Media and Information Literacy Education in the Philippines Classrooms

 

This is the first installment of the four-part series of Media and Information Literacy Education in the Philippine Classrooms. This article analyzes the integration of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in the Philippine curriculum. It also focuses on the challenges, strategies, and successes in teaching the subject to senior high school students.

In Finland, its government integrated high-quality standards for Media and Information Literacy in order toaddress the Russian government's misinformation campaign. They acknowledge that the proliferation of fake news will always exist. They knew that they could not stop propaganda that sought to sow division. Hence, the way to resolve such issues is to develop critical thinking skills. After all, Finnish people will read that misinformation anyway. That is why this skill set is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

This is the scenario that the Philippines wants to avoid. This is why MIL has been made a core part of its Senior High School curriculum. They knew that teaching the youth MIL headstart would prevent them from becoming misinformed adults in the future.

However, what does this mean for students and teachers, and what challenges lie ahead?

Impact of MIL on Students and Teachers

In the short term, the benefits will not be that obvious. However, in the long term, the students and the country as a whole will reap what they have sown. From the perspective of the students, they will have the necessary critical thinking skills to evaluate the correctness of information through cross-researching credible information sources. Moreover, critical thinking skills could be used in other facets of their lives like general life skills where using their common sense will be the norm.

In the grander scheme of things, this education they got from MIL instruction will prepare them for voting for the right candidate through the campaigns and biographies that they could get. They can also participate in national issues that the nation faces.

On the other hand, the benefit that the teacher will get from teaching Media and Information Literacy among students is that they could have a higher bargaining power to provide their schools with IT supplies and additional certifications that will upskill them. After all, they are the ones who will ensure the success of the said program.

However, it is all theoretical unless the government funds MIL education. The goal is to develop well – informed citizenry through critical thinking. This can only be achieved when there is the right accommodation of infrastructure, resource allocation, and policy interventions because implementing MIL is expensive and labor-intensive.

As mentioned in the last series, the Philippines has huge economic disparities wherein it presents a stark digital divide. It is always up to the government on how to tackle these issues.

Overcoming Hurdles in MIL Education

Like any new initiative, teaching MIL has its challenges. These include:

• Lack of Teacher Training: Teachers lack the confidence to teach this subject due to a lack of specialized training and resources. Understandably, they will face that difficulty since MIL education is just a new subject matter. To bridge this gap, the Department of Education (DepEd) partnered with NGOs to offer workshops and mentorship programs to teachers so that they could be proficient in teaching the subject.

• Curriculum Overload: The Philippine curriculum is stuffed with several subjects that it impossible to focus on MIL education. For this reason, some schools are creatively integrating MIL into existing subjects like English and Social Studies. This may seem an efficient way to teach MIL but to address this issue, the education department must decrease the subject loads of each student. After all, it is the improved skill sets of critical thinking, writing, and reading that matter, not the contents themselves since they may be obsolete in the future.

• Digital Divide: Limited access to technology in rural areas and poor communities remains a hurdle. Nevertheless, programs that opt for gadget distribution, and internet connectivity among far-flung places are the ones that level the playing field.

• Teacher Shortages: Sadly there are too many students in schools but not enough teachers who can educate. The lack of teachers, especially in remote areas, adds another layer of complexity. Some schools are addressing this by embedding MIL topics into other subjects, reducing the need for specialized teachers. However, the real kicker to solve this issue is to increase teacher’s pay so prospective teachers will be incentivized to teach.

Innovative Solutions for MIL in the Philippines

The government could adapt the following policy recommendation:

• Curriculum Upgrades: This does not mean adding subjects or making the courses more difficult than they are but adapting educational gold standards that aim to bolster education such as integrating critical thinking skills in classrooms rather than rote learning. This will complement MIL classes.

• Teacher Development: Investment allocation towards teacher training will empower educators to deliver high-quality MIL instruction. These include subsidies on gadgets and specialization towards MIL instruction.

• Bridging the Digital Divide: Efforts to expand digital infrastructure and provide students with the tools they needwill continue.

• Global Inspiration: The Philippines can draw inspiration from countries like Finland and Canada, which have successfully integrated MIL into their education systems.

Empowering the Next Generation

Teaching Media and Information Literacy is not just about preparing students against the tides of the digital world. It's about empowering students to become critical thinkers, responsible media consumers, and active participants in a global society. The journey is a long hurdle, but the commitment to MIL education in the Philippines is a testament to the nation's dedication to preparing its youth for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

Safeguarding Journeys: MPT South launches Bayani ng Kalsada Book 2

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), launched “Bayani Ka: Bayani ng Kalsada Book 2” at the National Library of the Philippines, an activity book aimed at inspiring children to become road safety champions in their communities. Packed with engaging stories, vibrant illustrations, and interactive content, the book is designed to teach young readers the importance of road safety in a way that is both entertaining and empowering. With road safety being a vital topic for young learners, the book is an excellent resource for schools to incorporate into their curriculum, helping students become more aware and responsible on the streets.

