Solon suggests upgrading libraries to combat fake news, disinformation
MANILA, Philippines — Libraries across the country must be upgraded not only for the use of students but also to help in the fight against misinformation, Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde said on Friday.
Speaking at the launch of a new state-of-the-art library within the Bagong Pag-Asa elementary school, Atayde said that libraries would be key, especially in the modern age where the spread of information is so fast that some details are not vetted.
“At the age of social media and internet, we are now dealing with different information which are very useful, but some of them are totally disinformation and fake news that we need to fight,” Atayde said.
“With libraries being improved or being built in various places or in public schools, our students can definitely learn and develop their skills to achieve their dreams,” he added. “This massive effort should be encouraged as every library we put up would benefit all students.”
Atayde was one of the Quezon City officials present during the program which included Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and barangay officials. The lawmaker then heaped praises on the Interior Design students from the SoFA Design Institute, who were in charge of building the library.
“Libraries are beneficial to help students develop skills such as critical thinking and media literacy,” he said.
“It’s the tools our children need in a world where fake news and disinformation are becoming increasingly common, and threaten to undo the lessons taught in the four walls of the classroom,” he added. “Students who have access to libraries perform better in school, have higher reading scores, and are more likely to go on to higher education.
Several surveys and actual studies observed that the Philippines is suffering from a fake news problem. Before the 2022 national elections, almost seven out of 10 Filipinos interviewed by polling firm Social Weather Stations said fake news is a serious problem.
By October 2022, Pulse Asia came out with a study that showed that 90 percent of their respondents say that the proliferation of fake news is a problem in the country. The same survey also noted that 58 percent of social media influencers spread fake information.
