EMPOWERING A DIGITALLY RESPONSIBLE SOCIETY: PCO SECRETARY CHELOY VELICARIA-GARAFIL’S INSPIRING VISION

PRESIDENTIAL Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil’s passionate call for a more informed, mindful, and digitally responsible society in the face of the proliferation of fake news is not only commendable but also timely.

In a world where information flows rapidly through various media channels, it’s vital that both the public and private sectors come together to address this challenge.

Her vision of a world where media and information literacy are not just theoretical concepts but lived experiences is a powerful one. This shift is crucial for ensuring that individuals are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.

The fact that this call for action coincided with the observance of Communications Month and UNESCO’s Global Media and Information Literacy Week highlights the significance of this initiative. It’s heartening to see the government and various sectors recognizing the importance of media and information literacy.

Garafil extended her appreciation to both the private and public sectors for their significant contributions to the PCO’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Campaign summit.

Notably, the summit featured a distinguished panel of resource persons, including prominent figures like Ivan Mayrina of GMA7, Atty. Yves Gonzales representing Google, Atty. Toff Rada from Tiktok, Katherine Jane Nagpala of UNACOM, Monrawee Ampolpittayanant hailing from X Southeast Asia, Richelle-Sy Kho of PAMIL, Melinda Tormes-Quinones representing MIL for ASEAN Network, and the presence of PCO Undersecretary for Digital Media Services, Emerald Ridao. Their participation contributed significantly to the summit’s success and effectiveness.

The diverse lineup of distinguished resource persons, including representatives from the media, tech industry, civil society, and government agencies, shows a strong commitment to addressing the issue of misinformation collectively. The presence of partners from the private sector underscores their commitment to the cause, which is a significant step in the right direction.

Garafil’s emphasis on the collaboration between the public and private sectors is especially noteworthy. In an era where information is easily accessible and the digital space is ever-expanding, it’s clear that tackling the challenges of misinformation and promoting digital literacy requires a united effort. This kind of collaboration is essential to building a safer, more informed, and connected society.

One of the most uplifting aspects of Garafil’s message is her focus on empowering the next generation. Recognizing that the knowledge and insights gained from initiatives like the “Media and Information Literacy Campaign” will shape the future for the youth is an inspiring thought. It’s a reminder that responsible digital citizenship begins with education and community involvement.

Garafil’s commitment and optimism regarding the joint efforts of all sectors in promoting media and information literacy are truly commendable. Her vision for a more informed, mindful, and digitally responsible society, where misinformation is effectively combatted, is a goal worth pursuing.

With the shared responsibility and collective effort of stakeholders, we can work together to achieve a safer and more enlightened digital world for all Filipinos.

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