Davao City has launched a powerful, city-wide initiative to combat the growing threat of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). This campaign forms the core of the local celebration for the 33rd National Children's Month, anchored on the urgent theme, "Osaec-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng mga Bata Ipaglaban" (End OSAEC-CSAEM: Fight for the Safety and Rights of Children).
Strengthening Community Defenses
The city government is taking a proactive, multi-pronged approach to shield its youngest residents from digital and physical harm. Gerlyn V. Arciaga, the Head of the Special Office for Children’s Concerns (SOCC), emphasized that this year's observance is squarely focused on reinforcing the city's defenses. She detailed their concerted efforts to ensure children do not fall victim to these heinous crimes.
"We are diligently working and focusing on strengthening our campaign against OSAEC and CSAEM," Arciaga stated. A key part of this strategy involves conducting seminars on cyber safety and cybersecurity for all 182 Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children (BCPC). This grassroots-level education aims to equip local leaders with the knowledge to protect children in their communities.
In parallel, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) is actively rolling out community education programs. These initiatives are designed to inform the public about the Anti-OSAEC-CSAEM law and provide barangays with accurate information and practical tips to prevent these abuses from occurring.
A Unified Call to Action from City Leaders
The 33rd National Children's Month kicked off with a ceremony on November 3, 2025. During the event, a powerful message from Acting City Mayor Sebastian Duterte was delivered by City Councilor Lorenzo Benjamin Villafuerte. The message underscored the non-negotiable importance of communal responsibility in safeguarding children.
"It is crucial that we, as members of the community, further our commitment to save and protect our children from any form of abuse and exploitation, such as cybercrime," the Mayor's message read. He firmly asserted that every child deserves the right to grow up in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment, free from any form of harm.
Echoing this sentiment for collective action, Duterte added, "As parents and members of the community, we must continue to work together for the well-being and safety of our children. We must serve as their protectors against any form of abuse and exploitation, now and always."
Bringing Services Directly to the People
The celebration commenced with a vibrant motorcade, followed by a district-wide caravan. This mobile initiative allowed parents and children to access a range of free services provided by various government and non-government agencies.
To ensure widespread reach, the SOCC, in partnership with the Davao City Council for the Protection of Children (DCCPC), extended the caravan to the city's other districts. The caravan was held at the Buhangin Proper Gym for the 2nd district on November 5, and moved to the Mintal Gym for the 3rd district on November 7. Through these sustained efforts, Davao City reaffirms its commitment to creating a protective environment where every child's rights, safety, and potential are fiercely guarded.
