Leading digital solutions platform Globe and the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Child Protection Unit (CPU) have joined hands to address the proliferation of abuses committed against children, especially within school premises.
DepEd is spearheading the creation of the DepEd Learners TeleSafe Contact Center where students can report acts of exploitation, violence, and neglect committed against them.
“This endeavor will impact the lives of our learners and schools. With this, we hope to forge a strong partnership with Globe, as we hope to share our goal of providing quality, enabling, and liberating basic education to Filipino learners by protecting them from all forms of violence, abuse, bullying, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development,” Atty. Suzette Gannaban-Medina, OIC-Director of DepEd Child Protection Unit (CPU) said.
To support the program, Globe will extend use of its m360 service, a web-based, multi-channel message blaster allowing large-scale launch of campaigns and advocacies. Through the m360 service, the CPU will be further equipped to manage child safety inquiries around the country, and also engage in education drives through mobile connectivity.
Through the M360 service, the CPU will be further equipped to manage child safety inquiries around the country and engage in education drives through mobile connectivity.
“We are honored to be invited by DepEd CPU as a partner in this timely and significant undertaking. As a long-time advocate of child protection, whether online or offline, Globe believes in the importance of strong public-private collaboration in keeping our youth safe,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte likewise vowed to provide a safe environment for children in school in her message at the Culminating Activity of 30th National Children’s Month last November 24.
“I am happy that we (DepEd) are taking strides in the campaign to end exploitation, abuse, and violence in our schools… DepEd will ensure a safe and nurturing learning environment by strengthening child protection mechanisms in schools,” Duterte-Carpio said.
The CPU and Child Rights in Education Desk were recently merged to establish the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO), which will serve as the focal office in all matters concerning learners’ rights and protection inside and outside of school premises. The said office is tasked to process and address said reports of abuse with utmost urgency.
To report incidents of abuse, exploitation, and bullying committed against learners in schools, contact DepEd Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline at (02) 8632-1372 and (02) 8637-2306, or via SMS at 0945-175-9777, or e-mail them at weprotectlearners@deped.gov.ph.
The principles of child rights are integrated into Globe’s business principles to ensure that the company complies with international standards on child protection and that its employees are well-informed about related laws and guidelines.
Globe has been promoting online child safety through #MakeITSafePH since 2017. The campaign educates the public about good digital citizenship and responsible online behavior through the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), including how to stop online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and protecting children from other online risks.
The company is also part of the UNICEF-led SaferKidsPH, which raises awareness on pressing and emerging OSAEC cases. It also supports the ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.’s Bantay Bata #163 Helpline, free for all Globe and TM mobile phone users to make it easier for anyone to report child abuse incidents.
This is in line with Globe’s support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 4, which highlights quality education as a crucial driver of economic growth and development, UN SDG No. 16, which talks about targets to end violence against children, and UN SDG No. 17, which highlights the value of partnerships to achieving the sustainable development goals.
Globe recently launched a new portal, www.makeitsafe.ph which brings together its various efforts to raise awareness and educate the public on internet safety, especially cyberbullying. (PR)
