The Philippine Information Agency – Romblon in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Sangguniang Kabataan of Odiongan and DTI-Negosyo Center in Odiongan, conducted a media and information literacy awareness campaign also called as CyberREADI campaign in this town last February 12, 2020.
The activity aimed to promote cyber wellness among the youth who comprised the most active internet and social media users. At least 40 participants attended the forum coming from the academe, barangay officials, and other interested individuals from different government agencies.
#CyberREADi campaign is part of the project proposed by Philippine Information Agency in 2016 under the ASEAN and Japan Media and Information Literacy for the Youth Project.
The acronym READi, which stands for Responsibility, Empathy, Authenticity, Discernment, and Integrity, has been incorporated into the #cyberREADi campaign branding, which were grounded on the mixed method study on the targeted youth audience to determine the most effective means of message delivery.
During the said event, the Philippine Information Agency – Romblon, briefed the students regarding the history of the campaign; while Ms. Wenna Foja from DICT-Romblon shared her knowledge on how to stay safe while using the internet.
“Data shows that the Philippines has 76 million total active internet users, 71.44 million mobile internet users, and most of them are social media users. Imagine that, how many people use the Internet. So everyone is prone to whatever is happening in the cyber world,” Foja said.
She discouraged online bullying. “Some are giving [bad] comments about you on social media, but they are not the only one who can read it, mostly everyone. There are also people who encounter cyberbullying depending on what they post online. So, remember what other say, ‘Think before you click’,” she added.
Meanwhile, participants thanked the organizers for the activity which, they said, gave timely and very relevant information about responsible use of the internet.
“What we have learned, were the fines and sunctions that we may face once we violate the law of the online world, and its very timely because we are using social media and online sites that others do not know. It is very trendy for this kind of seminar,” according to Seth Fronda, an instructor of the Erhard Systems Technological Institute when asked for comments regarding the said activity.
Also present in the said activity were Engr. Racquiel Aguba of DICT-Romblon; Hon. Kaila Yap, SK Federation President of Odiongan; Mr. Kim Faderon, who represented Odiongan Mayor Trina Firmalo-Fabic; and Clinton Solidum of DTI-Negosyo Center in Odiongan.
