GABAY: A Seminar Series for Youth on Legal Literacy, Safety, and Social Justice

        On September 30, 2025, I attended the seminar titled “GABAY: A Seminar Series for the Youth on Legal Literacy, Safety, and Social Justice.” It was conducted by GC OSWS at the GC Function Hall from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The focus of the session was “Youth and Cybercrime: Awareness and Prevention.” The seminar aimed to help us understand the importance of protecting ourselves online and becoming more responsible digital citizens.

Reflection and Learnings

        The seminar helped me understand the different risks we face when using technology and social media every day. We learned about RA 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which covers crimes such as cyberbullying, online scams, and hacking. What surprised me most was how common these issues are and how young people like us can easily become victims or even commit offenses without realizing it.

        One important lesson I learned is that preventing cybercrime starts with awareness and responsibility. The speakers shared simple but effective habits, such as creating strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and thinking carefully before posting or sharing anything online. These small steps can make a big difference in keeping ourselves and others safe.

        What stayed with me most was the idea that cybercrime does not just affect individuals. It can harm entire communities and even affect a country’s security. Being a good digital citizen is not only about knowing how to use technology but also about using it safely, responsibly, and ethically.

Practical Applications of Learnings

        The seminar made me realize how important it is to apply what I have learned in real life. From now on, I will be more careful about what I post and share online, and I will encourage my friends to practice safe online habits as well. Whether it is for schoolwork, communication, or social media, being alert and responsible can help prevent problems before they happen.

        It also reminded me that promoting online safety is not just about protecting ourselves. It is about helping create a safer digital space for everyone. Even small actions, like reporting suspicious activity or spreading awareness, can make a difference.

Positive Feedback

        I think the seminar was very timely and relevant, especially for students like us who are always online. The speakers explained the topics clearly and used real examples that made the discussion easy to relate to. I liked how the session connected laws with real-life experiences, making it both informative and practical.

Closing Thoughts

        Overall, the seminar was very insightful and helpful. I learned a lot about how to stay safe and responsible online. For future sessions, it would be nice to have more interactive activities, such as case studies or role-playing scenarios, to show how cybercrimes happen and how to deal with them. Providing extra materials or online safety guides would also be a great addition for students to review after the event.

Photos from the Seminar: