What's Happening

By Sister Maria Yolanda Manapsal
Chapter Prioress, Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter

March 24, 2025, Mining, Angeles City, Philippines – In celebration of Women's Month, the Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter and the Dominican School of Angeles City Foundation, Inc., along with social worker Liz Maricarl E. Cordero, came together to address a pressing issue: the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. 

The presentation was an initiative of the Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter, based in the Philippines, in alignment with the Adrian Dominican Congregation’s 2022 Chapter Enactment on Women. The presentation was given to the students in grades 7 to 10 to teach them how to protect themselves against human trafficking, which entraps many children in the area. About 161 people – including student advisors and some Adrian Dominican Sisters – attended the event.

This initiative aims to educate students about the risks of online exploitation and emphasize the importance of open communication regarding Internet safety. Workshops and awareness campaigns can empower parents and children with the knowledge they need to safely navigate the online world.

Liz Maricarl Cordero, a former social worker at the University of the Assumption in San Fernando, Pampanga, spoke on the rights of children delineated by the United Nations, and on the dangers to children of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) serves as a foundational document for children's rights. It emphasizes that every child should be protected from all forms of violence and exploitation. Article 19 states that children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, including physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and Article 34 states that governments must protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. This includes protecting them from being forced into sexual activity, prostitution, and pornography. Both articles highlight the need for safeguarding children against abuse, especially in the context of evolving technologies.

As children increasingly engage with the internet for education and social interaction, they become more susceptible to online threats. Predators exploit the anonymity and accessibility of the digital realm, making it essential for parents, educators, and communities to work together to create a safer environment.

Celebrating Women's Month means advocating for the rights of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable among us, our children. Let us commit to fostering a secure community that protects children from online threats, ensuring they can explore, learn, and grow in a safe environment. Together, we can champion the cause of child protection and uphold the principles set forth in the UNCRC, fostering a brighter and safer future for generations to come.

 

Caption for above feature photo: Social worker Liz Maricarl E.Cordero speaks to students at the Dominican School of Angeles City about the dangers of online sexual abuse and exploitation.