METRO MANILA — From online harassment to sexual exploitation, girls face risks that require stronger protection systems and coordinated action. These concerns took center stage at Girls Summit 2026, where Plan International Pilipinas and the Quezon City Government convened young people, public officials, and development partners to advance safer schools and communities.
Held in observance of the International Day of the Girl, the summit adopted the theme “Stand with Girls: Building the Future Girls Want.” Discussions highlighted the need to protect girls from violence and abuse while ensuring they have access to education, health services, mental health support, and opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
A central outcome of the gathering was the Girls’ Agenda, a set of recommendations developed by girls and young people. It calls for stronger protection from violence, improved access to health and support services, more resilient communities in the face of climate-related risks, and expanded educational and economic opportunities.
“Girls are not merely beneficiaries of development. They are leaders, innovators, advocates, and changemakers,” said Cathy Seco, Program Director at Plan International Pilipinas. “They already know what kind of future they want and deserve. Our role is to listen, support, and act alongside them.”
One of the summit’s five thematic panel discussions examined local government practices for addressing Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). Other sessions focused on mental health challenges in schools, climate impacts on sexual and reproductive health and rights, child, early, and forced marriages, and safe, inclusive school infrastructure.
Research highlights the scale of online safety concerns in the country. A 2020 Plan International study found that seven in 10 girls and young women in the Philippines had experienced online harassment. The US National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) also received more than 1.7 million CyberTipline reports from the Philippines in 2024. The reports relate to suspected exploitation material, not individual children, and point to the significant demands placed on systems responding to online abuse.
The summit also explored how climate-related crises can compound existing risks. Plan International’s global study Change Her Forecast, which surveyed more than 5,000 girls and young women across five countries, found that 76% reported difficulties accessing at least one sexual or reproductive health service in their communities following climate-related events. Thirty-six percent observed more girls marrying or entering a union before age 18, and 33% reported more unintended pregnancies.
These findings underscore the importance of safe and supportive schools, particularly during emergencies. Beyond providing education, schools can connect girls with support networks and information about rights, health, and available services.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte reaffirmed the city’s commitment to child protection and sharing local practices with other local governments.
“A city is only as strong as the safety it gives its girls at home, in school, and online. Quezon City has taken steps to protect children from abuse and exploitation, and we are ready to share what works so other local governments can do the same,” she said.
The afternoon sessions gave girl leaders the opportunity to present their experiences and recommendations to national and local government officials and stakeholders. Interactive workshops also generated community-based solutions aimed at making schools, neighborhoods, and online spaces safer.
Bea Marie A. Vicente, 22, an elected Sangguniang Kabataan member of Barangay Tanza 1 in Navotas City and a youth advocate of Plan International Pilipinas, called for safety systems that girls can rely on.
“Girls should feel safe at school, at home, and online. I want our leaders to make safety a real commitment, with systems that work, so that girls know where to go and who will help. When girls are safe, we can reach our full potential, but only if we have the same opportunities as everyone else to learn, lead, and earn a decent living,” Vicente said.
The summit concluded with a call for government, civil society, schools, businesses, communities, and families to work together to turn girls’ recommendations into sustained action.
As Plan International Pilipinas celebrates 65 years of service in the country, it continues to urge all sectors to #StandWithGirls and help build safer environments where every girl can learn, grow, and thrive.