DOMINITECH

On November 5, 2025, adult residents of Brgy. Bayanan gathered in the barangay hall for the “NETWISE: Safety and Security” event. The volunteer IT students from St Dominic College of Asia greeted them with warm smiles and a clear message: just like we secure our homes, we must also protect our online lives.

The session opened with a discussion of common digital risks weak passwords, free public Wi-Fi, phishing messages and how these threats affect everyday users in the Philippines. Next, participants moved through interactive stations: spotting scam emails, learning how to enable two-factor authentication, and reviewing their own privacy settings.

An older participant admitted she used the same password for many apps; with guidance, she replaced it with a stronger pass-phrase and enabled extra security. Another asked about shopping over free Wi-Fi; a volunteer advised avoiding sensitive transactions on open networks. 

In the final part of the activity, attendees wrote a personal “Digital Safety Pledge” for example: “I will update my apps monthly,” or “I will think before I click links I don’t recognise.” The volunteers handed out simple leaflets summarising core tips for staying safe online.

When the event closed, the participants left feeling more confident and aware equipped not only with information, but with a commitment to safeguard their digital presence. And in Brgy. Bayanan, the morning marked a meaningful step toward a more secure and “net-wise” community.