30 January 2026, Naga City – The Ateneo de Naga University Office of Student Affairs (OSA), in cooperation with the College Ignatian Formation Program (CIFP) and the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Department, organzied a timely webinar on Responsible Digital Citizenship, titled “Becoming Your Best Digital Self.” Streamed live via Google Meet and YouTube, the activity was attended by more than 800 ADNU students and employees.
The webinar forms part of OSA’s Student Rights and Responsibility Campaign, which aims to promote student safety, ethical and responsible digital engagement, and a conducive learning environment.
OSA Director Rodolfo SB. Virtus Jr. opened the webinar by affirming ADNU’s commitment to holistic student formation grounded in human dignity, safe spaces, and responsible engagement in both physical and digital environments. He described technology as a gift that enables learning and connection, while urging students to practice discernment, respect, and care in digital spaces. He concluded by citing the University’s Safe Space and Safeguarding Policy and Social Media Policy as concrete expressions of ADNU’s commitment to inclusivity, protection, and meaningful learning.
Dr. Ma. Filipinas H. Bana, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, served as the first resource speaker and discussed digital citizenship. She emphasized the lasting impact of digital footprints, noting that online actions carry real-world consequences. These shape one’s identity and reputation, influence mental health, affect relationships, and even play a role in democratic processes. She walked participants through the nine elements of digital citizenship.
Dr. Bana further discussed the risks and consequences of online behavior, including legal issues, misinformation, reputational harm, and psychological effects, supported by studies and concrete examples. She highlighted the role of ethics in communication to prevent misunderstandings and miscommunication, stressing how tone, intent, and message framing matter in digital spaces. Her reminders were practical and direct: choose the right platform, be clear and explicit, mind your tone and timing, seek confirmation, and lead with empathy. Above all, she underscored the importance of respect in online interactions.
The conversation then shifted to practice. Jay Salvosa, Director of the Office of Communications and External Relations, anchored his talk on the ADNU Social Media Policy. He emphasized truthfulness, sensitivity, and mindfulness in posting, especially in digital spaces where messages can easily be misinterpreted or taken out of context. He also encouraged participants to contribute to healthy, reflective, and responsible online community communication.
Following the talks, the host and moderator, Catherine Llaban, CIFP and NSTP Formator, facilitated an engaging open forum where live viewers shared insights and raised questions related to the discussions.
Through initiatives like this, the University continues to affirm its commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and responsible digital community.
You could still view the webinar thru this link: https://tinyurl.com/WebinarRDC
Written by Janice Tresvalles
