Bohol receives regional award 

for child protection ordinance

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The provincial government of Bohol was recognized by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Region 7 for its child protection efforts through the passage of its Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (Anti-OSAEC) ordinance.

The award was conferred by IACAT-7, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“This ordinance is the fruit of collaboration with child rights advocates, NGOs, law enforcement agencies, IBP-Bohol, prosecutors, educators, business owners, tourism stakeholders, and most importantly, survivors and their families,” said 2nd District Board Member Jamie Aumentado-Villamor.

Villamor herself received the award of recognition during a ceremony held at the Cebu Port Authority on July 30.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last year urged the government and the public to take collective action and exert extra effort to eradicate cases of OSAEC during the “Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon: Tapusin ang Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Ngayon Summit 2024” in Makati City.

The President emphasized the need for the government to strengthen its efforts against the sexual exploitation of children online.

“For us to allow this to happen in our country, it brings to me an overwhelming sense of shame because being in government, being in public service, we are not doing enough. We must do more,” a teary-eyed President Marcos said.

Commitment to child online safety

On April 8, 2025, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed an ordinance, authored by Villamor, showing the province’s strong commitment to child online safety.

The ordinance seeks to establish strong preventive mechanisms, raise public awareness, improve coordination with national agencies, and ensure access to justice and support services for every child in Bohol.

Villamor hopes that the recognition fuel the continued commitment, not only in implementing the law with compassion and vigilance, but in constantly evolving and expanding the local measures to create safer, more nurturing spaces for children online and offline.

“Congratulations, Bohol! This recognition belongs to all who took part in the journey of protecting our children,” added Villamor.

During the launching of Plan International Pilipinas’ research titled “Safeguarding Young People from the Dark Path of Self-Facilitated Live-Streaming of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA)” on July 24 in Tagbilaran City, Program Director Cathy Seco emphasized the need for coordinated, multi-sectoral action to effectively address online sexual exploitation of children.

“Local governments like Bohol are leading the way by working with non-government organizations, communities, and enforcement agencies to address online sexual exploitation of children at the local level,” Seco said. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

Board Member Jamie Aumentado Villamor, who authored the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (Anti-OSAEC) ordinance, with the award of recognition from the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) 7 during a ceremony held at the Cebu Port Authority on July 30. (Photo from Jamie Aumentado Villamor FB page)