Google, together with Filipino folk pop band Ben&Ben recently launched a new song to promote internet safety and digital responsibility. Entitled “Mag-Ingat” (Be Safe Online), the new song is part of Google’s commitment to help Filipinos in using the internet safely and responsibly.
The two-and-a-half song addresses online threats including scams, misinformation, and catfishing. It also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and always verifying information using trusted sources to protect oneself and others. It also reminds netizens to be watch out for bad elements that lurk the online space.
The newest single from the young band ends strongly with a bridge conveying that online safety is a shared responsibility as people are all stewards of the digital world, and that it’s in the hands of netizens to use the internet and care for the online safety of one another.
The catchy and lively tune was written and written and performed by Ben&Ben, the Philippines’ #1 local artist of 2021. The award-winning nine-piece act is known for mixing Filipino folk music with pop to create songs about hope, love, and positivity.
“Filipinos are highly social people and most of us interact with one another digitally. In such a world, it’s no wonder that while the internet brings so many advantages, it also opens us up to many dangers if we are not careful enough. With ‘Mag-ingat,’ we wanted to use our music to spread awareness on such a timely and important issue–because all of us are responsible for making sure that the internet is a safe and positive space for everyone.”
– Miguel Benjamin of Ben&Ben
“Internet safety is so important to Google. Beyond tools, products, and policies that enable us to help people stay safe online, we deepen our local partnerships to promote digital responsibility. By partnering with Ben&Ben and through their music, we believe that we can teach internet safety to more people in a way that deeply resonates with and becomes part of their everyday lives.”
– Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Google Philippines
Apart from implementing security measures like the two-step verification process as well as security and password checkups, Google has also introduced programs such as Be Internet Awesome with the Department of Education, and supported NGO campaigns like the Cyberpeace initiative of Teach Peach Build Peace Movement, all in the name of Digital Responsibility.
“We thank Google for being a steadfast partner in promoting and upholding the digital safety of Filipinos, and Ben&Ben for creating an anthem that will remind every Filipino who listens to it to ‘mag-ingat’ and take steps into becoming responsible netizens.”
– Atty. John Henry Naga, National Privacy Commissioner
Watch the “Mag-ingat” music video on Ben&Ben’s official YouTube channel. It’s also available on all digital music services worldwide.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
