By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) is bringing its community campus caravan to more schools in provinces to raise awareness among students about battling fake news and disinformation.
Speaking to reporters here Tuesday, PCO Undersecretary Emerald Ridao said they want to reach more students in the Visayas and Mindanao areas after finding it effective in Metro Manila.
“This is the first time we have taken the campus caravan outside Metro Manila, reaching out to more youth. Their role is crucial because we need to build their understanding of safe and ethical communication practices. When they become journalists, they will practice what is ethical and report what is factual,” Ridao said during the PCO Community Caravan at the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) here.
She said the digital platform has become a significant part of everyday life and a considerable source of entertainment, news, and information.
However, it has also become a source of fake news.
Ridao said the youth are very active on social media, so it is necessary to educate them.
The two-day caravan at the EVSU main campus officially opened on Feb.19 as one of the highlights of the school’s 117th founding anniversary.
On Feb. 22, the PCO will hold the caravan at Leyte Normal University.
Students enjoyed various booths of the attached agencies of the PCO, showcasing some reading materials, leaflets, and other broadcasting equipment in the caravan.
Talented students have also showcased their singing prowess at the “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” booth.
Ridao said in the next few months, they will bring the campus-based events to Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon.
PCO-attached agencies that joined the caravan in this city are the Philippine News Agency, People’s Television Network, Radyo Pilipinas, Radio Television Malacanang (RTVM), the Philippine Information Agency, and the Bureau of Communication Services.
Students also got the chance to experience being a TV reporter, a radio anchor, and to speak at the podium set up by RTVM.
The PCO held the first community campus caravan at the Lyceum of the Philippines University in Intramuros, Manila, on Dec. 5, 2023 followed by the same event at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila on Dec. 12, 2023. (PNA)
