Government agencies, the private sector, and advocacy groups have launched an education campaign to boost online consumer protection.
The “Be Wais” Civic Education Campaign aims to raise awareness about different types of scams, helping people recognize and avoid online fraud.
The campaign began on May 11, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, led by Bayan Academy and Citizen Watch Philippines.
Representatives from the Departments of Information and Communications Technology, Justice, Migrant Workers and Trade and Industry, as well as Securities and Exchange Commision, and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines attended the event, along with partners SM Supermalls and Meta.
The campaign features educational videos showing common scam tactics, which will be shared on social media by participating organizations.
The key message is to ‘Be wise and skeptical (Be wais at magduda)’ when encountering potential scams.
In 2023, the Philippine National Police reported over 19,000 cybercrime incidents, mostly online scams, reflecting a nearly 70% increase from the previous year.
SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino emphasized the need for financial literacy and stronger enforcement to combat scams.
DMW secretary Hans Cacdac highlighted the importance of empowering OFWs and their families to make wise financial decisions.
Bayan Family of Foundations chairman and president Francisco Enrique Bernardo III stressed the need for public education to combat online fraud.
Eric Florimon Reed of USAID Philippines deputy director of Economic Development and Governance underscored the importance of consumer trust for a resilient digital economy.
SM Supermalls joined the campaign to help protect Filipinos online. President Steven Tan emphasized the partnership with Meta to create a secure digital space.
Meta director of Public Policy for Philippines, Thailand, and Myanmar Clare Amador called for a collaborative approach to tackle scams, involving the tech sector, banks, government, and civil society.
