PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday urged youth leaders here to become advocates of truth and help the government fight fake news.
Andanar, here for a dialogue with representatives of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation and district coordinators of Davao City, raised again the vital role of young people in nation building, particularly their contribution in the war against disinformation.
“Just as we in PCOO recognize the important role of the young generation in combating fake news, we recognized our role as the primary communications arm of the government in inviting the youth to take on their responsibility,” he said.
Andanar said PCOO provides a platform and opportunity for engagement among the youth in the country through the Youth for Truth radio program where genuine stories from the youth can be heard.
“Through the Youth for Truth program, we aim to inspire the young people to actively take part in various relevant and pressing societal issues,” he said.
He added: “It is the government’s commitment to cultivate and empower the youth as it will be a great waste if these young potentials will not be given opportunity to express their creative ideas and exercise their special gifts.”
Andanar introduced the Youth for Truth radio program to the Davao youth leaders and brought the Dismiss Disinformation forum in the city to widen its support and involvement in PCOO’s campaign against fake news.
Vinci Beltran, PCOO director and Youth for Truth host, called on the SK federation leaders to take part in the radio program as correspondents where they can share information and facts about Davao City.
Beltran said the PCOO needs the help of the youth to spread the good news and the truth about the government, particularly on the programs and services for the youth like scholarships.
“We want to reach the youth because we could use the power, idealism, enthusiasm, the passion, the energy of the youth to counter, to dismiss disinformation. Also, we want an informed youth,” she intimated.
The Youth for Truth radio program is being aired over Radyo Pilipinas 738kHZ on Fridays, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Beltran urged the youth to also share their vlogs through the Youth for Truth Facebook page.
PCOO adviser and Dismiss Disinformation spokesperson Pia Morato echoed the call for the youth leaders to help fight fake news through the 5 Cs.
The acronym 5 Cs stands for Content, Context, Creator’s Interest, Communicator’s Identity and Consequences.
“So, it’s the responsibility of the local government and the SK, sabi niyo ngayon you are coming up with programs, wherein you are trying to advocate how sports, how music and how all these things can make the lives of the youth better,” Morato told the young audience.
“But those are important and it comes with information and education. So, when you fail with the right information or do not give the right education, simply lang yan. That’s the consequence. So don’t forget the five Cs,” she said.(By Carina Cayon)
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