The online voter’s education webinar, entitled Empowered Citizenry: Mobilizing Ethical Voters in a Digital Era, was hosted by the Center for Local Governance (CLG) of Ateneo de Naga University on March 7, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM via Zoom. The webinar was also live-streamed on CLG’s YouTube and Facebook. This event aimed to address the growing issue of misinformation and its detrimental impact on the democratic process, especially with the upcoming 2025 elections.
The event was expertly moderated by Miko T. Ravago, a graduate student of the Master in Public Administration program at Ateneo de Naga University. As the host, he skillfully guided the discussion, ensuring that the session remained focused, engaging, and productive. The discussion featured valuable insights from Joshua Valentin and Miguel Karlo Abadines from Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), who shared their perspectives on the importance of active citizenship and the responsible dissemination of information in combating the negative effects of misinformation and disinformation. Emphasizing the future of democracy, the speakers stressed that citizens must engage in political discourse not only through voting but also by actively participating in shaping the future of their communities.
Behind the scenes, Camille Faye R. Badong and Ariel S. Malate, of the Ateneo de Naga University-Center for Local Governance (ADNU CLG), played vital roles in organizing and operationalizing the event. Ms. Badong took charge of the event’s smooth organization, overseeing logistics and ensuring everything ran seamlessly, while Mr. Malate provided essential support in the technical and logistical coordination, contributing to the event’s overall success.
The event opened with Dr. Malu C. Barcillano, Dean of the Graduate School and Director of the Center for Local Governance (CLG) of Ateneo de Naga University, who welcomed the guests, speakers, and the academic community across the Philippines. She expressed gratitude to everyone for their participation and emphasized the significance of the event in helping citizens make informed decisions as the country heads toward the 2025 elections. Dr. Barcillano’s words set the tone for the discussions that followed, highlighting the importance of addressing the impact of misinformation and disinformation on the electoral process.
Insights from the Speakers
Joshua Valentin, a Junior Program Officer at Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), delved into the rise of misinformation and disinformation, stressing that political figures have become significant architects of this spread. According to Mr. Valentin, the use of personality politics and the exploitation of fake social media accounts have allowed these false narratives to take root, often with malicious intent. He explained how satirical content can still hold harmful power if it is misused to spread false information. Mr. Valentin highlighted the importance of offline solutions for online problems, calling on citizens to reclaim their power as a democracy through active civic engagement, which goes beyond voting. He emphasized the need for responsible participation and a focus on human dignity, solidarity, and the common good in addressing fake news.
Miguel Karlo Abadines, Executive Director of Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), built on Mr. Valentin’s points, arguing that the dissemination of fake information does not only damage individuals but the social fabric at large. He explained that when misinformation succeeds, it serves to divide citizens and shift focus away from critical societal issues such as poverty, low wages, and corporate interests. He pointed out that patronage politics thrive in these environments, using the patron-client framework to manipulate public opinion. Mr. Abadines urged citizens to engage critically with the information they encounter, especially in the lead-up to the elections. He reminded the public that democracy requires active citizens seeking the common good and that only through integrity, solidarity, and accountability can democracy thrive in an era plagued by misinformation.
Reactions from the Reactors
The reactors also offered valuable reflections that further enriched the discussion. Hon. Jefson Felix, City Councilor and President of the SK Federation in Naga City, addressed how misinformation often thrives within political discourse, especially through the actions of trolls. He emphasized that trolls twist truthful events into harmful narratives, amplifying their impact. Ho. Felix shared his personal experience with trolls in Naga City, condemning the practice of using political aid as a tool to gain leverage over the public. He also criticized lawmakers who focus on distributing short-term aid such as TUPAD and ACAP rather than fulfilling their primary responsibility of creating sound laws. Hon. Felix called on citizens to choose a good and competent leader—someone who is not only capable but also virtuous. For him, good governance and integrity must be central to any future leadership. He hopes that the next generation of leaders will prioritize institutional development and show up when faced with challenges.
Lowie S. Ferrer, a graduate student in Public Administration at Ateneo de Naga University, passionately addressed the significance of the upcoming elections, urging youth to recognize their power in shaping the country’s future. He highlighted how misinformation and disinformation spread through digital platforms, including generative AI and deep fakes, are weakening citizens’ ability to make informed decisions. As a digital native, he called on his peers to share accurate information and actively combat fake news. He also emphasized the critical role youth can play in amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous peoples, and laborers. Mr. Ferrer encouraged youth to be the bridge in community discussions and candidate forums, focusing on the common good and reclaiming the online space for truth.
The event highlighted the importance of active citizenship, highlighting that voter education is an ongoing process and that the insights shared during the webinar would help guide citizens as they navigate the complexities of misinformation in the lead-up to the 2025 elections. Further, it emphasized that the fight against fake news is not just about protecting the integrity of elections but also about fostering a responsible, informed citizenry that can hold leaders accountable and contribute to a thriving democracy.
Open Forum
The open forum was facilitated by Camille Faye R. Badong, who navigated the questions tackling the truthfulness of social media platforms and the cynicism of the people about the future of governance in the country. The questions were enthusiastically responded by speakers Joshua Valentin and Mr. Miguel Karlo Abadines concerning social media sites, which are now basic communication tools, and their credibility is continually questioned due to the dissemination of false information and divisive content, generating increased cynicism regarding governance. Individuals are disillusioned with political leaders as they perceive that promises are not being kept and that governance is centered more on obtaining power than responding to people’s needs. Social media’s ability to foster accountability is undermined through its manipulation and censorship, additionally increasing distrust. There is hope, however, that through concerted efforts and prudent usage, these sites can create transparency and constructive change, providing a way toward more democratic leadership if leaders answer the concerns of the people.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to the Sherwin Perez and Xeena Almendral, James O’Brien Library staff at Ateneo de Naga University, for their invaluable support in operationalizing the logistics and handling the technical matters that ensured the success of the webinar. Their contributions were integral to the smooth execution of the event.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the speakers and reactors for their time, valuable insights, and active participation. Mr. Joshua Valentin, Junior Program Officer of Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), Mr. Miguel Karlo Abadines, Executive Director of Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), and the panel reactors: Hon. Jefson Felix, City Councilor and President of the SK Federation, City of Naga; and Mr. Lowie S. Ferrer, Master in Public Administration student at Ateneo de Naga University, for sharing their expertise and perspectives. Their contributions have been invaluable in addressing the challenges of misinformation and empowering citizens in the upcoming 2025 elections.
The live streaming of the webinar garnered almost more than three thousand combined viewers from the Zoom meeting, AdNU Center for Local Governance Facebook page, and Ateneo CLG YouTube channel.
Prepared by:
Marvin Cayetano
Student Intern
AdNU-Center for Local Governance
