Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is strengthening the implementation of Project SAFE against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) as it expands the program to cover more communities this year. Findings from a recent study of the International Justice Mission (IJM) showed that 41 percent of victim-survivors of OSAEC were abused by their own parents and 42 percent by their siblings and other relatives, indicating the urgency of strengthening child protection mechanisms.
According to Philippines News Agency, the IJM has identified poverty, widespread internet access, and the proliferation of Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) as among the factors contributing to the Philippines' vulnerability to these crimes. In a statement Thursday, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the department continues to strengthen both the preventive and recovery services to ensure that children are protected from exploitation and other forms of abuse, and for survivors to receive long-term support.
"Hindi po nagtatapos ang responsibilidad ng pamahalaan sa pagsasagip sa mga batang biktima ng online sexual abuse at exploitation. Sa pamamagitan ng Project SAFE, tinitiyak po ng ahensya na mabibigyan sila ng tuloy-tuloy na psychosocial interventions, educational assistance, family support at iba pang serbisyong kinakailangan para sila ay makabangon at makapagsimula muli nang ligtas," Dumlao said.
Project SAFE against OSAEC provides a holistic intervention model that is centered on prevention, protection, healing, family empowerment, safe reintegration, and the prevention of revictimization among child survivors. As of May, the program has been rolled out in Regions 7 (Central Visayas) and 10 (Northern Mindanao), where over 120 victim-survivors have received therapeutic interventions and educational assistance, while 619 community members have participated in advocacy activities promoting child protection and online safety.
During the coordination meeting with the IJM last June 30, the DSWD's Social Technology Bureau (STB) presented the program's accomplishments and strategic direction for 2026. These include the Framework for Family Engagement (FFE), which serves as a core component of the rehabilitation process for survivors and their families; the successful completion of the Training of Trainers (ToT) last June 22 to 26; and preparations for the Training on Assessment of Survivors' Outcomes scheduled for July 14 and 15.
The STB also outlined Project SAFE against OSAEC's four major components to other partner agencies, including the enhanced advocacy campaigns; strengthened reporting systems and networks of care; healing services that include FFE sessions and long-term educational assistance; and post-recovery interventions such as alternative child care, supervised independent living, and survivor advocacy through the Philippine Survivor Network.
The partners also expressed their commitment to support the expansion of Project SAFE against OSAEC in the second semester of 2026 in Taguig City and Quezon City in the National Capital Region (NCR); Calamba City, Laguna and Dasmari±as City, Cavite in Region 4-A (Calabarzon); Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City in Region 7; and Iligan City, Lanao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental in Region 10.
Aside from the program expansion, the meeting also produced several key commitments, including the continued coaching and field mentoring of the initial 31 FFE trainers, the sustained use of the Pathwright E-Library for technical support, and stronger coordination with local government units (LGUs) to speed up survivor assessment and reintegration.
The DSWD is also strengthening its information campaign, reporting mechanisms, and coordination with LGUs and other partners to prevent new cases of OSAEC. "The continued expansion of Project SAFE against OSAEC reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen child protection systems and ensure that every Filipino child grows up in a safe and nurturing environment," Dumlao said.
