The 11th Pasig City Council is seeking to intensify the city’s initiatives for cybersecurity awareness and education by establishing a comprehensive program in partnership with CyberGuardians PH. Proposed Resolution No. 280-2023, which will authorize the local government to enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with CyberGuardians PH “to develop and implement a comprehensive Cyber Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP), and other cyber security and safety initiatives,” was approved on its second reading on June 26. The resolution is authored by Councilors Angelu de Leon and Syvel Asilo. It was referred to the Committee on Technology, Communication, and Energy last June 5, and has been discussed in succeeding hearings within the month. According to Councilor De Leon, the MOA “aims for a three-year comprehensive program on cybersecurity and cyber safety awareness and education anchored on digital citizenship and cybersecurity training for the youth.” [She noted that the new MOA is a continuation of previous MOA between the city government and the Cyberguardians PH, which was made last November 2022 and focused on a cybersecurity skilling program.](https://mb.com.ph/2022/11/11/pasig-lgu-cyberguardians-ph-sign-moa-for-cybersecurity-program) The training for the skilling program last year was completed immediately and smoothly, she noted. “A Digital Parenting Program is also made part of the overall project, recognizing the role of parents and guardians in co-creating and maintaining cyber safe homes and schools,” De Leon added. During the committee hearings, De Leon said she raised the issue of how the perpetrators or offenders of children’s rights are their own family members. “Ang nakakabahala ngayon, based sa datos at naririnig natin na mga kwento, mismong magulang na ang gumagawa ng kahalayan sa kanilang mga anak (What is troubling today, based on the data and the stories we hear, its the parents themselves who violate their own kids). Based on this, we really want our Pasig City to be a cyber-safe city,” said the councilor. “This is one of the primary reasons why the committee intended to enter into a comprehensive, long-term agreement to prevent these types of situations, helping victims to reintegrate in the community, and train the community to be a part of the advocacy,” she added. When approved, the resolution will include the conduct of regular meetings and seminars, facilitated by organizations and trained volunteers. There will also be counselling and focus group sessions focusing on prevention, recovery, and the integration process for victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAE). The committee agreed on the creation of strategic plans for the institutional structure of the three-year MOA and will also deliberate on the success indicators that will be used for the program. To further efficiently engage the youth, co-author Councilor Asilo suggested the addition of virtual and other media presentations show to students and parents through the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) as part of their education campaign. She also recommended cybersecurity to become a mandatory project for youth councils or Sangguniang Kabataan (SKs). The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has also assured the committee that cybersecurity and cyber safety will be included in their own activities and programs, along with their active participation in helping CyberGuardians PH.