ILOILO City – In the age of technology and artificial intelligence, promoting responsible digital engagement among the youth has become increasingly important.
Following its mandate to help Ilonggos become more empowered through information, the Iloilo City Public Information Office gathered 240 beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) for the “Guardians of Truth: Youth Forum on Information Integrity, Digital Responsibility, and Social Media Civility.”
The forum, held on May 25, 2026, at the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Iloilo City, aimed to strengthen awareness of responsible online engagement, media literacy, and ethical social media use among young Ilonggos.
Topics included Social Media Ethics and Digital Responsibility by City Public Information Officer Ma. Lucy M. Sinay; Media and Information Literacy by Jeehan Fernandez; and Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation by Lester Mark Carnaje.
Among the grateful participants in the forum was Denise Leane Duran of St. Augustine School of Nursing. Aside from learning how to spot AI-generated content, she said she would become more mindful of what she shares on social media.
“May ara kita ‘Netiquette’ nga ginatawag ukon ano ang mga dapat kag indi dapat ubrahon online. There is also ‘digital footprint’ kon sa diin bisan na-delete ta ang isa ka post, kag nakita na sang iban nga tawo, pwede ini nila ipalapta gihapon sa iban. Indi dapat kita mangin online trolls,” Denise said.
She hoped to share her learnings from the forum so that more people would understand that everyone is accountable for the information they absorb or disseminate online.
“What really stood out to me from the forum was how important it is to think before posting or sharing anything online and the importance of checking sources to avoid spreading misinformation and fake content on social media,” said Eisha Joeane Gargar, a Grade 11 student of Hua Siong College of Iloilo.
Similarly, Hannah Despe of Jaro National High School and an incoming college student, said her key takeaway from the event was the importance of fact-checking the information she consumes online.
“The discussion about fake news reminded me to always verify information before believing or sharing because technology and social media greatly influence how people think, communicate, and make decisions today. As students, we must become responsible digital citizens who use online platforms and AI in a respectful, truthful, and ethical way,” Hannah said.
The three SPES beneficiaries were assigned to the City Public Information Office for 20 working days.
SPES is a program implemented by the Iloilo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) that provides young individuals with an opportunity to gain work experience while helping support their educational needs. It is open to all students and out-of-school youth who have been out of school for at least two years, aged 15 to 24, upon application, and are residents of Iloilo City. (Iloilo City PIO)/PN
