Manila, Oct. 30 -- In line with the celebration of the National Children's Month (NCM) this November, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has called on duty-bearers and the public to strengthen efforts in combatting online sexual abuse and exploitation of children and the proliferation of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (OSAEC-CSAEM).

"Let this National Children's Month be our renewed affirmation to stand firm and united in ending OSAEC-CSAEM once and for all - because the safety and future of our children should never be compromised," DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in a statement on Thursday.

By virtue of Republic Act 10661, the observance of NCM yearly is aimed at commemorating the significance of...