VICE PRESIDENT and Education Secretary Sara Duterte sought to strengthen efforts to protect the rights and welfare of women, children, and adolescent girls in vulnerable situations as well as the promotion of a safer digital community in the country.

“I urge everyone to work with vigor and enthusiasm in promoting the advancement of inclusive digital education. As we narrow the gender gap to digital accessibility, let us also remain relentless in fighting gender-based violence committed against our Filipino women and girls at home,” Duterte said during the celebration of International Women’s Day on Wednesday.

“DepEd [Department of Education] is committed to addressing child abuse and strengthening the protection for all Filipino children—making sure that they are safe, both online and offline, through the establishment of the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) and the Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline where they can report cases of abuse, including online child sexual exploitation,” she added.

The DepEd chief also recognized the contributions of women in innovation and technology, and said that they were “integral players” in nation-building.

“We have seen, and we will continue to see women leading the way in politics, business, peace advocacy, media, manufacturing, social development, and other crucial sectors and aspects of our society,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Atty. Kristine Yuzon-Chavez, executive director of the Philippine Commission on Women, underscored the importance of protecting women in the digital realm.

“There should be no room for privacy breaches, gender stereotypes, body shaming, sexual harassment, electronic VAW (Violence Against Women), and trafficking in persons in cyberspace. Instead, let’s make digital their space to thrive, connect, inspire, and excel,” Chavez said.