PLDT and Smart, together with the Department of Justice Interagency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT), is helping develop the #BeCyberSmart culture among children through storytelling.
In observance of the 2025 Safer Internet Day, PLDT and Smart invited Rey Bufi, founderofThe Storytelling Project, to read the storybook ‘Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala’ (The Adventures of Tala), to grade school students of St. Alphonsus Ligouri Integrated School and Victorious Homeschool.
Co-developed with Kids for Kids PH and the Positive Youth Development Network, the book follows Tala as she enters the metaverse where she learns about her rights and to ensure that these are protected. She also becomes aware of the various dangers on the internet.
The Adventures of Tala also contains curated activities to further develop cybersecurity awareness among children. The book aims to help young readers identify and avoid threats in the cyberworld including cyberbullying and inappropriate materials.
The book was launched during the celebration of the National Children’s Month in 2024 in support of the efforts of the DOJ to end human trafficking and violence against children.
“We at PLDT and Smart believe that it is vital to help children develop safe online habits,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.
“The book does this through the power of storytelling. It teaches children not only to be #Cybersmart, but also to be kind, respectful, and responsible digital citizens,” she added.
“The internet offers unlimited information to children, both good and bad. We have to help them learn how to discern which is which in the materials they see online,” said Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, who also participated at the storytelling session.
“We, at the Department of Justice, are committed to fostering partnerships with public and private organizations that share the common mission of creating safer environments for children both online and offline. This commitment is aptly reflected in this year’s Safer Internet Day theme – Digital Bayanihan, para sa Kabataang Ligtas at Protektado Online,” said DOJ Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne S. Lapuz.
PLDT and Smart’s initiatives to create a safe digital environment for children and their collaboration with like-minded organizations underscore the Group’s long-term commitment to help the country attain UNSDG No. 16 which promotes just, peaceful and inclusive societies including the end to abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.