A stealth mobile application that allows survivors of abuse to discreetly document evidence and seek help has emerged as the top winner of the National Models for Women’s Safety Online (NMWSO) Safety-by-Design Grand Challenge, held on Jan. 29 at Marco Polo Ortigas.
Luna / Safe (Cynder) was named grand winner for its survivor-centered platform that integrates safety, privacy, and harm prevention into its core design, demonstrating how digital tools can protect users before abuse escalates.
The winning application appears on users’ phones as a menstrual health tracker, allowing it to remain hidden from potential abusers. Behind the interface, it functions as a secure evidence diary and emergency response tool for women experiencing violence.
The app enables encrypted documentation, one-tap SOS alerts, and access to local violence against women and children (VAWC) support services. Its stealth features are designed to minimize risks of retaliation, coercion, and digital surveillance.
Organizers said the design reflects a strong understanding of the realities faced by survivors, especially in situations where openly using a safety app could trigger further harm.
Alongside Luna / Safe, two other Filipino teams were recognized for their safety-focused innovations.
Second place went to LIWA from Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa, a commuter safety platform that guides women and gender-diverse users to well-lit and safer routes using community-validated data and privacy-first design. The app aims to prevent stalking, doxxing, and misuse of personal information.
Third place was awarded to Alerto of WiredField Philippines, Inc., an AI-powered community safety system that integrates reporting tools, live CCTV feeds, SOS alerts, and smart sensors to support coordinated responses to emergencies, disasters, and protection-related risks.
Organizers said the three winning solutions addressed different forms of risk — ranging from intimate partner violence to commuter safety and community emergencies — while sharing a common emphasis on prevention.
Christine Sumog-oy, NMWSO country lead, said the selection of Luna / Safe and the other winners highlighted how technology grounded in lived experience and ethical design can strengthen participation, voice, and well-being in digital spaces.
The challenge was supervised by experts from Development Gateway, who underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in turning safety principles into scalable solutions.
All winning teams will receive seed funding and undergo six months of training and mentoring under the NMWSO program. The initiative aims to refine their platforms, strengthen institutional partnerships, and prepare their solutions for wider adoption.
Program mentors said the projects are viewed not as finished products, but as foundations for building a stronger digital safety ecosystem in the country.
The Safety-by-Design Challenge is part of NMWSO’s broader effort to address online and offline harms affecting women and children in the Philippines. It builds on earlier national assessments, stakeholder consultations, and technical training for developers.
The initiative is led by Development Gateway and IREX, with support from government, private sector, and civil society. The event partners included The New Channel, Rappler’s MovePH, and Digital Innovation for Women Advancement (DIWA).
