The government is in talks with social media platform TiktTok on the possibility of establishing a Content Creator Academy to foster the creative spirit of Filipinos, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
“The two sides also discussed possible collaboration in establishing a content creator academy to nurture Filipino talent and creative spirit and pave the way for deeper digital integration in the country,” the trade department said in a statement on Thursday, revealing that they were strengthening existing partnerships and exploring potential collaborations to strengthen the country's innovative economy.
Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said his department's collaboration with TikTok was a “pivotal step” in advancing e-commerce in the Philippines.
“This partnership will significantly accelerate the growth and development of digital markets, benefiting businesses, consumers and the economy as a whole,” Pascual said.
The Trade Secretary also acknowledged TikTok's role in “strengthening” Philippine micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“The rapid adoption of e-commerce in the Philippines is crucial to transforming the productive sector, creating quality job opportunities, and improving the competitiveness of Philippine products on the global stage,” Pascual added.
A Philippine delegation led by Pascual was in Singapore to meet with TikTok representatives and discuss a possible partnership.
According to the DTI, the Philippine delegation “welcomed” the TikTok Safety Enforcement Tool (TSET), a platform designed to promote consumer protection.
TSET is a portal built for authorized government and law enforcement representatives to “securely” request and monitor the progress of content removal.
The DTI said it was “eagerly” considering implementing the TSET, but stressed that transparent information sharing on government reports was “critically needed.”
For example, the Philippine Department of Trade noted that with the passage of the Internet Transaction Act (ITA), all platforms, including TikTok, are expected to comply with regulations set out in the new law.
Pascual outlined the objectives of the DTI and Tiktok partnership, which is to empower small merchants in the Philippines, uplift communities and expand market access, especially in rural areas, as outlined in the E-Commerce Philippines 2025 roadmap.
Meanwhile, the Philippines' trade secretary has praised social media platform TikTok for its “swift” response to a subpoena issued by the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Bureau of Fair Trade Enforcement over the sale of e-cigarette products.
“To date, TikTok has removed 570 pieces of user-generated content and 337 related products, demonstrating its commitment to complying with local laws and regulations,” the DTI said.
“We encourage TikTok to continue to comply with relevant local laws and regulations. The Philippine government task force investigating the issues surrounding TikTok will remain impartial and provide the platform an opportunity to address and clarify our concerns,” Pascual said.
The DTI said TikTok is an “active” partner of the Philippine government in “shaping the future” of e-commerce in the country.
The agency also noted that social media platforms “provided valuable insights and participated in consultations on the Internet Transactions Act (ITA) and the upcoming E-Commerce Roadmap 2025.”
