With freedom comes responsibility.

Whether we believe in this dictum or not, a local Internet solutions provider has already taken upon itself the role of ''safeguarding'' Filipino kids' minds via a filtering technology for a growing Philippine Internet market.

Netsafe,' a service by Infocom Technologies, is a devise that would block out adult chat rooms, as well as racist, pornographic, satanic, and other web sites that deemed ''unsuitable'' for children who access the Internet.

Netsafe's search engine monitor--dubbed XStop-blocks Internet searches for pornography and other adult sites. Log-On Data Corp. also has a program that would keep employees from receiving offensive e-mail. A California-based solutions provider and Internet engineering company, Log-On has already blocked out over 100,000 web sites and has stopped counting since. To this day, it has a team of full time ''guardians'' against obscene websites.

Local counterpart Infocom has also assigned a dedicated team of guardians for the local web sites. It encourages parents and adults to bring to its attention any site they feel is not fit for children's viewing.

''But we did not stop at offering this service, we also thought of encouraging the child to go and search and find out the wealth of information that's out there for him or her to discover on the Internet without the dangers of encountering sites unsuitable for kids,'' said Ardie Balderrama, Infocom vice president for marketing.

Along with its filtering function, the service comes with a one-stop destination for children that contains links to educational web sites like HBO for Kids, Children's Television Workshop and Cartoon Network. Other sections include My Activity Book, My Toy Store, My Library, My Playground and For Mom and Dad.

''We realize that there are specific niche markets that have different interests in the Philippines. Because of this we wanted to go further than filter the Internet and data. We also want to give them a little more,'' said Balderrama.

During the launch, Infocom showed how the search engine blocked out the site that contained instructions for making explosives. It also blocked graphic sites on Satanism and an adult site called Planet Mojo.

Infocom noted that Bohol representative Ernesto Herrera cited Infocom's efforts to promote children's safe use of the Internet. Herrera, who is a convenor of Network Against Sexual Abuse of Children, said ISPs should follow the example set by Infocom.

''The explosion of Internet pornography is a serious problem that requires strong response from service providers and government regulators,'' Herrera was quoted as saying.

Herrera, however, stressed that he preferred self-regulation.

''Service providers themselves should take measures to protect minors from lewd photographs, obscene literature, racial hate sites and other undesirable content,'' he said in an issued statement distributed by Infocom. Herrera added that it is difficult for the government to regulate Internet use without risking being accused of censorship.

It was also cited in a statement how the legislation passed by the US congress to curb Internet pornography was dumped by the US Supreme Court ''for abridging free expression.'' In the Philippines, several bills seeking to control computer pornography are pending in the Congress.