SU joins fight against fake news

Silliman University (SU) has partnered with GMA, other media organizations, academic institutions, and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to actively combat the spread of disinformation.

Glynnis Jean C. Casiño, officer-in-charge for Strategic Partnerships, represented SU in the landmark Panata Kontra – Fake News Covenant Signing at the GMA TV Network Studio on August 30, 2024.

Casiño said that SU’s decision to join this partnership is guided by the University’s motto: Via, Veritas, Vita.

“Silliman stands for what is true. Thus, this move to collaborate with other stakeholders is a major step toward addressing the rampant and deliberate spread of false and deceitful information,” she added.

Surveys show that a large majority of adults in the Philippines regard fake news as a serious issue, with many struggling to identify it. For instance, a Pulse Asia survey in September 2020 found that nine out of ten adults recognize fake news as a problem. Similarly, a 2021 Social Weather Station survey revealed that 67% of respondents acknowledged the severity of fake news on the internet, while 51% admitted difficulty in distinguishing it.

GMA Network spearheaded the Panata Kontra – Fake News initiative, bringing together nearly 60 partners who, under the unifying slogan “Magkaisa Tayong Labanan ang Fake,” pledged a collective responsibility and commitment to fighting fake news and disinformation.

SU stands against fake news with other academic institutions including Adamson University, De La Salle University, National University, University of the East, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Arellano University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Jose Rizal University, Lyceum of the Philippines, Mapúa University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, University of Perpetual Help, University of St. La Salle Bacolod, De La Salle – Lipa, Ateneo de Naga, University of San Carlos, Universidad de Dagupan, University of Science and Technology, Central Mindanao University, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Holy Cross of Davao College, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, Mariano Marcos State University, University of San Agustin, University of the Philippines Visayas, Western Mindanao State University, University of the Philippines Diliman, and University of Santo Tomas.

Other distinguished partners include the COMELEC, various broadcast and print media organizations, and the Center for Media Freedom and responsibility.

As a committed partner, SU will take an active role in advancing the campaign against disinformation, championing efforts to raise awareness and combat the spread of false information.