The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) rallied all Filipinos to take "proactive efforts" in combating children’s sexual abuse and exploitation as the country observes this second week of February the “National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.”

The observance, also called Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week (CSAAW), is held every second week of February as declared under Presidential Proclamation No. 731 issued in 1996.

"Raising awareness against child sexual abuse and exploitation means taking proactive efforts to protect all minors. A holistic approach requires both responsive efforts by the government and public vigilance," the CHR posted on social media.

"Let us all step up our efforts to prevent and respond to the continuing cases of child abuse," it added.

The CHR pointed out that one way of protecting minors is for government officials to create laws that promote their human rights.

This is why, it noted, it cited the Senate for approving on third and final reading Senate Bill (SB) No. 2449 on the Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act of 2021 and Senate Bill No. 2233 on the proposed Foundling Recognition and Protection Act.

It said SB 2449 offers protection against human trafficking by allowing law enforcers to access non-content data such as subscriber information and traffic data in order to track down traffickers' online activities. Local government units would also be tapped to help in the recovery and reintegration of trafficked persons and their families, it added.

SB 2233, on the other hand, covers foundlings -- deserted or abandoned children -- by presuming them as a natural-born Filipino if found in the Philippines or in any of the country's embassies, consulates, and territories, the CHR said.

In doing so, the commission said that foundlings have a chance to secure a good future by making them eligible for government services such as registration, adoption, education, and care, among many other things.