Join us at a webinar on “Countering Infodemics in this Pandemic”, December 14

You are invited to a webinar on “Countering Infodemics in this Pandemic” to be mounted by the European Union, on Dec 14, 4-6 pm

Interested participants may register at https://forms.gle/6biDz3qLjxxMgQxG6

In the context of the celebration of the Human Rights Month this December, the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines will hold a media literacy webinar titled “Countering Infodemic in this Pandemic” on 14 December 2020, 4- 6 p.m., to shed light on the current state of play in disinformation in the Philippines and the practical ways to counter it.

With the global epidemic comes misinformation spreading through social media platforms, further aggravating the situation. Exposure to misleading or outright false information erodes trust among citizens, institutions, and even in media. It also abets in undermining democracies by impeding the ability and right of citizens to make informed decisions. Most importantly, it impairs freedom of opinion and expression—a fundamental right enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

The EU endeavors to tackle the spread and impact of online disinformation and to ensure the protection of democratic systems by creating awareness and deeper appreciation about best practices in countering fake news.

“The EU recognizes that journalists and information officers play a critical role in helping the public know how to act against fake news in the country, especially in these trying times,” said Thomas Wiersing, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation to the Philippines. “We would also like to encourage them to become ‘infodemic warriors’ in both the traditional and the digital platforms.’’

The webinar will feature a distinguish roster of speakers who will share their expertise and insights on the state of play of disinformation in the country: Democracy Reporting International co-founder and executive director Michael Meyer-Resende, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Manny Mogato, and ANC anchor and 2020 Marshall McLuhan fellow Christian Esguerra. Manila Standard News Editor Joyce Panares will serve as the moderator, encouraging a healthy discourse among the speakers and invited journalists from the Philippine media and international publications and organizations.

Interested participants may register at https://forms.gle/6biDz3qLjxxMgQxG6. For more updates and more information, visit www.eeas.europa.eu/philippines.