Vice President Sara Duterte has called on parents, communities, and local governments to intensify efforts against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, emphasizing that every Filipino child deserves to grow up “safe, dignified, and full of dreams.”

In her message for National Children’s Month, Duterte urged a collective response to address growing threats to children’s safety in both physical and digital spaces.

“Ang bawat batang Pilipino ay may karapatang lumaki nang ligtas, may dangal, at puno ng pangarap (Every Filipino child has the right to grow up safe, with dignity, and full of dreams),” she said Sunday, Nov. 9.

The Vice President noted that the rapid spread of digital technology has exposed many children to predators and cyberbullying.

“Our children deserve a safe digital and physical world where they can learn, play, and grow without fear,” Duterte said.

“Sadly, many children face risks from online predators, cyberbullying, and exploitation, often leaving lasting emotional scars,” she added.

She stressed that protecting children must be a shared duty among parents, educators, and communities.

“Bilang mga magulang at mamamayan, may tungkulin tayong ipagtanggol sila at tiyaking ligtas ang komunidad na kanilang kalalakihan (As parents and citizens, we have the duty to defend them and ensure they grow up in safe communities),” the Vice President said.

Duterte called on all local governments—from barangays to provinces—to adopt stronger child protection policies and ensure that reporting and response mechanisms are swift and transparent.

“Nananawagan ako sa lahat ng lokal na pamahalaan... na magkaroon ng mahigpit na polisiya para sa proteksyon ng mga bata (I call on all local governments to implement strict policies for the protection of children),” she said.

She also urged families to take an active role in ensuring online safety, particularly by guiding children in their use of digital platforms.

“To ensure their safety, let us bridge digital safety gaps, empower parents and caregivers with tools to guide safe internet use, and strengthen family values to protect our youth,” she said.

Duterte underscored the importance of listening to children and involving them in policymaking and awareness efforts.

“Itaguyod din natin ang aktibong paglahok ng mga bata sa ating kampanya upang matiyak na napakikinggan ang kanilang mga saloobin (Let us promote the active participation of children in our campaign to ensure that their voices are heard),” she said.

The Vice President reminded the public that children’s welfare is inseparable from the country’s progress.

“Ang kapalaran ng bawat bata ay kapalaran rin ng ating bansa (The fate of every child is also the fate of our nation),” she said.

National Children’s Month is observed every November to promote the rights, welfare, and protection of Filipino children under Republic Act No. 10661.