“Maging Matalino, Huwag Magpaloko, #ThinkTwice!” joint initiative empowers Filipinos with tools to spot illegal recruitment red flags and stay safe online
30 July 2025 – TikTok, the world’s leading short-form video platform, has partnered with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to protect Filipinos from online job scams. The partnership aims to equip overseas job seekers with helpful tips through an Online Resource Hub and three-part video series under TikTok’s flagship digital literacy campaign, #ThinkTwice.
During the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which took place on World Day Against Trafficking, the two organizations highlighted their shared commitment to protecting Filipinos through meaningful education and enhanced digital safeguards.
“At TikTok, safety is a commitment embedded into every aspect of our platform,” said Peachy Paderna, Public Policy Manager, Philippines at TikTok. “Through our #ThinkTwice digital literacy campaign, we empower users to make responsible and informed decisions and we are proud to collaborate with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to keep Filipino job seekers informed, empowered, and safe online.”
“Illegal recruitment schemes are evolving, and so is our approach to protecting our hardworking kababayans and modern-day heroes,” said Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. “Our Anti Job-Scam campaign has been working tirelessly to eradicate fraudulent job posts over the years, and we have found a powerful synergy with TikTok’s #ThinkTwice digital literacy campaign to expand and strengthen our efforts. This partnership marries our causes to reach and equip more Filipinos with the knowledge and tools to avoid job scams.”
Empowering Filipinos to spot scams and make informed decisions
The first video in the series, titled “Backdoor Exit Route”, focuses on illegal exit routes, often disguised as legitimate overseas job opportunities. These routes are commonly used by human traffickers to smuggle Filipinos out of the country without going through legal procedures. The video urges viewers to remain cautious and to always consult the DMW’s legal pathways for applying to work abroad.
Two more videos will be released to equip Filipino job seekers with the knowledge to spot fake recruiters and avoid falling victim to online job scams. These upcoming videos will provide practical tips, real-life red flags, and actionable checklists aimed at empowering job seekers, especially first-time applicants, to navigate the recruitment process safely and confidently. TikTok and the Department of Migrant Workers are also jointly developing an Online Resource Hub, aimed at raising awareness about the most common overseas recruitment and employment frauds. The page will be easily accessible to users on the TikTok platform.
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