Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco met with representatives of TikTok Philippines at the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Office to discuss potential collaborations aimed at countering misinformation, and strengthening the Department’s digital marketing initiatives for the tourism sector.
Frasco welcomed the continued engagement with TikTok as part of the Marcos Administration’s thrust to harness digital innovation in promoting the country’s destinations and uplifting local enterprises.
“We value collaboration. That’s one of our most dependable measures by which we’re able to communicate what we are doing for the country and ensure that the work we do has maximum impact on those who depend on the success of the tourism industry,” the tourism chief said.
“Media platforms such as TikTok must be used as a force for good, upholding truth, fostering positivity, and protecting the country’s reputation.”
The tourism head emphasized that social media platforms such as TikTok must be used as a force for good, upholding truth, fostering positivity, and protecting the country’s reputation.
“While we are respectful of the people’s constitutional right to express their opinions, we are also very conscious of the necessity of propounding the truth and protecting it.”
“While we are respectful of the people’s constitutional right to express their opinions, we are also very conscious of the necessity of propounding the truth and protecting it, and, in turn, protecting the reputation of the country as a whole as a tourist destination,” she added.
From the TikTok side, Public Policy Manager Peachy Paderna and ByteDance Philippines Head of Public Policy Yves Gonzalez presented the platform’s proposed efforts to support government programs through capacity-building initiatives.
Discussions centered on empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in tourism through upcoming training programs designed to enhance their digital literacy and help them effectively promote their tourism-related products and services online.
Among those present were DOT Assistant Secretaries Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Ina Zara-Loyola, and Judilyn Quiachon, and Director Michael Jan Menzon.
