From January to March 2025, HLAF went on a transformative Baguio trip with its SAFER Communities Project, designed to strengthen local child protection mechanisms across Region 3. This initiative unites dedicated duty-bearers, social workers from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Pampanga and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), local government units (LGUs) from San Fernando, Mabalacat, and Angeles, as well as barangay officials, to enhance referral systems, empower community councils, and ensure trauma-informed care and support for victims of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child-Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM).
Throughout the three (3) training sessions, all conducted in Baguio City, participants engaged in collaborative dialogues and mentorship opportunities that ignited a sense of camaraderie among stakeholders.
“This training helped us share our good practices,” noted one duty-bearer from the Pampanga Provincial Social Welfare Office. “It’s encouraging to learn that we’re not alone in this work.” The training provided a platform for sharing effective strategies, fostering a network of support that transcended geographic boundaries and inspired collective action to protect vulnerable children in their communities.
One participant, particularly enthusiastic about her newfound knowledge, shared her excitement to implement what she had learned: “It’s my first time attending a training about OSAEC. We’re already planning activities based on what we’ve learned. In fact, we’ve scheduled programs starting this July to support and protect children online.” Her words resonate with the project’s overarching goal: to create not just awareness, but actionable change that fosters safe environments for children.
As HLAF continues to guide these local champions, the SAFER Communities Project is not only transforming individual perspectives but also strengthening the very fabric of community protection systems.
The training sessions focused on understanding OSAEC and CSAEM, handling cases, creating referral pathways, and designing communication and advocacy materials and events.
HLAF recognizes the importance of collaboration and collective action among various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders, to create a comprehensive and coordinated response to rising cases of OSAEC and CSAEM.
Moreover, HLAF acknowledges these issues represent significant threats to the safety and well-being of children, especially those vulnerable necessitating comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to such violations.
Atty. Jean Aubree Ruby Sadural told that it’s important to immediately and effectively address OSAEC and CSAEM cases in the country, as well as educate and capacitate individuals, communities, and duty-bearers about the issue. We’re calling for a collectivity of actions, discussions, and activities to combat against perpetrators to protect every children.
In a world where the safety and well-being of children are paramount, the determined actions of these local leaders inspire hope. With their hearts set on creating a safer, more supportive community for children, the future looks brighter, and the commitment to protecting the most vulnerable is stronger than ever. HLAF’s SAFER Communities Project exemplifies the power of partnership, knowledge sharing, and collective action in nurturing a society that stands firmly in defense of its children.
The project is in partnership with the British Embassy Manila, with generous support from the United Kingdom Government.
