Manila, Philippines – In celebration of Safer Internet Day 2026, Globe Telecom partnered with Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) to host ‘The Secret Digital Map: Exploring AI and Online Safety for Families’, an interactive learning session held at the National Museum of Fine Arts.
The event brought together children, parents, and educators for a morning of storytelling, guided discussions, and hands-on activities focused on data privacy, artificial intelligence, and responsible technology use. It also forms part of Globe’s year-long collaboration with CANVAS at the National Museum, anchored on the children’s book ‘Safe Space: A Kid’s Guide to Data Privacy’.
Designed to make complex digital topics easier to understand, the session used art and narrative to help families discuss online safety in ways that feel relevant and approachable. Through guided activities, participants also explored how AI works in everyday life and what families can do to stay safe in digital spaces.
Moreover, the event aligns with the global call of Safer Internet Day to build a safer and more respectful online environment, particularly for children and young people. For Globe, it also reflects a long-term commitment to responsible digital citizenship that goes beyond access to include education, protection, and empowerment.
“Children are growing up in a digital-first world,” said Atty. Irish Saladanan-Almeida, chief privacy officer and vice president for AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy at Globe. “As a company that champions responsible digital citizenship, Globe is here to help families navigate that world safely, starting with conversations like this. Our goal is to empower both kids and parents to make smart, informed choices online.”
“Technology creates new ways for children to learn and explore, but it also asks families to stay mindful of privacy, safety, and the choices young people make online,” privacy commissioner Atty. Johann Carlos S. Barcena of the National Privacy Commission shared.
He added, “At the NPC, we work to protect personal data, especially for children who may not always realize the risks. Conversations like today help families build healthy habits and create safer digital environments at home.”
Meanwhile, for CANVAS, the collaboration reinforces the role of art and storytelling in shaping social awareness among young audiences.
“We believe stories have the power to shape minds and inspire action. Collaborating with Globe on the Safe Space initiative allows us to use art and storytelling to address issues that affect children today,” said Annette Ferrer, deputy executive director of CANVAS. “Grounding topics like AI and data privacy in visuals gives families confidence to continue the conversation at home.”
The event also featured short discussions on responsible AI use and data privacy led by Globe representatives Derick Ohmar Adil and Karen Panisales, highlighting simple, age-appropriate ways families can build safe and mindful digital habits together.
Moreover, ‘Safe Space: A Kid’s Guide to Data Privacy’ remains available in English and Filipino, with Globe stating it plans to continue expanding efforts aimed at helping young Filipinos navigate digital spaces.
