CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – With misinformation surrounding the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into the war on drugs spreading rapidly online, experts from the academe are calling for stronger Media and Information Literacy (MIL) programs and fact-checking initiatives to help the public critically evaluate politically sensitive narratives.
According to Angelica Marie Seño, University of the Assumption Bachelor of Arts in Communication Program Chair, it is crucial for academic institutions to integrate real-world political issues, such as the ICC probe and the war on drugs, into their curricula to ensure students develop critical thinking skills.
“Educators must first understand the importance of fact-checking, source evaluation, and distinguishing credible journalism from propaganda before they can effectively teach these skills to students. With platforms like TikTok being used for disinformation, we need to equip students with tools to analyze and verify political claims,” she said.
Seño also emphasized that professors should encourage skepticism toward unverified claims and promote truth-seeking mindset rather than passive consumption of information.
She shared that one of the biggest challenges educators face in teaching critical thinking and digital literacy is the rapid spread of misinformation on social media.
“False information spreads faster than fact-based reporting because it is often emotionally charged and easier to digest. Many students and even teachers unknowingly absorb and internalize false claims due to repeated exposure to misinformation online. Some begin to perceive these narratives as truth,” Seño said
For her part, National University Clark Bachelor of Arts in Communication Program Chair Rachelle Maglalang said one of the biggest hurdles that educators face is the overwhelming volume of content students encounter daily.
“Many students struggle to differentiate credible sources from false information as social media algorithms often amplify sensationalist or biased content,” she said.
Maglalang added that many social media platforms encourage passive consumption rather than active engagement, making it harder to instill critical thinking habits.
With this, she underscored that MIL programs should focus on teaching students how to identify biases, assess sources for credibility, and recognize propaganda or misinformation by analyzing news reports, understanding historical contexts, and engaging with multiple viewpoints.
“By fostering a safe space for debate and discussion, students can develop intellectual curiosity and a deeper understanding of complex political matters,” Maglalang said.
Meanwhile, she also reiterated the crucial role that higher education plays combating misinformation by encouraging research-based teaching and fostering an environment that prioritizes evidence-based discussions.
“By promoting an understanding of the complexities of political issues and analyzing media messages, higher education institutions empower students to become informed citizens who can engage thoughtfully with political content,” she added.
Experts also emphasize the need for partnerships with fact-checking organizations, media practitioners, and government agencies such as the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to expose students to best practices in verifying political claims.
According to the professors, the conduct of workshops and debates, seminars, and awareness campaigns on these issues will not only help students sharpen their analytical skills but also foster a culture of responsible citizenship.
Through investigative journalism training and digital literacy programs, experts from the academe believe that universities can help students recognize bias, identify manipulation techniques, and verify sources.
As misinformation continues to shape public perception of the ICC probe and the war on drugs, experts emphasize the urgency of intensifying MIL efforts to help the public make informed decisions.
They also highlighted the need for a sustained, multi-sectoral effort to ensure that Kapampangans are equipped with the skills to navigate an increasingly complex media landscape in order to prevent the spread of disinformation. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)