Protecting Filipinas Online and Offline: Collaborative Initiatives

Protecting Filipinas Online and Offline: Collaborative Initiatives
Addressing Gender-Based Challenges

Women in the Philippines face disproportionate risks in both digital and physical spaces. According to the Foundation for Media Alternatives, 22.2% of reported cases of online violence in 2023 involved threats, blackmail, and abuse. During Women’s Month, key organizations—including DICT, Google, BSP, PNP, and NPC—gathered to discuss their efforts to protect women and combat these challenges.

Four major initiatives were highlighted at this pivotal event, all aimed at fostering safer spaces for Filipinas while promoting empowerment and resilience.

Enhancing Digital Literacy to Combat Cyber Fraud

Online scams and fraud continue to victimize Filipinos, especially women. In fact, phishing accounted for nearly 59% of social engineering scams in 2023. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is tackling this issue head-on through awareness campaigns that aim to boost digital literacy.

Atty. Antoni Pauline Pascual from BSP emphasized the importance of vigilance. “Social engineering schemes remain among the top 10 methods of fraud in the Philippines. Our awareness campaigns are essential, but many Filipinos still lack the tools to identify when they’re being victimized.”

By equipping individuals with knowledge, BSP hopes to reduce vulnerability and strengthen digital defenses.

Promoting Safe Spaces in Online Environments

The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has taken significant steps toward creating safer spaces for women online. Through the Safe Spaces Act, online platforms are now protected, with harassment and violations subject to penalties.

Atty. Izelle Deloso of NPC shared the psychological challenges women face in reporting harassment. “If your safety or sexuality was violated, reporting it can feel intimidating. Our campaign is about empowering women to come forward, knowing they have a secure place to do so.”

This initiative is crucial for fostering trust and ensuring women feel protected when navigating digital spaces.

Combating Violence, Trafficking, and Harassment

With over 8,000 cases of violence against women and children reported in 2024, along with hundreds of trafficking cases, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its efforts to safeguard women. The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) now handles internet-based cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) via its Women and Children Cybercrime Protection Unit.

Lt. Col. Herlyn P. Lazaro of PNP-ACG assured women of confidentiality when seeking help. “You can approach us, send us a message through social media, and we guarantee your information will remain confidential. We collaborate with local and international law enforcement to bring offenders to justice.”

Leveraging AI for Safety and Support

Google is taking innovative steps to protect women online. By integrating AI into its platforms—like YouTube, Google Workspace, and the Play Store—Google is actively combatting harmful content and enhancing safety.

Google’s AI capabilities analyze patterns of abuse, issuing real-time warnings and removing inappropriate content swiftly. Additionally, Google Search connects women to vital resources such as emergency hotlines, including the NCMH Crisis Hotline, with just a simple search.

Audrey Turay-Magdato, Google Cloud Security Country Lead, highlighted Google’s commitment. “We employ a holistic safety strategy, combining platform tools, literacy programs, and partnerships to combat harassment and misinformation. AI is a vital part of ensuring women feel secure online.”

Google also focuses on long-term empowerment by offering training programs, such as the Google Cybersecurity Career Certificate, to prepare women for careers in digital security.

Collaborative Efforts for a Safer Future

With initiatives from these organizations, the landscape for women’s safety is steadily improving. Beyond technology and law enforcement, efforts like community engagement and career development are contributing to a holistic approach.

Undersecretary for Cybersecurity Jeffrey Ian Dy of DICT expressed gratitude for these partnerships. “The safety and security of women online is paramount. We deeply appreciate Google’s support and look forward to expanding our efforts to ensure a safer digital future for all Filipinos.”

As these initiatives grow, they offer hope for a more inclusive and secure environment—both online and offline—for Filipinas.

To learn more about how Google keeps you safer online, visit Safer with Google.