By Nimfa L. Estrellado Mayor Mark Alcala delivers his 2025 State of the Children Address, emphasizing stronger measures against online child...
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| Mayor Mark Alcala delivers his 2025 State of the Children Address, emphasizing stronger measures against online child exploitation. (Lucena City PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Mayor Mark Alcala is pushing for heightened and better-resourced efforts to combat Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) in Lucena City. His appeal comes as Lucena’s push for stronger online child safety aligns with national efforts to tighten local enforcement amid rising global cases of exploitation.
With children spending more time online, cities like Lucena are now taking on responsibilities once left to national agencies. A 2022 national study reported nearly half a million Filipino children were victimized by online sexual abuse, highlighting the urgency of local action.
In his message, Alcala outlined the growing dangers children face in the digital world as new platforms and technologies create more avenues for exploitation. He noted that online spaces are vast and fast-moving, often exposing minors to risks they may not immediately recognize.
Because of this, he stressed that parental vigilance remains crucial in monitoring the online activities of their children. He noted that many online exploitation cases often begin with unsupervised interactions on social platforms and messaging apps.
The mayor also highlighted the passage and enforcement of City Ordinance No. 2883, a measure that bans all forms of OSAEC and CSAEM within Lucena and sets firm penalties for violators. The ordinance aims to strengthen the city’s legal shield against online exploitation and ensure decisive action against offenders.
The ordinance defines OSAEC and CSAEM broadly, covering activities such as online grooming, livestreamed abuse, production or sharing of exploitative materials, and any use of digital platforms to harm minors. It also authorizes coordinated action among the city government, PNP, and social welfare offices to ensure rapid intervention and stronger case handling.
This year’s 33rd National Children’s Month, themed “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan,” underscores national efforts to protect children from online abuse, led by the CWC together with key agencies. CSWDO Head Mayshell Rañada said the observance included safety lectures and awareness activities aligned with a directive for local governments to strengthen anti-OSAEC measures and reporting systems.
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