As the lead agency in social protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of the disadvantaged and vulnerable sector, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently hosted the ASEAN Conference on Working Toward a Cyber Pornography and Cyber Prostitution Free Southeast Asia.

The three-day conference aimed at enhancing the competency of ASEAN-member states in addressing the gaps to ensure responsive and comprehensive programs and interventions for victims of cyber pornography and cyber prostitution.

The Philippines saw the need to raise the issue of cyber pornography and cyber prostitution at the Regional (ASEAN) Level for a holistic approach in addressing the problem.

The DSWD noted that cyber pornography and cyber prostitution have become troublesome and ever-growing crimes. Modern technological advancement through information and sharing not only simplifies everyday life but also invites villains to take advantage of the technology to expose people, especially children and women to violence and exploitation.

DSWD Undersecretary Parisya H. Taradji who delivered the opening statement, underscored the important role of ASEAN member states to fight the increasing number of cases of cyber pornography and cyber prostitution in the Region. “We all have crucial roles to play to save the lives of vulnerable children and women, who are often the victims of such kind of exploitation,” Undersecretary Taradji said.

Representatives from 9 ASEAN countries including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam shared their country’s experience and initiatives in fighting cyber pornography and cyber prostitution. ###