A channel of hope, courage, and change. 

The youth is the channel that could bring about transformation in cyberspace as they are empowered online and offline through cybersecurity and their community.

CyberGuardiansPH held a 2-day National Youth Leadership Summit last November 26, 2023, in a hybrid set-up, and on November 27, 2023, at Astoria Plaza Hotel in Pasig with the theme DALUYAN: Empowering the Youth through Cybersecurity and the Community.

The 2 days summit aims to empower the role of the youth in co-creating safer cyberspace for children and the young through a sustainable cyber youth empowerment program (CYEP), and Cybersecurity knowledge and community to empower the youth online and offline.

It participated by 100 plus youths onsite and online from different organizations nationwide, together with 27 partner organizations that participated, supported, and volunteered namely: NISSAN Philippines, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Asia United Bank, Ford Libis, Sandara Park Fan Group, Aboitiz Power, MCR Industries, CFC-Singles for Christ, CLTV 36, Pasig CSWDO, Marist East Asia Region, Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), St. Scholastica’s College, KABATAAN Partylist, ECPAT Philippines, The Rizal Academy for Innovation and Leadership (TRAIL), Oblates Youth Philippines, CBCP- Caritas Philippines, CBCP- ECMI, CBCP – ECY, De Paul House Seminary, Catholic Women’s League, University of Assumption, FEATI University, PGCA-Peer Organization of the Philippines, St. Michael’s College of Laguna, and Young Franciscan Advocates.

Also joined the 2-day summit is the youth host from different university schools namely Althea Du (UP-Los Banos), Lindsday Homilda (FEATI University), Robert Magat (UP-Diliman), and Icon Monit (PUP-Manila). Facilitators: Atty. Kathleen Piccio-Labay and Mr. Edward S. Tiongco.

During the opening program, Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB, President, CGPH shared our mission is to protect the young against online sexual abuse and exploitation, cyberbullying, and all other forms of threat and a welcome message from Mrs. Concepcion Sangil, Executive Director, CGPH: “The beacon that sparked the light has continued to grow and is now shining brightly as we found the vessel that would allow us to realize our common aspiration of cyber safe homes and cyber safe schools and create more cyber youth champions and warriors by empowering our youth thru cyber security and community.”

Six (6) keynote speakers gave inspirational and empowering messages.

Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasizes the importance of the Anti-OSAEC Law, and how the youth can participate in its implementation.
Aksyon Kabataan Partylist has the same common goal of protecting children in the online world with CyberGuardiansPH.

Usec. Angelo Tapales of the Council of the Welfare of Children recognized the urgency of eradicating the proliferation of all forms of sexual abuse, violence, and exploitation plaguing children, especially with the use of information and communications technology.

DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy shares the agency’s programs and initiatives to help the nation have a safer cyberspace for the youth. One of these is the ongoing SIM registration.

“Working in SOLIDARITY”
Together we aim to push the perpetrators of cybercrime off cyberspace. With the combined efforts, we will be able to create a safer environment - a message from Bishop Colin Bagaforo.

A total of 12 resource guest speakers shared their expertise on each topic:

Dr. Teresa Paula S. De Luna talked about observations and research on the behavior of Gen Zs and Gen Alphas while in the virtual world. CGPH’s resident resource person on OSAEC P/COL Sheila T. Portento discussed “When Cyberspace Becomes the Most Dangerous Space for Children.” Associate Professor from the Department of Psychology College of Liberal Arts of DLSU, Dr. Caridad Tarroja talked about children becoming OSAEC victims and parents facilitating the crime. UNICEF’s Child Protection Officer Mr. Ramil Anton Villafranca discussed OSAEC as a whole-of-nation approach. Usec. Mary Rose Magsaysay talked about a holistic approach to how these cyber threats can be addressed. Fr. Teodulo “Ted” Gonzales, S.J. discussed Strong Family Values Protecting the Children.

A group of panel discussants shared how the creation of a framework would guide the latter in crafting the mechanism and structure that would allow us to effectively implement and sustain our Cybersafe Homes, Cybersafe Schools, and UGNAYAN programs on Day 2.