As part of the Linggo ng Kabataan celebration, our office through SEDcollabs partnered with the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Sto. Niño Norte, Arevalo for a Cyber Awareness Symposium on August 30, 2026, bringing together young people for an important conversation on digital safety, cybersecurity, and responsible social media use.
We were joined by resource speakers who shared practical knowledge to help our youth become more informed and vigilant in navigating the digital world.
Atty. Deo Virgil Tan, Legal Officer of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), discussed concerns involving telecommunications, including the proper use and registration of SIM cards, different scams and fraudulent activities, as well as the emerging use of Artificial Intelligence in carrying out scams, reminding participants to remain vigilant and verify information before responding or sharing personal details.
Mr. Kent Armel P. Jaragbas, Assistant Focal from the Office of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation – National ICT Planning, Policy and Standards and Public Information Officer of DICT Region VI, meanwhile, talked about social engineering and online scams, as well as practical ways to identify suspicious messages, calls, and online interactions, while emphasizing the importance of protecting our personal information and thinking before we click, respond, or share.
We also had the opportunity to talk about “Responsible Use of Social Media,” focusing on both the opportunities and challenges that come with our increasingly digital lives. Social media can be a powerful tool for connection, information, and expression, but it also comes with responsibility.
This is what SEDcollabs is all about. Working together with organizations and institutions that have meaningful initiatives for our communities. We are grateful to the SK of Brgy. Sto. Niño Norte, headed by SK Chairperson Hon. Joshua Andrew Abacajin, for initiating this timely project and for allowing us to collaborate in making this conversation possible.
Thank you as well to the Barangay Officials of Sto. Niño Norte, headed by PB Hon. Dianalyn Minerva, for your support.