Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil on Wednesday committed to empower the next generation to become “responsible digital citizens” through the agency’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) project.
In her closing remarks during the “Media and Information Literacy Campaign: Maging Mapanuri Conference” in Makati City, Garafil said empowering the youth in the digital era is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration among a wide variety of stakeholders, including media, educators, civil society, as well as the public and private sectors.
“As we discussed MIL and responsible internet use, it’s vital to recognize that we are shaping the future for our youth. The knowledge and insights gained here will empower educators, parents, and communities to guide the next generation in becoming responsible digital citizens,” Garafil said.
“Most importantly, we have discussed that this endeavor is a shared responsibility. No single entity can achieve this alone. It requires the collective effort of stakeholders from various sectors, as we have seen throughout this conference,” she added.
Garafil stressed the need for collaboration with various stakeholders to “combat misinformation, promote digital literacy, and create a safer, more informed, and connected society”.
“Today celebrates the remarkable input and positive collaborative efforts between the media, education sector, tech industry, civil society and the Philippine government. These partnerships underscore the importance of uniting for the common good. In a world where information is easily accessible and the digital space is ever expanding, the need for collaboration becomes paramount,” she added.
The PCO’s MIL Campaign summit coincided with the observance of Communications Month, the PCO’s anniversary, and UNESCO’s Global Media and Information Literacy Week.
Among the resource persons during the event included Ivan Mayrina of GMA7, Atty. Yves Gonzales of Google, Atty. Toff Rada of Tiktok, Katherine Jane Nagpala of UNACOM, Monrawee Ampolpittayanant of X Southeast Asia, Richelle-Sy Kho of PAMIL, Melinda Tormes-Quinones of MIL for ASEAN Network and PCO Undersecretary for Digital Media Services Emerald Ridao.
Representatives from the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government also attended the MIL conference.
Garafil also recognized invaluable partners in the private sector, such as Google, TikTok, Meta, and X formerly Twitter.
She expressed hope that the combined efforts of all sectors in advocating for MIL will have a positive impact on a more informed, mindful and digitally responsible society.
“Let us carry the message of this conference forward, making a positive impact in our communities and the world as we march together towards a Bagong Pilipinas,” Garafil said.
During the signing of a memorandum of understanding on MIL campaign on Aug. 14, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the Filipinos to always fight for and seek the truth.
“When we signed the MIL campaign, what I wrote is fight for the truth. What we are fighting for is the truth because the very first casualty of all of these sometimes sinister, sometimes mistaken or misguided activities is the truth,” Marcos said.
The MIL program will also be brought to the communities. (PNA)