L-R: ABS-CBN officials Carlo Katigbak, Ging Reyes, Liza Aleta, Cory Vidanes and Lauren Dyogi at the open forumOver 1,000 mass communication students from all over the Philippines gained a more informed and critical understanding of the media in the 11th Pinoy Media Congress (PMC) held at the St. Mary’s College Quezon City campus and beamed live via satellite to Visayas State University in February.

With the theme “Media and Information Literacy: Understanding Media in Today’s Changing Society,” the threeday annual media conference organized by ABS-CBN and the Philippine Association of Communication Educators featured news and entertainment media practitioners who shared their expertise and experiences with the next generation of Filipino mass communicators.

In his opening remarks, ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo L. Katigbak emphasized the importance of media literacy at a time when everyone can freely disseminate information via social media. He encouraged students to use their voices in a positive way and create content that is truthful, inspiring and empowering.

Roles of media

Katigbak also shared the three roles of media: to report and stay committed to pursuing the truth, to advocate and take a stand on fundamental issues, and to take part in nationbuilding through serving the country not only through news, stories and entertainment, but also through action.

Citing ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. as an example of how media can make a direct impact on people’s lives, Katigbak reminded the delegates that to be a media practitioner is ultimately to be of service to the public.

ABS-CBN News head Ging Reyes also underscored the importance of media literacy.

She said the media should react to disruptions and navigate through distractions constantly but should never lose sight of their mission to work for an enlightened public, which is the foundation of any democracy.

Detecting fake news

Focusing on the issue of misinformation online, ABS-CBN News Public Service head and Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo head Rowena Paraan gave tips in detecting fake news and encour
aged students to develop the habit of fact-checking.

Also serving as resource speakers were ABS-CBN News chief of reporters Lynda Jumilla, broadcast journalists Ted Failon, Ces Oreña-Drilon and Jeff Canoy, VERA Files trustee Ellen Tordesillas, Ramon Tuazon of the Commission on Higher Education, ABS-CBN News head for Futures, Standards and Ethics Chi Almario-Gonzales, PLDT vice president for Digital Marketing Strategy Carlo Ople, ABS-CBN head for Digital Media Services Dennis Lim, ABS-CBN Film Restoration head Leo Katigbak, scriptwriter and author Ricky Lee, “The Greatest Love” head writer Jerry Gracio, ABS-CBN International Sales and Distribution head Leng Raymundo, ABS-CBN head of Research for Channel 2 Liza Aleta, ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. managing director Mark Yambot and ABS-CBN business unit head Ruel Bayani.

The students also had a chance to exchange views with ABS-CBN officials led by Katigbak, Reyes, COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes and head of TV Production Laurenti Dyogi. (Story/Photos by: Kane Choa)