In 2022, cybersecurity firm Surfshark highlighted a troubling reality – Filipino children are among the most vulnerable to cyber threats globally. Furthermore, in recent years, the Philippines has been identified as a hotspot for online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).
Given these severe risks facing young internet users, the need for education and awareness has become critically important.
In response, leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has taken on the responsibility of empowering the next generation with the knowledge required to navigate the digital world safely.
As part of its celebration of Safer Internet Day last February 11, Converge took its Project PIGLET or Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies initiative in Anunas Elementary School in Angeles, Pampanga to share the importance of protecting personal information.
“The internet offers many opportunities for learning and connection, but it also presents certain risks. When children learn how to discern appropriate online behavior, they gain the confidence to explore more in the digital space, which is needed to succeed in our increasingly connected world,” said Converge SVP and Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason.
“Parents play a vital role in guiding their children online. Of course, we can’t always be there to monitor their activities, but we can help them understand what to avoid. We hope the students will apply what they learn and share it with their friends and classmates,” said Converge Privacy Compliance Officer Atty. Janine Villabeto – Solete.
With the support of its Corporate Governance and Data Privacy (CGDP) Group, Converge organized an engaging storytelling session to encourage elementary students to be vigilant in their online interactions. Parents and teachers were also invited to gain insights on how they can effectively guide their kids and students in using the internet responsibly.
“When it comes to privacy, especially in accessing websites that aren’t safe for children, we currently have no means to monitor them here at school yet. That’s why campaigns like this are so important; they help students learn early on to recognize potential risks they may encounter online,” said Jolas Cabrera, Teacher III and MAPEH Coordinator at Anunas Elementary School.
“For me, ensuring my child’s safety means teaching them to be open with parents, teachers, and trusted adults. Campaigns like this reinforce what I’ve been teaching them about communicating openly and not easily trusting strangers on the internet,” said Lodelyn Gonzales,
President of the Parents-Teachers Association at Anunas Elementary School.
Project PIGLET is an initiative by the Converge CGDP Group focused on enhancing digital literacy and privacy awareness among primary school students.
This is the second run of Project PIGLET, following its launch at Francisco Legaspi Elementary School in Pasig last December. Converge plans to expand this campaign to more schools across the country, intending to engage more students at other academic levels.
Converge is celebrating this year’s Safer Internet Month, emphasizing the importance of self-education to protect oneself amid the rise of more advanced cybercrime schemes.
The company is collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for this year’s campaign, which focuses on combating online scams.
In line with its ongoing efforts to foster safe internet spaces for Filipinos, Converge blocked 183 billion entry attempts to more than 680,000 registered illegal sites last year.
