MultisAl Push needed to develop PHL media, knowledge to read information, said MVP

The Philippines needs a multisectoral approach to media and information literacy (MIL), aimed at creating informed and critical thinking Filipinos, said Media Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan on Tuesday, amid the growing threat of disform.

“First of all, we need a government that is a Mulungu Government that is the manager of the policy, including security in the whole country, education,” mediardquest chairman Panginan in his speech at the Philippine Mil Conference (Milcon) 2025.

“Secondly, we need the business sector, not only media companies, but all companies that include Mils to enter their social structures,” including the need to invest in training, tools, and workplaces that train workers with Mils.

Universities and schools must also be responsible for forming students who can “bravely demonstrate and make people think” that freedom of speech comes with responsibility, said Mr. I’m sorry.

“We always talk about building a nation in terms of bridges, towers, fiber, power plants, steel, and iron. But the foundation of democracy.

“Misled people will not advance, but informed people cannot be defeated,” he added.

By sponsoring “truth in the media” through programs like Milcon, he hopes to empower the media outlets they trust and the content they consume. “At the end of the day, it will be the media consumer who will drive this desire to know the truth from anything you read, watch,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the event.

“You have to choose what you believe to be true. It will be a guide for your academic life or your business career,” he added.

Social Media has emerged as the main source of information for people around the world, UNESCO JAKARTA Director Maki katsuno-Hayashikawa.

“Every day, people watch more than a billion hours of video on YouTube, and about 3 billion use Facebook frequently as a primary source of information about the world,” he said at the same event.

“Globally, 20% of 18- to 24-year-olds use TikTok as their main source of news,” he added.

In the Philippines, a Reuters Institute report revealed that 66% of respondents use social media for news every week. The study added that Facebook remains the ‘important’ medium for news in the country, while small marketers and creators rely on Tiktok.

Not just trolls

Mediardquest Chief Oxerict (CEO) and Cignal President Jane Jimenez-Basas said that a significant number of Pilipinos use social media for news to suppress the need for Mil.

“The enemy has appeared; it’s not just about trolls in the comments section anymore,” he said. “Fighting the increasingly sophisticated threat of artificial media, deep feeds, and algorithmic choices can wreak political havoc and destroy trust in seconds.”

The media executive stressed that the latest literacy report from the Second Education Commission on Education (EDCOM 2 2) reflects the situation of Mil in the country.

“Without strong literacy and cognitive skills, these children are at greater risk of lying, cheating, and failing to critically engage with what they experience online and offline.”

Filipinos with poor visibility have doubled to 24.8 million in the last 30 years, according to the EDCOM 2 report.

The commission said the increase in active illiteracy is partly due to the Department of Education’s (healthy) multi-collaborative involvement, which has diverted its focus from basic education.

Mr. Panginan also raised his concern about the literacy gap and warned of deception that could perpetuate the situation.

“It’s a big problem, and it’s not going to help you cut the education budget and free someone up because you’re taking money from the many and putting it in the pockets of a few,” he said during a panel discussion.

“The temptation to cut corners is very high. Especially if you want to achieve some level of wealth in your life,” he added.

Start at the top

Regarding dealing with deception in organizations, dealing with the problem must start at the “Top,” said Mr. Pangilinan.

“The solution is to start at the top because you can’t erase the illusion of another move,” he said. “Start with the big ticket items. Forget about the small crimes first because it’s hard to deal with – it’s the end of the program.”

“If you start with a large amount first, then gradually work on the middle layer, then the bottom layer, this will take years … it is time-consuming,” it added.

It said in an official statement on Tuesday that it requires “full and continuous funding” for all education authorities to address the country’s literacy challenges.

“With the support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are harmonizing resources, directing activities, and focusing more on what is most important – learning recovery,” it said.

The Department has proposed a budget of P928.52 billion for 2026 to address classroom shortages, student malnutrition, and lack of educational materials nationwide. – Almira Louise S. Martinez