As part of the culmination of Safer Internet Day 2023, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday, Feb. 25, reiterated its commitment to protecting learners online by effectively raising awareness on the value of internet safety.

“We firmly believe that protecting our students from the dangers the internet poses and providing them with meaningful access to digital tools that let them exercise to their civil, political, economic and social rights to the fullest extent possible are both imperative,” said Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte in her message for the culmination of this year’s Safer Internet Day.

“Modern technology has made it possible for people to construct virtual places where they may communicate, do research and engage in conversation,” Duterte said. “In today's society, this technology also acts as a conduit for educational programs and activities,” she added.

Duterte explained that the digital world offers students a “wealth of chances” for communication, online study, rights, education and advocacy, and leisure pursuits.

“We can plainly see how swiftly information is spread in today's world. With only one click, you might establish contact with thousands of people,” she said.

However, she also pointed out that the internet has also become a source of “unfounded materials” in addition to “numerous crimes” that began on various online platforms and social networking sites.

These issues, Duterte assures, have “never gone unnoticed or unattended” by DepEd.

Child Protection Committee e-learning course

As a culminating activity for the 2023 Safe Internet Day Philippines, DepEd --- through the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) --- also launched the Child Protection Committee (CPC) e-learning course.

As part of the “Tatag Child Protection Committee” program of the LRPO, DepEd said that the CPC e-learning course is a collaboration between LRPO and the Stairway Foundation Inc. (SFI), and is a means to “capacitate” the school CPCs through the use of e-learning.

This program is in collaboration with the Stairway Foundation Inc. (SFI).

During the event, Duterte applauded the LRPO for “stepping up and forging stronger relationships” with stakeholders and other child protection advocates in the creation of the Learners Telesafe Contact Center Helpline.

“I applaud your office for maintaining its in order to fulfill its goal of giving quick aids to our learner victims and support, our current intervention mechanisms and care coordination,” she said.

Duterte also expressed hope that the culmination of the 2023 Safer Internet Day Philippines will serve as an “inspiration for more people to become online stewards, raise awareness about the necessity of proper netiquette and promote the use of technology for social benefit.”