PCO to hold training for state-media fact checkers

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Wednesday said it will hold a fact-check training for state media outlets to combat misinformation and disinformation.

The PCO said it partnered with non-profit online news organization Vera Files through a memorandum of agreement to enhance the skills of state media fact-check officers (FCOs) across the country.

“Participants will include FCOs from regional units of state media outfits such as the People’s Television Network Inc. (PTV), Radyo Pilipinas, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the Philippine News Agency (PNA),” the PCO said in a statement.

READ: New PCO chief Chavez to deploy fact checkers in state-run media

The training, which the PCO entitled “Siguraduhing Totoo: A Vera Files Fact Checking and Online Verification Training” will be held in Luzon on February 13 to 14, in Visayas on February 20 to 21, and in Mindanao on February 27 to 28.

It will focus on equipping fact-checkers with the necessary skills to navigate complex information issues, fostering resilience against misinformation in the digital age.

Article continues after this advertisement

According to the PCO, the partnership between the agency and Vera Files marks a “significant step in strengthening a transparent and independent fact-checking mechanism within state media” and aligns with its “Maging Mapanuri” campaign promoting media literacy.

The PCO also clarified that Vera Files will not receive any monetary compensation for the training.