Telecommunications firms PLDT and Smart, in partnership with the Department of Justice’s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT), are promoting cybersecurity awareness among children through storytelling.
To mark Safer Internet Day 2025, PLDT and Smart invited Rey Bufi, founder of The Storytelling Project, to read the storybook Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala (The Adventures of Tala) to grade school students at St. Alphonsus Ligouri Integrated School and Victorious Homeschool.
Developed with Kids for Kids PH and the Positive Youth Development Network, the book follows Tala as she explores the metaverse, learning about her rights and the importance of online safety. The story introduces children to risks such as cyberbullying and inappropriate content.
“The internet offers unlimited information to children, both good and bad. We have to help them learn how to discern which is which,” said Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, who joined the storytelling session.
PLDT and Smart launched the book during National Children’s Month in 2024 as part of efforts to combat human trafficking and violence against children. The book includes interactive activities to reinforce online safety awareness.
“We at PLDT and Smart believe that it is vital to help children develop safe online habits,” said Stephanie Orlino, assistant vice president and head of stakeholder management at PLDT and Smart. “The book does this through the power of storytelling, teaching children to be #CyberSmart while fostering kindness and responsibility online.”
DOJ Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne Lapuz said the agency remains committed to working with public and private organizations to ensure safer digital spaces for children.
PLDT and Smart’s initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal No. 16, which seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies and end violence and exploitation against children.
Ang Paglalakbay ni Tala is available as an eBook here: https://bit.ly/AngPaglalakbayNiTala.
