TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have partnered to strengthen media and information literacy, and cybersecurity awareness among the Tarlac youth.
Kilos Kabataan: Unite for a Digital Safe Future Youth Forum convened about 80 students of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) of Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) particularly students from the Development Communication, Economics, and Psychology departments.
It aimed to equip attendees with practical knowledge and skills to help them become responsible and positive participants in digital spaces.
TAU CAS Dean Sherwin Alar highlighted that Kilos Kabataan is not just a forum but a movement to empower the youth in the digital world.
“It recognizes a simple but powerful truth. The future of this nation does not wait for tomorrow. It is shaped today by the choices of its youth,” he said.
PIA Assistant Regional Head Carlo Lorenzo Datu emphasized that handling information, especially on social media, can produce positive results when used responsibly.
“Social media, ang good news sa kanya, is an enabler for information dissemination. (The good news about social media is that it is an enabler for information dissemination) It has empowered Filipinos, or any netizen for that matter, to become providers of information,” he pointed out.
However, Datu also warned that information, when used irresponsibly, can become a destructive tool.
He cited the spread of fake news as one of the negative impacts of mishandling information online.
To help participants identify misleading content, Datu shared tips on spotting fake news through the SPOT, which stands for Source, Purpose, Ownership, and Time.
In addition, he reminded participants about the growing presence of misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information, which he described as information pollution.
Datu also encouraged the participants to be mindful of their online behaviors.
“You are what you share. The share button epitomizes our online behavior. Our digital behavior affects our real-life interactions,” he pressed.
Meanwhile, DICT Tarlac Information Systems Analyst Michael Palad discussed essential practices for staying safe online and ensuring cybersecurity.
“Cybersecurity is the prevention, protection, and restoration from cyberattacks. It involves protecting information and systems from cyber threats,” Palad explained.
He mentioned that common cyber threats include phishing, malware, social engineering, hacking, identity theft, and deep fakes.
Palad also urged the participants to practice good cybersecurity habits, including protecting personal information, using strong and unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, monitoring financial accounts, securing digital devices, limiting personal information shared online, being cautious of phishing scams, and continuously educating themselves about digital safety.
“Cybersecurity is for everyone. Be web smart,” he underscored.
Supporting the advocacy, TAU Communicators Bridging Opportunities through Leadership President Ella Mae Artates pledged to promote respect, truth, and safety in the online world.
“This commitment shall uphold starting with careful and critical thinking before each click, fact checking before sharing, and to voice out truth with objective kindness and inclusivity within the digital space. Together we commit to build a safer, respectful, and empower digital community for everyone,” she said.
Now on its ninth season, Kilos Kabataan continues to expand its reach across Central Luzon, reinforcing the national government’s thrust to build a digitally resilient and informed citizenry.
The initiative supports broader efforts to safeguard the online environment while empowering the youth to become advocates of truth and responsible communication.
By investing in media and information literacy at the grassroots level, PIA and DICT strengthen the role of young Filipinos not only as consumers of information but also as partners in nation-building in the digital age. (Ara Jamica R. Reparejo,PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
