As digital transactions accelerate, the Philippines is increasingly turning to citizen-led and cross-sector solutions to combat online fraud—moving beyond enforcement-only approaches toward prevention, education, and shared responsibility.
One such approach is gaining traction. The Scam Watch Pilipinas Anti-Scam Quad Model, a framework that integrates behavioral change, volunteer action, institutional cooperation, and technology-enabled reporting, is cited as a scalable response to rising digital financial harm.
Global validation
The model’s growing influence has drawn international attention. Its co-founder, Jocel de Guzman, was named to the Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards (MAIA) Global Top 50 Change Makers 2025 list.
MAIA recognizes individuals advancing financial literacy, inclusion, and consumer protection worldwide.
MAIA founder Michael Gilmore said the Change Makers list is not a ranking but a recognition of measurable impact across regions and sectors.
De Guzman is the only Filipino included in the 2025 cohort and one of six Asians among the 50 change makers selected globally.
What he’s saying
De Guzman said the recognition reflects collective effort rather than individual achievement.
“This acknowledgment belongs to Scam Watch Pilipinas volunteers, partners, media practitioners, policymakers, and ordinary Filipinos who believe online scams should not be treated as an unavoidable part of digital life,” De Guzman said.
He added that the recognition helps amplify advocacy against online fraud and open doors for deeper collaboration.
“I hope this contributes to the wider adoption of the Scam Watch Pilipinas Quad Model,” he said.
How the model works
Authored by de Guzman, the Quad Model treats digital safety as a shared responsibility. It combines public education, volunteer scam watchers, cross-sector coordination, and technology-enabled reporting to reduce fraud risks before losses occur.
On the ground
Founded in 2023 by de Guzman and Art Samaniego, Scam Watch Pilipinas has expanded rapidly.
In 2025, it helped institutionalize 1326 as the National Anti-Scam Hotline, expanded reporting via eGovPH eReport and Scam Vault PH, and launched campaigns such as UnMatchPH and HolidayWatchPH.
The group also shifted from digital-only advocacy to community-based training through Scam Watch Pilipinas On-The-Go, working with local governments and rolling out Volunteer Watcher programs for senior citizens, retirees and pensioners, mothers, students, public school teachers, and media practitioners.
Recent milestones
National hotline institutionalized
Multiple tech-enabled reporting tools deployed
Community trainings expanded nationwide in 2025
Who else made the list
Other Asian honorees include Frances Yong of Singapore, Pei Ming Goh of Singapore, Hieu Minh Ngo of Vietnam, Karthik Rangappa of India, and Surya Banda of India. Global honorees also include content creator Pierogi and Global Anti-Scam Alliance managing director Jorij Abraham.
What’s next
The recognition comes amid continued international exposure for Scam Watch Pilipinas. In 2024, it was cited as Top 2 Best Global Anti-Scam Campaign at the GASA Scam Fighter Awards, and the Quad Model was presented at the Global Anti-Scam Summit in Singapore. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
