Twists of Truth: Battling Twin Endemics in the Philippines

By: @ligayadailydaily

As I sit down to recount the events of the past year, I can’t help but be overwhelmed by the challenges that the Philippines have faced. While the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across the globe, another insidious epidemic was spreading like wildfire within our borders – the endemic of fake information.

The 2022 Philippine Presidential election was a stark example of this crisis. Misinformation threatened the very core of our democracy, casting a shadow of uncertainty, fear, and distrust over our nation. On platforms like Facebook, I encountered countless articles that garnered thousands of likes, shares, and comments.

“Golden Era sa panahon ng Marcos”

“Pacquiao nangunguna sa Presidential race”

“Willie Revilliame tatakbo bilang pangulo ng bansa”

These were some of the article that despite of their obvious “clickbait” titles many have been fallen victims. Undeniably, this epidemic cunningly posed as real news, infiltrating our social media feeds and even our conversations with loved ones.

In response to this crisis, the importance of media and information literacy emerged as a potent shield against the rapid spread of falsehoods. It became evident that we needed the skills and knowledge to differentiate fact from fiction, question sources, and verify information. Concerned citizens recognized the vital role of Media and Information Literacy in safeguarding our democracy. Journalists like those at Rappler took a stand to combat the dissemination of false information and championed fact-checking.

Nonetheless, the battle against both the coronavirus and the infodemic raged on, but a glimmer of hope emerged. Through our collective efforts to educate ourselves and our communities, we began to erect a shield against fake information. Looking back, I’m inspired by the resilience and adaptability of the some of my fellow Filipino people. Confronted two formidable adversaries armed with science, critical thinking, and a profound sense of unity. Although the scars of these trials endure, they serve as a testament to our capacity to overcome adversity when we unite in pursuit of truth and public health.***

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