MORE than 150 teachers in Cebu enhanced their knowledge on cybersecurity and data privacy at the #CyberSmart caravan held recently at Soong Elementary School in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City.

The caravan featured a series of learning activities on internet safety, social engineering, online child protection and fake news, among other hot topics.

PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. organized the #CyberSmart caravan to help strengthen the knowledge of teachers on timely issues such as online safety and cybersecurity. By enhancing their cyberskills, the teachers will be more equipped to safeguard their students on the perils of using the internet.

During the activity, the teachers went around the various interactive installations; joined virtual reality games, online quizzes and relay races; and listened to talks by experts, who also encouraged the participants to ask questions.

“There are many possibilities now when it comes to the capabilities of the internet. With the #CyberSmart caravan, we hope to impart to teachers skills that they can also use to guide their students, who are increasingly online and have access to more and more information,” said Darwin Flores, Smart community partnerships head.

The resource speakers included Elijah Mendoza of Smart public affairs, Geri Cauilan and Yvette Tuazon of Smart cybersecurity operations, Max Limpag of InnoPub Media and Pamela Uy of Bidlisiw Foundation.

“The lesson here is that we are already in this digital space. So, we have to inform the children on how to be safe online. It’s not just about getting internet access, but it’s also about how to access the internet safely,” said Uy.

Cebu is among the provinces with high incidents of cybercrimes, including those committed against children.

The Cebu activity was the second leg of the #CyberSmart caravan, which had its first run at Don Alejandro Sr. Science and Technology High School in Quezon City in September 2019.

The #CyberSmart caravan will go around various schools and universities nationwide to help teachers and students strengthen their online safety and cybersecurity knowledge. (S)