Sonny M. Versoza, News, Communication Management Office
In an effort to promote media and information literacy among young Filipinos, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) of the Office of the President held a forum titled “Usap Tayo, Bayan Muna” on August 1, 2025, at the Bulwagang Balagtas, Ninoy Aquino Library and Learning Resources Center, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) A. Mabini Campus.
The event featured Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro of the PCO as the guest speaker, engaging students from the PUP Laboratory High School (LHS) and Senior High School (SHS) in a timely and relevant discussion on the importance of responsible media consumption in the age of widespread disinformation. The initiative seeks to arm the youth with critical thinking skills, fact-checking tools, and civic awareness to counter the rapid spread of fake news and misleading narratives.
“Kayong mga kabataan ang may kapangyarihan. Ang boses ninyo, kapag nagsama-sama kayo para sa katotohanan, ay kayang labanan ang fake news. Kayo ang may power na i-shape ang kinabukasan ng bansa,” said Usec. Castro as she emphasized the role of young citizens in upholding truth and shaping the future of the nation. (The youth have the power. Your voices, united in the pursuit of truth, can stand against fake news. You have the power to shape the future of our nation.)
One of the central topics addressed during the forum was the spread of disinformation surrounding the West Philippine Sea dispute, which was presented as a case study on how media narratives can shape public perception and impact national interest.
In attendance were Vice President for Research, Extension and Development Dr. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin, PUP Senior High School Principal Assoc. Prof. Michelle Sotto, PUP Laboratory High School Principal Assoc. Prof. Christine A. Del Rosario, and other LHS and SHS officials, demonstrating the University’s strong commitment to supporting national efforts in fostering informed and empowered citizenship among students.
Grounded in the values of truth, civic responsibility, and patriotism, “Usap Tayo, Bayan Muna” serves as a call to action for the Filipino youth to be vigilant, discerning, and proactive in the digital landscape. This advocacy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), by promoting media literacy and lifelong learning, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), by promoting active citizenship and stronger democracies through access to reliable information.
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