TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — In a proactive effort to curb the spread of information disorders across social media, the head of the Philippine Information Agency has called on young netizens to take an active role in combating disinformation.
Director General Katherine Chloe S. De Castro of the Philippine Information Agency, speaking at a symposium on the West Philippine Sea held at Cagayan State University, encouraged nearly 600 youth participants to help raise awareness and educate the public on media information literacy.
De Castro highlighted the growing prevalence of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation that spread across social media platforms, often with the intent to mislead or deceive.
“There is a lot of false information circulating right now. It is crucial that we promote the truth and actively fight against fake news,” De Castro said.
She also pointed to several instances of disinformation concerning the West Philippine Sea, particularly those that undermine the country’s sovereign claims in the area.
“Don’t believe the false narratives from others who seek to claim what is rightfully ours. We all love the Philippines—these are our islands, and these are our waters,” she said.
De Castro also announced that the PIA has forged a strong partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard to visit universities and colleges nationwide.
“Together, we will conduct media information literacy symposia to foster greater awareness and transparency regarding the country’s efforts in the West Philippine Sea,” De Castro added.
Through these initiatives, the PIA aims to empower the youth to become more discerning digital citizens, equipped with the tools to identify and challenge disinformation, ultimately promoting a more informed and united nation.(OTB/PIA Region 2)
