Albay: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the National Youth Commission (NYC) collaborated to lead a symposium aimed at educating the youth on combating fake news, with a particular focus on issues of national importance such as the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The event was held on Tuesday and attended by students from the University of Santo Tomas Legazpi.
According to Philippines News Agency, PIA Director General Undersecretary Katherine de Castro highlighted the influential role of Filipino youth on social media in the battle against misinformation. She emphasized the importance of discerning the truth amidst the spread of fake news, particularly concerning the West Philippine Sea, and urged the youth to be vigilant in identifying and labeling false information.
De Castro explained that the PIA actively engages in media and information literacy campaigns throughout the country, focusing on grassroots engagement. She noted the effectiveness of face-to-face interactions in gathering opinions and insights, encouraging young people to be cautious about sharing unverified information.
PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela, the spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, underscored the necessity for public awareness about the real situation in the WPS. He stressed the significance of understanding the challenges faced by local fishermen and the reasons behind the government's stance on the issue. Tarriela highlighted the government's goal of creating a long-term educational impact on the Filipino populace, with a focus on nurturing patriotism through informed understanding.
NYC Assistant Secretary Karl Josef Legazpi shared their collaborative efforts with the Sangguniang Kabataan and local youth organizations to enhance awareness about the WPS. He emphasized the importance of integrating the WPS advocacy into the consciousness of young Filipinos and outlined plans for ongoing engagement through information campaigns and training programs.
The forum also reached Sorsogon State University in Sorsogon province on Monday, expanding the initiative's reach and reinforcing the shared commitment to fostering informed and active citizenship among the youth.
