PLMun, DivinaLaw, and FMA champion online safety and digital accountability for youth

Demonstrating a shared commitment to youth empowerment, the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun), the DivinaLaw Foundation, and the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) joined forces to host a legal education seminar titled “Safe Spaces Online: Legal Rights, Mental Health, and Responsible Social Media Use for the Filipino Youth” last August 11, 2025 at the Soroptimist International of Alabang (SIA) Hall, PLMun. The forum brought together student leaders, freshmen, faculty, and legal professionals for an afternoon of dialogue, learning, and advocacy.

The seminar was part of DivinaLaw’s Dulog Legal pro bono initiative, which aims to make legal services and education more accessible to communities. Now in its 11th run since launching in 2022, Dulog Legal continues to grow in impact, with a particular focus on helping young Filipinos navigate the legal and ethical challenges of the digital age.

The event opened with remarks from Atty. Raul R. Corro, Muntinlupa City Councilor and DivinaLaw legal consultant, who stressed the importance of cultivating safe and respectful digital environments. He urged students to be vigilant in protecting their rights and mental well-being amid the growing risks inherent in the digital world.

Tackling online abuse and gender-based violence

In the first session, Christina Lopez, gender program officer and digital security trainer at FMA, delivered a talk titled “Confronting Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV),” where she discussed the increasing prevalence of digital abuse and how malign actors disproportionately target women and marginalized groups. To effectively address this issue, Lopez emphasized the need for stronger community support and the enactment of policy reforms to protect those at risk.

Lopez’s talk was followed by Atty. Jay-r Ipac’s, a partner at DivinaLaw, in-depth discussion on the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313). He clarified the law’s coverage in terms of protecting Filipinos from gender-based sexual harassment in physical and digital spaces, and ensuring safe environments for all genders. Students were also guided on how to seek legal support when faced with harassment.

Apart from the series of discussions, DivinaLaw lawyers facilitated a free legal consultation clinic. Students were able to raise concerns and receive guidance on various topics from online harassment and data privacy to student rights and family law. FMA also handed out care kits, educational materials, and complimentary ProtonVP subscriptions to the participants to encourage them to safely navigate the digital world and protect their identities online.

Advancing legal empowerment and human rights in the digital age

The event aligned with PLMun’s mission to produce civic-minded leaders equipped to thrive in the digital era. During the event, student leaders were given the chance to voice the need for more proactive and inclusive policies within their schools. In collaboration with their school’s gender office, the students began discussions on creating stronger frameworks that protect student rights, promote gender equity, and encourage ethical digital engagement. This reflects students’ growing commitment to transform academic spaces into safer, more equitable environments.

Participants also expressed interest in engaging the local government unit of Muntinlupa in future conversations on human rights and technology. This plan garnered  Atty. Raul Corro’s support, and through it, the student body aims to integrate digital rights into local governance policies, ensuring that emerging technologies align with principles of transparency, accountability, and human dignity.

Legal awareness as a foundation for safer spaces

The program wrapped up on an encouraging note, as students voiced their appreciation for the legal knowledge and practical skills they had gained. Awareness is the foundation of legal empowerment, and every student should have a safe space to learn, express, and thrive, be it online or offline.

Photos are courtesy of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa