In the Philippines, the sexual abuse of children is a big problem, and the estimated number of cases is many times higher than the revealed cases. Shocking: the Philippines are the world’s worst regarding OSAEC (Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children). Especially during the restricted time of the Covid pandemic 2020 to 2022, sexual abuse of children over the internet was increasing dramatically. Many families saw a possibility to earn money. But at what price?!
In 2021 PIKIFI became partner of “Safer Kids” in the context of their OSAEC program. On the one hand, the international aid organization Save the Children, together with UNICEF, the Asia Foundation and the Australian Embassy, tries to make people aware of the increasing problems with online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. On the other hand, children and adolescents get information and will therefore be protected.
PIKIFI started work in four urban districts:
In 2022 the municipal organizations of these four districts were still supported, while information work started in other districts.
The American NGO International Justice Mission (IJM) is supporting the fight against sexual exploitation of children worldwide. In 2022 PIKIFI was honored for its work by IJM with an award.
Evaluating our implementation of the OSAEC program, UNICEF and Save the Children Philippines came to the conclusion that our team has done excellent work, and that the project should continue under the direction of PIKIFI in CdO.
In 2023 the emphasis lies on information and education of more public entities (including local authorities, schools, police), thus enabling them to organize training and educational seminars.