FOOTBALL FOR HUMANITY: SPORTS AGAINST ONLINE ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN

Football for Humanity

February 17-18, 2024 - Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño's Sports-for-All program facilitated collaboration with the Football for Humanity (FFH) organization to combat online crimes against children through sports. The FFH presented their advocacy to football players, parents, and coaches at Manolo Fortich Municipal Gymnasium.

More than 50 athletes registered on the first day, coming from Manolo Fortich National High School, Valencia City, Del Monte School, Montessori Football Club, Plantation Central Elementary School, among others.

The FFH is a non-profit organization established in 2017 that aims to use the power of play to protect children from abuse, threats, exploitation, and violence. A developmental sport in which football-focused interventions are used to address multifaceted social issues. FFH’s mission is to transform lives, educate, and empower communities, using sport as a catalyst for change. With nearly half a million Filipino children being targeted by sexual offenders via online platforms, the FFH advocates for using sports to limit children's online exposure to deter these crimes.

“Football helped me to see better versions of myself, especially on the field. Participating in sports is a great way to meet new people and develop friendships,” stated 13-year-old football player Bianca D. Gallenero from Manolo Fortich National High School.

Present were FFH President Christopher Stephen Thomas - a British National from the United Kingdom, along with Vice President and FFH founder Ma. Belen “Belle” Elvira S. Tiongco. Among the topics discussed were the awareness of OSAEC or Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children, expertly presented by Belle Tiongco and FFH Child Protection Officer John Rey Obligado. FFH Senior Coach Niño T. Lazo also discussed Children’s Rights, following the three major categories; Right to Life, Right to Survival, and Right to Development. Additionally, FFH President Chris Thomas deliberately responded to audience questions. A giveaway of an FFH t-shirt served as an incentive for the attendees to participate in the Q&A.

“Na-eexpose po ako sa mga communities, at nakikita ko kung gaano ka halaga ang magpunta sa community, gaya po ninyo, at doon makipag-ugnayan sa mga tao and see real stories on the ground. We are non-profit, we’re a charity,” Tiongco pointed out.

Vice Mayor Reynaldo Bagayas Jr., together with Sangguniang Bayan Members, Coun. Rina Quiño, Coun. Joy Cordovez, Coun. Raquel Bayacag, and SK Federation President Coun. Lennox Tabaco, were among the attendees of the activity, showing the full support of the municipality for the FFH's advocacy.

“Ang atong munisipyo naila as one of the highest numbers of teenage pregnancies, ug taas nga number sa CCL or Children in Conflict with the Law. Then nagpa-conduct og survey in terms og unsa may possible causes ana, and ang taas nga result is the use of internet,” Vice Mayor Bagayas cited, as a major factor supporting the significance of the advocacy.

Finally, the football practice and field demo, which included 280 players from 12 groups/clubs, took place on the second day. The Celestial Football Club, Holy Cross Football Club, OLLES Football Club, and Manolo United Football Club (FC) are among the 12 groups that participated. Using football's widespread appeal to engage, inform, and empower young athletes and communities, the event serves as both an athletic event and a significant educational platform. This collective effort not only enhances the physical and mental well-being of the participants through sports but also strengthens community bonds, with everyone working towards a common goal of creating a safer environment for children.