As more Filipinos embrace digital services for everyday transactions, knowing how to stay safe online has become an essential part of consumer protection. Around 500 individuals from the senior citizens, women, youth, and vendor sectors across communities in Misamis Oriental—including Initao, Naawan, and Talisayan—and Davao City have strengthened their digital safety skills through PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc.'s (Smart) #BeCyberSmart sessions, conducted in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Integrated into DTI's Consumer Education Seminars, the sessions equipped participants with practical knowledge on how to identify online scams, recognize suspicious links and fraudulent schemes, secure online transactions, and adopt responsible digital habits. In Davao City, the seminars were held in Barangays Talomo, Buhangin, and Cabantian, bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, women, and youth to learn about both consumer rights and online safety.
Senior citizens in Cagayan de Oro learned how to spot online scams through PLDT and Smart's #BeCyberSmart session during the consumer protection caravan organized by DTI Misamis Oriental.
“We at PLDT and Smart are glad to work with DTI to bring conversations about online safety closer to communities and help more Filipinos feel confident and secure whenever they go online. Cybersecurity doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes, knowing what to look out for can make all the difference,” said Judee Chaves, Smart’s Mindanao Relations Head.
"DTI Misamis Oriental highly values the partnership with PLDT and Smart for its significant contribution to consumer empowerment and digital safety. Through its #BeCyberSmart advocacy, PLDT and Smart serve as an important force multiplier in DTI's consumer protection efforts, extending critical cybersecurity and anti-scam education to communities. By fostering greater digital awareness and responsible online behavior, PLDT and Smart help create consumers who are not only informed of risks but are also capable of protecting themselves and others in an increasingly connected world," said DTI Misamis Oriental Consumer Protection Division Chief Loraine Brillantes.
Barangay workers in Davao City participated in a #BeCyberSmart session conducted by PLDT and Smart during the consumer education seminar organized by DTI Davao City.
Beyond cybersecurity, DTI's Consumer Education Seminars also covered key consumer protection topics, including consumer rights and responsibilities, product standards and safety, fair trade laws, and mechanisms for seeking redress. The program aims to empower Filipinos to become informed, responsible consumers who can make sound purchasing decisions and confidently assert their rights in both physical and digital marketplaces.
"We are grateful to PLDT and Smart for their partnership and for sharing essential tips on how to 'BeCyberSmart Against Scams' during our Consumer Education Seminar. Thank you for helping us keep our consumers safe and informed," said Mae Caminade, Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist, DTI Davao City.
Through #BeCyberSmart, PLDT and Smart continue to equip Filipinos with practical cybersecurity knowledge that enables them to navigate the digital world more safely and confidently. The initiative forms part of the PLDT Group's broader digital inclusion and cybersecurity advocacy, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by promoting safer digital communities, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals through collaborations that strengthen consumer protection and digital resilience.
