Alena, 16, is from Zamboanga City, Mindanao. She grew up in a street situation where survival shaped her childhood. At a very young age, she already witnessed the difficult realities of economic exploitation and child labor in her community – experiences that exposed her to vulnerability, stigma, and fear long before she should have had to confront them.
Her life began to change through her engagement with Katilingban sa Kalambuan Org. Inc. (KKI), a partner-organization of Child Rights Coalition Asia (CRC Asia) in Zamboanga under the Step up the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation of Children (SUFASEC) Program. There, she found not only protection but also mentors who offered leadership development and a safe platform where her voice truly mattered.
Over time, Alena grew in confidence and began speaking out about sexual exploitation of children (SEC) as a youth leader, challenging stigma and shame in her community.
Gen Z Feels for Reels
The most significant shift in Alena’s journey came in May 2025, when she joined Gen Z Feels for Reels: Listening to Children on Digital Rights, a three-day children’s consultation organized by CRC Asia, ChildFund Philippines, Childfund Korea, and Meta, in partnership with the Down to Zero Alliance Philippines.
Before the event, Alena saw social media primarily as a space for expression and connection. The consultation, however, deepened—and transformed—her understanding.
“Ang pagdalo sa Gen Z Feels for Reels ay naging mahalagang pagbabago sa aking buhay. Binuksan nito ang isipan ko at nagpalakas ng loob ko. Ipinakita sa akin kung paano maaaring magsama-sama ang digital creativity, impluwensiya ng kabataan, at kamalayan sa online risks upang makalikha ng tunay at makabuluhang epekto.” (“Attending Gen Z Feels for Reels became a significant turning point in my life — an experience that opened my mind and strengthened my confidence, showing how digital creativity, youth influence, and awareness of online risks can come together to create real and meaningful impact.”)
Childfund Philippines and Child Rights Coalition Asia are co-implementing the Promoting Digital Literacy for Learning and Optimized Online Protection (Pro-Digital LOOP) Project under a partnership that supports a safe and empowering digital environment for children in the Philippines.
“Bilang isang kabataan na naglalakbay sa mundo ng social media at na pinapahalagahan ang personal growth at career growth, binago ng event na ito ang pananaw ko sa henerasyon namin – tinulungan akong makita ang aming potensyal at kung paano naming ito magagamit sa mas responsable at maayos na paraan.” (“As a young person navigating through social media, personal growth, and future careers, this event changed my view of our generation – helping me see our potential and how we can use it wisely and responsibly.”)
The discussions on misinformation, online grooming, scams, parental controls, and freedom of expression helped her see that digital spaces are shaped by decisions, power, and design – not only trends.
Seeing Technology Differently
A key part of the consultation was learning about Meta’s AI tools. Instead of seeing AI only as entertainment, Alena began to view it as something that could either protect or harm children depending on how it is used.
“Sa pag-aaral ng mga tools ng Meta AI, nagbago ang aking pagtingin sa teknolohiya – mula sa simpleng libangan tungo sa isang bagay na maaaring sumuporta sa pagkamalikhain, kaligtasan, at koneksyon.” (“Through learning about Meta AI tools, my view of technology changed – from seeing it as mere entertainment to understanding it as something that can support creativity, safety, and connection.”)
Learning about smart filters, automated moderation, and creative tools helped her realize that young people must not only be users of technology – they must also be critical thinkers and advocates for safer digital systems.
From Participant to Advocate
After actively sharing her ideas at the consultation, CRC Asia invited Alena to collaborate further and share her story across the region. This marked another shift in her life.
“Pagkatapos ng Gen Z Feels for Reels, nagbago ang aking papel… Nakita nila hindi lamang ang aking mga karanasan, kundi ang aking potensyal na magbigay-inspirasyon sa ibang kabataan.” “After Gen Z Feels for Reels, my role changed… They saw not only my experiences, but my potential to inspire other young people.”
The biggest transformation was how she now understands her voice.
“Binago ng pagkakataong ito kung paano ko ginagamit ang aking boses — mula sa pagiging ordinaryong bata lamang, tungo sa pagiging youth advocate na nagsusulong ng makabuluhang pagbabago.” (“This opportunity changed how I use my voice — from being just an ordinary child to becoming a youth advocate pushing for meaningful change.”)
Alena’s journey illustrates how meaningful child participation — especially in spaces like Gen Z Feels for Reels — can transform a child’s future – from survivor, to leader, to a child rights advocate.
She did not just knowledge; it redefined her role in the digital world and in the child rights space.
