In response to ITU’s Call for Action, the Philippines through the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) as lead implementing agency, celebrated the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2009 with a kick-off program last May 19, 2009 at the Club Filipino, Greenhills, San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The May 19, 2009 WTISD program also coincided with the annual celebration of National Electronics and Telecommunications Week (NETW) from May 17 to 23 under Proclamation No. 238, s.1988. Simultaneous programs were held in other regions of the Philippines , specifically in Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

The highlight of the kick-off program was the signing of a Resolution by high level officials representing a group of committed stakeholders from the government, ICT Associations, private sector, academe and the media. Equally important was the video message from the ITU Sec. General Dr. Hamadoun Tourè which set the tone for the program. In addition, there were presentations and sharing of actual cases on cyber crimes involving children and insights from authorities, IT Associations, NGOs, technology providers and law makers as well as law enforcers on the theme: “Protecting Children in Cyberspace”.

A group picture taken after the Program and Signing Ceremony on May 19, 2009. Philippines. All attendees are wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “ Make IT Safe”.

The program was organized with the support of Telecommunications Office (TELOF), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Electronics and Telecommunications Federation (PETEF), ECPAT, Philippine Association of Private Telephone Companies (PAPTELCO), Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO), National Cyber Security Coordination Office (NCSO), the Senate and other institutions. The program was aired on TV, radio and broadcast in coordination with TV 5,Bantay Bata Program of ABS-CBN, Studio 23, Broadcast Phils. and Bombo Radio. The whole-day program was a convergence of 86 high-level participants/officers representing 38 offices/organizations.

The Resolution which was signed by 47 officials and 10 children during the program formally organizes the National Committee for the Protection of Children in Cyberspace (NCPCC). The NCPCC will be comprised of representatives from the government, private sector, academe and the ICT industry who have shown sincere commitments to the cause, under the leadership of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT). The NCPCC shall be a continuing body to serve not only for the Day but throughout the year and the future. The work of the NCPCC shall constitute a valuable resource in assisting government, parents, educators, business prosecutors, law enforcement, professionals, and academe. Organizations and specially the ICT industry and internet service providers shall engage in public awareness and child victimization issues.

Upon the signing of the Resolution, CICT shall immediately convene an interim NCPCC Task Force composed of technical experts, representing such number of a balanced group from among the stakeholders, to draw the structure, working groups and the necessary logical support, as may be needed to ensure initial implementation of the Resolution. In addition, the same sector also gathered signatures calling for the immediate passing of Senate Bill No. 2317 known as “Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2008”.