FEB.

13, 2015

NR # 3741

Declare February 10 as National Safer Internet Day - solon

A lawmaker is set to file a measure proposing to declare February 10 as National Safer Internet
Day in the country to see to it that every Filipino Internet user observes safety in dealing with the
technology.
Rep. Alfredo D. Vargas III (5th District, Quezon City) said by declaring the National Safer Internet
Day, every users safety is ensured while exhausting the benefits of the Internet.
Albeit useful, the Internet also has its perils. Because of its accessibility, many risks are also
being confronted by the users minors and adults alike, said Vargas, vice-chair of the House
Committees on Health and Social Services.
According to Vargas, while the Internet, as a technology, has been very helpful to every Filipino,
with almost all kinds of information made accessible to virtually everyone, it has also its perils, ranging
from simple addiction to the technology to pornography.
Vargas said data show that around 45% of the Philippine population has access to the web.
Facebook alone has about 30 million Filipino registrants, 40% are young adults (18 to 24 years old) and
15% are teenagers (13 to 17 years old).
Evidently, as the population of the country increases, the number of Filipinos gaining Internet
access also increases. A very alarming phenomenon is the so-called computer addiction. Aside from
computer addiction, pornography is also a major issue, Vargas said.
Computer addiction has ruined many lives resulting in broken families, compromised jobs and
disrupted education, among others. This is because of the prevalence of Internet cafes in all types of
neighborhoods; children of school age engulf themselves with too much gaming mostly online, he said.
This has believably affected the mental well-being of the young and is tantamount to alcohol and
drug addiction, Vargas stressed.
In filing House Bill 5429, Vargas said it is the obligation of the State to promote safer and more
responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people
across the country.
Under his proposal, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is directed to
plan, design and implement programs and activities in celebration of the National Safer Internet Day
every year in close coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Other national government agencies, local government units, and other government
instrumentalities shall actively participate in the activities of this celebration.
With the technology of the Internet now easily accessible to almost everyone, it is now time that
safeguards are instituted to protect users, be they are adults or minors, from the dangers the Internet
poses, Vargas stressed. (30) lvc