practical knowledge on responsible social media use, identifying online risks, and protecting themselves from digital threats. More importantly, they learned how safer online habits can help prevent harm not only to themselves but also to others in their communities.

For parents and educators, the sessions provided a better understanding of the digital spaces that young people navigate every day. For students, they served as a reminder that every post, click, and online interaction carries responsibility. By fostering greater awareness and digital resilience, these efforts help communities become the first line of defense against online exploitation.

The collaboration reflects a shared belief that protecting children online is a responsibility that extends beyond any one sector. While connectivity opens doors to education, communication, and opportunity, meaningful digital inclusion also means ensuring that people have the skills and awareness to use technology safely.

"Technology can be a powerful tool for learning and empowerment, but communities also need the knowledge to navigate the online world safely," said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Stakeholder Engagement Head at PLDT and Smart. "By working with organizations that are deeply rooted in the community, we can help equip young people, parents, and educators with practical skills that promote safer digital experiences and protect vulnerable sectors from online harms."

Beyond digital literacy programs, the PLDT Group continues to support broader efforts to combat the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) under its #KonektedforSaferInternet campaign. Through its Child Protection Platform, the Group leverages technology and global monitoring tools to help detect and block access to online content that perpetuates child sexual abuse and exploitation. These efforts complement partnerships with schools, communities, civil society groups, and government stakeholders working to create safer spaces for children both online and offline.

Bidlisiw Foundation Inc.’s Executive Director Pamela Uy emphasized the value of collaboration in achieving this goal: "Keeping children safe online requires a collective effort. Through partnerships with organizations like PLDT and Smart, we can bring critical information and resources directly to communities, helping parents, educators, and young people become more aware, more prepared, and ultimately more empowered."

PLDT Home also supported the initiative by providing reliable connectivity throughout the learning activities, enabling participants to access educational content and engage fully during the interactive sessions.

Through partnerships that combine connectivity, education, and child protection, PLDT and Smart continue to demonstrate that their role in communities goes far beyond connecting people, helping build a safer and more secure digital future for every Filipino child.