THE Commission on Higher Education (CHED) kicks off today an inter-agency information literacy campaign as the government takes on tougher actions against the widespread proliferation of “fake news” or misinformation in the country.
CHED chairperson Prospero De Vera, in an advisory, said the Media Information Literacy Campaign will be covered by a memorandum of understanding to be signed among the heads of CHED, the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), the Departments of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“The Media Information Literacy Campaign is meant to combat misinformation and disinformation in the country,” De Vera said.
Under the MOU, the four agencies are tasked to collaborate and come up with a comprehensive plan that will target and identify the root causes of misinformation and disinformation in the country.
As an initial step, De Vera said media information literacy will be integrated in the curriculum of higher education institutions (HEIs) and in community-based trainings to heighten public awareness on the nuisances of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
The inter-agency will also tap social media platforms, the primary channel used by scheming groups or individuals to post and spread false or wrong information.
The PCO has earlier said the campaign is part of the overall bid of the Marcos administration to bolster the fight against disinformation.
Earlier, the Department of Education reminded the public to be wary and to be “guided accordingly” when it comes to information and issues related to basic education in the country posted on social media.
