We took part in The Pillars of Protection: Multi-Sectoral Conference on Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Prevention and Response on May 21, 2026, at the Park Inn by Radisson, SM City North EDSA, Metro Manila. The event’s goal is to strengthen the coordination and collaboration among different sectors, particularly the government, civil society, faith communities, schools, law enforcement agencies, and children and youth—to better prevent and respond to OSAEC.
The discussion focused on how OSAEC continues to evolve as technology increasingly grows more and more complex. Representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ) highlighted how technology often advances faster than systems and policies can keep up. Meaning, predators are quicker to scheme newer ways to operate more across borders, and make cases more difficult to address due to legal loopholes and limitations that have not been updated yet. They also mentioned that while members of the community can look out for each other, nothing can replace law enforcement’s role in enacting prosecution and rescue.
Furthermore, one major theme of the conference was the urgent need for stronger awareness campaigns and effective reporting mechanisms. One of the gaps in pushing further our cause is the lack of awareness at the community level—alongside complicated legislative processes, rapidly changing online trends, and the absence of AI-specific laws despite the rise of AI-generated or deepfake sexually explicit forms of media.
In this conference, the work we do in Manila’s slum areas is validated. Because prioritizing grassroots effort is truly what bridges the gap in the lack of awareness within schools and communities. The need to empower teachers, parents, youth leaders, and local communities to recognize and respond to OSAEC became even more evident.
This conference confirms what we already know and believe: child protection cannot be carried by one sector alone. The complexity of OSAEC calls for communities, schools, churches, organizations, government agencies, technology platforms, and young people themselves to work together in creating safer environments for children.
As the conference ended and we headed back to our own offices, we further appreciated how we are not alone in this battle against OSAEC. Many like-minded organizations are reaching their communities as we reach ours. And with our every effort, we contribute to the safety of more Filipino youth.
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