CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) continues to strengthen its commitment to raising youth awareness about the West Philippine Sea through a symposium held in Calamba City, Laguna, on Wednesday, March 19.
In partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), National Youth Commission (NYC), and the City Government of Calamba, the event gathered more than 500 Sangguniang Kabataan officials and students from various universities and colleges in Laguna.
PIA Regional Head Ma. Cristina C. Arzadon emphasized that the symposium aimed to equip the youth with the knowledge needed to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation about the West Philippine Sea.
“Layunin ng pagtutulungan na ito na labanan ang pagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon tungkol sa West Philippine Sea at palakasin ang kamalayan ng mga kabataang Pilipino upang matutong kumilala ng wasto at makabuluhang impormasyon,” said Arzadon.
She added measures involving the youth such as fact-checking initiatives, face-to-face engagements, and awareness campaigns are crucial in countering false information and promoting meaningful public discourse.
The event provided a platform for the youth to deepen their understanding of their role in combating fake news through the PIA’s Maging Mapanuri campaign, which was discussed by PIA Laguna Information Center Coordinator Christopher Hedreyda.
Meanwhile, the NYC, through Assistant Secretary Karl Jose Legazpi, shared insights on how the youth can contribute to national advocacy efforts, particularly in strengthening the country’s stance on the West Philippine Sea. He emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns launched by the commission to promote nationalism and patriotism among the youth.
PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tariella, discussed the Philippines’ sovereign rights and maritime security in the region. He stressed that the youth have a vital role to play in safeguarding national interests.
PIA Director-General Katherine Chloe S. De Castro also graced the event and encouraged the youth to use their influence in the fight against the proliferation of fake news on social media.
Citing the youth’s strong influence, De Castro emphasized how they can lead efforts in sharing and verifying accurate information about the West Philippine Sea.
Bea Dabut, a student from Laguna State Polytechnic University, thanked the PIA, PCG, and NYC for equipping them with knowledge on the West Philippine Sea issue. She stressed that, as the nation’s next generation, they must take an active role in protecting the country’s interests and ensuring that accurate information is shared. (FC, PIA4A)
