A senator wants to declare February 10 of each year as National Safer Internet Day in an effort to create a safe, secure and favorable online environment for more than 44 million Filipino users daily.

“While the Internet exposes the public to a wealth of information and varying perceptions, lack of safeguards and controls on the web has allowed for unregulated trade markets and cyber abuses,” Sen. Bam Aquino said in his Senate Bill No. 2637.

“Everyone needs to be involved in making our connectedness online safe and secure,” added Sen. Bam.

Through the celebration of National Safer Internet Day, Sen. Bam said the public would be reminded of “our responsibilities as patrons of the Internet.”

“We need to change our passwords from time to time, be more cautious with our online deals and transactions and put parental controls for children,” cited Sen. Bam.

According to the Terre des Hommes Netherlands Philippine Country Office, the Philippines now has 44 million internet users, majority of whom view social network sites 15 billion times every month.

The group also said the Philippines has 30 million Facebook users while more than 28 Million people are mobile Internet users. 

“It is also a venue to discuss the constantly changing landscape of the World Wide Web and discover how best to maximize the ever-expanding online realm,” Sen. Bam said.

Through the Internet, Sen. Bam said news is readily available to the public, disaster preparedness has improved and the business landscape has changed for the better.

“What’s more, the Internet is constantly growing and changing. We are only beginning to understand its implications and tap into its capabilities,” he added.

Sen. Bam has also probed on the slow and expensive Internet connection in the country.

According to ASEAN DNA, the Philippines (3.6 megabytes per second) lags behind Laos (4.0 Mbps), Indonesia (4.1 Mbps), Myanmar and Brunei (4.9 Mbps), Malaysia (5.5 Mbps) and Cambodia (5.7 Mbps).

Sen. Bam sees that E-Commerce will also empower online entrepreneurs who promote and sell their products on the Internet.

“E-Commerce could provide more opportunities for livelihood and earning, locally and globally. With Filipinos being online savvy, the world is our market and our opportunities are limitless,” he added.