By Leonardo Micua
In response to the rising incidence of youth suicides attributed to social media, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Dagupan City has enacted an ordinance that establishes a comprehensive digital parenting and online safety program aimed at protecting minors, particularly children who frequently engage with digital platforms.
Titled the “Dagupan Digital Parenting and Youth Online Safety Ordinance of 2026,” Draft Ordinance No. 0-022 was introduced by Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo. His recent privilege speech garnered widespread support for the initiative, highlighting social media’s possible role in the tragic deaths of three young individuals from Dagupan.
Emphasizing the profound emotional, psychological, and social effects of digital platforms on youth development, Tamayo stated that this ordinance— the first of its kind in the nation—aims to create the Dagupan Digital Parenting and Youth Online Safety Program, which will function as an integrated framework to address the digital risks faced by minors.
This initiative will fall under the purview of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), with backing from the City Health Office, DepEd Dagupan, Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children, the City Legal Office, the City Information Office, the Women and Children Protection Desk of the Dagupan City Police Office, and other relevant public and private stakeholders.
A key component of the program is the Dagupan City Teen Center, which is designed as a safe, inclusive, and supervised environment for structured learning, mentorship, open discussions, and peer engagement.
The Teen Center will offer preventive and early intervention services for adolescents dealing with cyberbullying, online harassment, digital addiction, anxiety, depression, self-harm thoughts, and related psychosocial issues, in collaboration with the CSWDO and the City Health Office.
Additionally, the Teen Center will roll out digital literacy and media education initiatives that cover responsible online behavior, misinformation awareness, critical thinking, and managing digital footprints.
To further support the program, the Dagupan City government will implement a confidential online reporting portal, a dedicated hotline, an official email address, and clear procedures for referring cases involving criminal activity to the appropriate authorities.
Funding for the initiative will be sourced from the Gender and Development (GAD) Fund for mental health aspects, the 20% Development Fund for capacity-building efforts, and the annual budget allocated to the CSWDO and related offices. Future funding needs will be included in the Annual Investment Plan and Executive Budget.
In launching this initiative, Councilor Tamayo underscored that social media itself is not the adversary; rather, without proper guidance, limits, and support systems, it can become a vehicle for bullying. He stated, “We owe our children not just connectivity, but protection. Not just access, but guidance. Not just freedom, but support.”