The activity, attended by children aged 9 to 16 years old, covered three important topics: Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), Teenage Pregnancy, and HIV 101.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, cases of teenage pregnancy in the country remain alarming, with reports of girls giving birth as early as 9 years old. Similarly, there has been a noticeable increase in HIV cases among young people. These realities highlight the urgency of providing children with accurate, developmentally appropriate information on these issues.
All topics during the session were carefully tailored to match the age and level of understanding of the participants. Through simple, child-friendly discussions, the orientation aimed to raise awareness, promote safety, and empower children to make informed decisions and seek help when needed.
The DSWD FO 8 continues to engage academic institutions like UPVTC in advancing its advocacy for child protection, recognizing the vital role of education in creating safe, informed, and resilient communities.
