Both parties are looking to strengthen digital marketing initiatives intended for the tourism sector, as well as counter misinformation online.
On Monday, October 6, Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco, along with Assistant Secretaries Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Ina Zara-Loyola, and Judilyn Quiachon, and Director Michael Jan Menzon, met with representatives of TikTok Philippines, led by Public Policy Manager Peachy Paderna and ByteDance Philippines Head of Public Policy Yves Gonzalez, at the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Office.
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.
Frasco welcomed the continued engagement with TikTok as part of the ongoing measures to harness digital innovation in promoting the country’s destinations and local enterprises.
She noted, “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 also emphasized that social media platforms 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, and, in turn, protecting the reputation of the country as a whole as a tourist destination,” added Frasco.
For TikTok, Gonzalez presented the platform’s proposed efforts to support government programs through capacity-building initiatives.