MANILA, PHILIPPINES – TikTok, the world’s leading short-form video platform, has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to empower Filipino teachers with enhanced skills in digital safety and responsible online engagement through TikTok Galing, the platform’s first digital literacy training program for teachers.
TikTok Galing is designed to help integrate digital literacy and cyber safety into DepEd’s existing media and information literacy curriculum, providing teachers with practical strategies to guide students in navigating the digital world responsibly. The program also addresses critical topics such as misinformation, spotting fake news, and ethical content creation, building on DepEd’s existing policies and initiatives to safeguard young students from online risks.
“Our partnership with DepEd reflects TikTok’s commitment to fostering a safer, more responsible online environment,” said Peachy Paderna, Public Policy Manager for the Philippines at TikTok. “TikTok Galing bridges teachers with the knowledge and resources to guide students in exploring digital platforms safely, creatively, and confidently. Together, we can help build a digital space where Filipino youth thrive and express themselves responsibly.”
Empowering teachers through digital responsibility
The program complements DepEd’s broader push to modernize learning environments and cultivate a culture of responsible digital citizenship among students, parents, and educators. By equipping educators with practical knowledge and skills to integrate digital literacy into their teaching, TikTok Galing aims to help students critically evaluate information, spot misinformation, and develop healthy digital habits, strengthening their role in fostering responsible and informed digital citizens.
The first session was held at Biñan Science and Technology High School in Biñan, Laguna, which featured Dr. Rachel Khan, Janvic Mateo, and Kara David from the University of the Philippines, College of Media and Communication, who shared insights on navigating online information, fostering critical thinking, and promoting ethical storytelling. Teachers also participated in expert-led sessions covering TikTok’s Community Guidelines, privacy and safety features, and practical strategies for guiding students in responsible digital expression.
“As the Philippine education system continues to navigate digitalization, ensuring that students can safely and responsibly engage online is a national priority,” said Cilette Liboro Co, Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and External Partnerships. “Through TikTok Galing, we are empowering our teachers to integrate digital literacy and cybersafety into their classrooms, helping students navigate online information, recognize misinformation, and make responsible online decisions. This partnership reinforces DepEd’s commitment to preparing learners who are safe, informed, and confident in the digital world.”
“In the classroom, teachers act as students’ second guardians, helping young Filipinos interact with the digital world safely,” said Dr. Rachel Khan, a journalism professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, College of Media and Communication. “Our goal is to equip educators with the critical skills needed to navigate today’s complex media landscape, so that they can help students critically evaluate information, spot misinformation, and develop healthy digital habits. This initiative strengthens teachers’ role in fostering responsible and informed digital citizens.”
A holistic approach to digital literacy
TikTok Galing is aligned with TikTok’s broader cause to promote digital safety through a holistic, multi-sectoral, and educational approach. Earlier this year, TikTok launched the #ThinkTwice digital literacy campaign to encourage its Filipino community to think critically about the content they consume, create, and share, while reminding them of their role in maintaining a safe and positive online space.
In addition, TikTok protects its community from harmful misinformation and partners with experts to respond to evolving misinformation trends, to help get ahead of emerging issues at scale, ensuring the platform remains a safe and positive space for its Filipino community.
