Until All Are Free: CPNC Learns to Stand for the Vulnerable

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves." — Proverbs 31:8

Last June 18, 2026, laughter filled the room as students competed in a spirited game of “Pula Puti.” Cheers echoed from one corner to another as high school and college students battled for victory. For a few moments, it was a scene of pure joy—a typical gathering of young people enjoying fellowship and friendly competition.

Yet as the program progressed, the atmosphere shifted.

The smiles remained, but they were soon accompanied by moments of silence, reflection, and concern. What began as a fun and engaging session during Central Philippine Nazarene College’s HEART Talk became a sobering encounter with a hidden reality affecting thousands of Filipino children.

The HEART Talks - Holistic, Educational, Artistic, Revival, and Transformational Talk - featured a special guest from the International Justice Mission (IJM) Philippines, an organization dedicated to protecting vulnerable people from violence and exploitation. Through the ministry and advocacy of IJM, the CPNC community was invited to look beyond the walls of the classroom and into one of the darkest crises facing the nation today: Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).

The program opened with Rev. Leo J. Mahanlud, OIC President of CPNC, facilitating an icebreaker that energized the crowd and encouraged student participation. The high school department ultimately emerged as the champion, earning applause and celebration from their peers.

Soon afterward, the tone of the gathering changed as Rev. Evan Rey Macasa, College Chaplain, introduced the day’s speaker, Mr. Andy Alegre, Community Partnerships Supervisor of IJM Philippines.

Standing before students, and faculty, Mr. Alegre shared stories and realities that many found difficult to imagine. He explained that OSAEC is not merely a distant issue reported in the news. It is a growing crisis occurring within communities and homes across the Philippines.

As statistics and realities were presented, the audience listened intently. Many were shocked to learn that hundreds of thousands of Filipino children have become victims of online sexual exploitation. Equally disturbing was the revelation that many perpetrators are people within the victims’ own communities.

For some students, it was the first time they had heard of OSAEC.

For others, it was the first time they realized how widespread the problem had become.

But amid the troubling realities came a message of hope.

Mr. Alegre explained that organizations like IJM are working tirelessly to rescue victims, strengthen law enforcement efforts, support legal action against perpetrators, and equip communities to protect children. He emphasized that the fight against exploitation requires collective action. Churches, schools, families, community leaders, and ordinary citizens all have a role to play.

His challenge was clear: make exploitation difficult and risky for traffickers and abusers.

More importantly, he reminded the audience that protecting children is not solely the responsibility of organizations or government agencies. It is a calling for everyone who values human dignity and justice.

For a Christian institution like CPNC, the message resonated deeply.

As future educators, ministers, community leaders, and professionals, students were reminded that their faith must extend beyond personal spirituality and into active compassion for those who are vulnerable. The call to follow Christ includes standing with those whose voices are often unheard and defending those who cannot defend themselves.

The event concluded with a presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to Mr. Alegre and the International Justice Mission Philippines. Rev. Josefin Ano-os, Dean of Student Affairs, joined in recognizing IJM’s valuable contribution to the CPNC community. Students, faculty, and staff gathered afterward for photographs, capturing not only memories of the event but also a renewed commitment to a cause greater than themselves.

Yet perhaps the most significant outcome of the HEART Talk was not the certificate, the photographs, or even the statistics presented.

It was the awakening of awareness.

It was the realization that behind every number is a child with a name, a face, a family, and a future.

It was the reminder that the Church must remain a voice for justice in a broken world.

As the program ended and students returned to their classrooms, one message lingered in their hearts: the fight against exploitation is far from over. There are still children waiting to be rescued, families longing for healing, and communities called to action.

And until every child is safe, until every victim finds freedom, and until justice is served, the mission remains the same: Until all are free.