Youth urged to fight misinformation, fake news

The PIA chief also assured the public that his agency will double its efforts in protecting the community from the vicious cycle of misinformation. (Photo: Philippine Information Agency/Facebook)

MANILA — Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold Clavite on Saturday underscored the role of the youth in combatting the rise of fake news and misinformation.

During a forum entitled “TAYO Talks: The Youth Project” held at Landbank Plaza in Manila, Clavite encouraged the youth to be more discerning and responsible in the use of social media, which is a common platform used to exacerbate the spread of fake news and hoaxes.

The PIA chief also assured the public that his agency will double its efforts in protecting the community from the vicious cycle of misinformation.

“In a world of confusion, especially in the Internet and social media, we need to step up as an organization to make sure our people are not misled by false information, fake news,” Clavite said.

“It’s an important time for all of us to wake up together and talk about these matters head-on. We should not allow our gadgets and social media to take over lives and our communities… Maging responsible sa social media,” he said.

For her part, National Youth Commission (NYC) chair Aiza Seguerra urged the youth to focus on “being kind” rather than “being right all the time” including in social media.

“There’s so much division now, alam nating lahat yan. Pero naniniwala ako and I hope kayo yun, ang mga kabataan natin… I hope that more than focusing on being right all the time, we focus on being kind to one another and inspire one another,” Seguerra said.

The TAYO Talks: Metro Manila with the theme “THE YOUTH PROJECT: Seek. Inspire. Empower.” featured a youth forum highlighting five selected TAYO alumni stories to inspire the young Filipinos in Metro Manila.

The event is aimed at sharing best practices of the youth, building a network of active school-based and community-based youth organizations of Metro Manila, and providing opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.