Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 29) — While the sporting world is at a complete standstill, Filipina jiu-jitsu world champion Meggie Ochoa is busy fighting a long-standing battle against child sexual abuse.
The 29-year-old athlete, a well-known advocate for children’s protection, is set to hold an online fundraiser that aims to aid families that are vulnerable to sexual exploitation especially in the time of crisis.
“I think it was International Justice Mission that said that from January to March 2020, nag-triple yung cyber tips so it means that it (child sexual exploitation) really significantly increased because of the quarantine,” Ochoa said in an interview with CNN Philippines.
“Children are in their homes spending a lot of time online and a lot of families have lost their jobs so everyone is desperate to feed their families. Even the perpetrators from all over the world have more time spent online so they can easily access the families here,” she added.
The online fundraiser organized by Ochoa together with her Poveda 2008 batchmates is a whole-day affair that will feature a series of workouts such as yoga, high intensity interval training, dance fitness, and jiu jitsu fitness.
Proceeds will be given to Project S.A.F.E., a community-based effort by the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries that aims to provide basic needs and equip families with knowledge to fight Online Sexual Exploitation of Children.
Communities in Taytay , Rizal and Iligan City in Northern Mindanao have been identified as the first beneficiaries based on rampant cases and rescue missions in the areas.
“The target amount is ₱600,000 but hopefully we get to raise more kasi we really want to reach as many families as possible in those areas. Dahil may pangangailangan nga ang tao, we don’t want that to be a reason for them to enter into OSEC,” said Ochoa.
Since launching Project S.A.F.E. earlier this month, Ochoa and company have raised about ₱260,000 and remitted funds to families in Iligan and Taytay.
A part of this initiative is also providing basic goods as well as enhanced packages for lactating mothers.
“We’re still kind of far from our target but we’ll get there. Itong ginagawa namin maliit na paraan lang ito. It won’t solve the entire problem but if you’re capable of doing something that can help then why not,” Ochoa said.
According to the multi-awarded Asian Games and SEA Games medalist, she’s also open to launching a fundraising campaign with fellow national athletes in order to reach more families around the country.
For more details on Sweat to Protect and Project S.A.F.E., interested participants and donors may register via bit.ly/projectsafe2020.
