Fact Check’s drive against cyber misinformation returns to Iloilo

ILOILO CITY – As part of its continuing advocacy against the spread of misinformation, Fact Check Philippines (Fact Check PH) visited this city anew and held a conference on Saturday.

“The conference is a one-day activity with lectures on the cyber warfare against misinfomation and disinformation, citizen fact checking, and netizens’ role in social transformation,” said Jan Rev Davila, president of Fact Check PH.

“We want to equip the young netizens of Iloilo City on citizen fact checking in the era of alternative facts and post-truth,” added Davila.

While social media sites such as Facebook have been used as a communication tool, it has also been a vehicle for the spread of false information including bomb hoaxes or false security threats as well as political propaganda.

In partnership with the Archdiocese of Jaro and the Kaya Natin Movement for Ethical Leadership and Good Governance, Saturday’s activity also selected a pool of Fact Check Ambassadors for Iloilo City.

“The participants are expected to create strategies on how they will be able to combat misinformation in their localities,” noted Davila.

Speakers included blogger Jover Laurio of Pinoy Ako blog and Msgr. Meliton Oso, director of the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC).

Fact Check PH was also in Iloilo last November, 2017 for a conference for university and college students. (Tara Yap)