Andanar Campaigns Vs Fake News Among Zambo Norte Youth, Journalists

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar campaigned against fake news particularly among youth and local journalists during his visit in Dipolog and Dapitan cities recently.

Andanar emphasized to senior high students that they have much at stake in the issue of fake news citing that it is a result of the internet and social media revolution, in which the youth, among others play a major part.

“We all have to fight misinformation. Fake news poses a great hazard to democracy,” the Secretary told the students. “You have a responsibility as social media netizens to see to it that the things you post or share are truthful.”

During a meeting with the local press club in Dipolog City, Andanar underscored that “there is an apparent suddenness in the manner by which stories are written, broadcasted and discussed”, in which “truth is often relegated for what catches the attention, or what passes for entertainment or fancy advertising.”

“The only way to ensure that news remain truthful and factual is when journalists go back to the basics of professional and responsible journalism – which is to share the truth for the development of the communities,” he urged. (JDP/DI-PIA9-Zamboanga City)