Project Swipe Safe is being rolled out in Cagayan de Oro City to help children and young people better understand online risks and build safer digital habits.
Implemented by Xavier Science Foundation, Inc. (XSF) in partnership with ChildFund Philippines and the City Council for the Protection of Children of Cagayan de Oro City, the program focuses on practical digital safety skills that can help protect young people from online abuse, exploitation, and violence. PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. are supporting the initiative by donating mobile phones and connectivity devices for facilitators conducting training sessions and other project activities.
Building practical online safety skills
Project Swipe Safe uses a mobile application and training package developed by ChildFund Australia. First launched in Vietnam, the program has since been adopted in several countries across the Asia-Pacific, with the Philippines now joining the rollout and Cagayan de Oro serving as the pilot site.
The training introduces children to key concepts about the internet, helps them develop personal safety plans, and encourages positive online behavior through guided learning activities. This gives students practical tools they can apply when using social media, messaging platforms, websites, and other connected services.
“The project helps children learn key concepts about the internet, develop personal safety plans, and practice positive online safety behaviors through engaging and meaningful learning experiences,” said Sheila de Lima, project manager of Xavier Science Foundation.
Five schools to participate
The program will be implemented in Mambuaya National High School, PN Roa Sr. National High School, Kauswagan National High School, Lapasan National High School, and Cagayan de Oro City High School – Junior High School Campus.
Across the five schools, Project Swipe Safe is expected to reach more than 10,000 learners, making the pilot a significant local effort to strengthen digital literacy and child protection at the school level.
Technology and responsible digital citizenship
“At PLDT and Smart, we promote the use of technology because it enables people to learn, connect, and build communities. But equally important is teaching online safety,” said Roby Alampay, public engagement head at PLDT and Smart.
“By supporting partners like Xavier Science Foundation and initiatives such as Project Swipe Safe, we not only help protect young people but also empower them to become advocates of responsible digital citizenship. We want them to look out for the people they care about and help build a safer digital world.”
The initiative forms part of wider efforts in Cagayan de Oro to address online sexual abuse and exploitation of children through cooperation among local government, civil society organizations, and private sector partners.
It also aligns with the PLDT Group’s support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
More information about PLDT is available through the PLDT website.