Cavite State University’s (CvSU) Gender and Development Resource Center (GADRC) conducted an impactful event, “Safe Spaces, Big Impact! How Influencers Can Champion Online Safety for All” on September 26, 2024.
This virtual event, held via Zoom and Facebook Live in celebration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, aimed to equip social media influencers and everyday users with tools to promote safe and inclusive digital spaces.
The event attracted thousands of participants, majority of which are women (65.84%), highlighting a broad commitment to online safety. The program had three core goals: raising awareness of gender-based online harassment, equipping influencers with tools for online safety, and encouraging advocacy for respectful digital behavior.
This activity opened with remarks from Dr. Marlon R. Pereña, emphasizing the importance of responsible internet use amid rising cyber risks. After an engaging game to energize participants, the first discussion was led by cybersecurity expert Col. Francel Margareth Padilla-Taborlupa. She focused on the cyber risks linked to geopolitical tensions, specifically around the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing the need for cybersecurity resilience, especially against misinformation and privacy-invasive apps.
Following this, Atty. Chel Diokno delivered a talk on the responsibilities of social media influencers in promoting safe online spaces, particularly through a gender lens. He discussed key legislations including the Safe Spaces Act, the Anti-Bullying Act, and the Data Privacy Act, urging influencers to be advocates for truth and respectful interactions online.
The event wrapped up with an open forum and closing remarks from Prof. Emeline C. Guevarra who reinforced the need to empower influencers as champions of online safety. Through this activity, CvSU’s GADRC effectively highlighted the role of influencers in creating inclusive digital spaces, fostering a collective responsibility for online respect and safety.