Arlette V. Capistrano, Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management of MPT South led the symbolic turnover of “Bayani Ka” activity books to the National Library of the Philippines. She was joined by MPTC Chief Corporate Governance and Risk Officer and Head of Sustainability, Atty. Cynthia Casino; as well as Dr. Angelito Umali, Health and Nutrition Officer and representative of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The books were received by Mr. Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano, Director of the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), Mr. Eduardo B. Quiros, Assistant Director of the National Library of the Philippines, and representatives from different local libraries.

 
A total of 2,000 copies of Bayani Ka Book 2 will be donated by MPT South to different public libraries and partner institutions in Metro Manila and CALABARZON.

“MPT South conceptualized this campaign, “Bayani Ka: Bayani ng Kalsada Book 2,” to empower children with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate the streets safely. By distributing this book to schools, we hope to instill lifelong habits of safety and responsibility in our youngest citizens,” said Arlette V. Capistrano, Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management of MPT South.

After receiving the “Bayani ng Kalsada” books from MPT South, Director Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano stated that “This book will serve as a learning tool for teaching children about road safety, providing them with the essential knowledge to navigate the world safely. It empowers the young minds about the importance of knowing traffic rules and pedestrian safety, protecting them from any harm they may encounter on the road.”

MPT South, in its mission to lead in providing a safe and convenient mobility experience for all travellers, is dedicated to ensuring that expressway drivers are conscious of road safety, as well as the children of today as they go through the process of being their own “Bayani ng Kalsada” of tomorrow.

MPT South is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the infrastructure arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC). Aside from the CALAX and CAVITEX networks of toll roads, MPTC’s domestic portfolio includes concessions for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the NLEX Connector Road, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu. 

Pioneering Sustainability: UDC Taps UN-Awarded Scientist to Unveil First Net Zero Emission Roadmap for Dental Care

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Uy Dental Clinic (UDC) Group, under the visionary leadership of CEO and President Dr. Charlston Uy, is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with world-renowned science diplomat and global leader Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas. Together, they are set to make UDC the first dental group in Asia, and possibly the world, to create a comprehensive net zero emission roadmap for the dental industry.

Dr. Charlston Uy, a distinguished figure in dental healthcare, has always been at the forefront of innovation and excellence. Since founding UDC in 2010, Dr. Uy has expanded the clinic from a single establishment to 18 branches across Metro Manila, providing top-tier dental care to thousands of patients. His commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility has now led to this pioneering initiative.

Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas, a UN Sasakawa Laureate and a leading expert in climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainability, brings his extensive experience and expertise to this collaboration. Known for his work with government agencies, local communities, and international partners, Banaguas will guide UDC in developing and implementing a net zero emission roadmap tailored specifically for the dental industry.

The key objectives of this roadmap include reducing the carbon footprint by implementing energy-efficient practices and renewable energy solutions across all UDC branches, adopting eco-friendly materials and reducing waste through innovative recycling and disposal methods, engaging the community by educating patients and the public about sustainable practices and the importance of reducing carbon emissions, and investing in cutting-edge technologies and practices that promote sustainability in dental care.

A comprehensive assessment will be conducted to estimate the current carbon footprint of all UDC branches. This assessment will provide a detailed understanding of the environmental impact of UDC’s operations and identify key areas for improvement. The findings will inform the development of targeted strategies to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability.

Dr. Charlston Uy expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “At UDC, we believe that providing excellent dental care goes hand-in-hand with our responsibility to protect the environment. This collaboration with Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas is a significant step towards a sustainable future for the dental industry. By integrating sustainable practices into our operations, we aim to not only reduce our carbon footprint but also inspire other dental and healthcare providers to follow suit. Our goal is to create a model that demonstrates how healthcare can be both high-quality and environmentally responsible.”

Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas added, “I am honored to work with UDC on this pioneering initiative. Together, we can set a new standard for sustainability in healthcare, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve net zero emissions while maintaining the highest quality of care. This roadmap will serve as a blueprint for other industries, showing that environmental responsibility and business success can go hand in hand. Our collaboration is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and the importance of taking bold steps to address climate change. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on the dental industry and beyond.”

The roadmap will involve a multi-phase approach, starting with a comprehensive assessment of the current carbon footprint of all UDC branches. This will be followed by the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, such as solar panels and LED lighting, and the adoption of sustainable dental materials that are biodegradable and non-toxic. UDC will also introduce a robust waste management system to minimize waste and promote recycling.

In addition to these measures, UDC plans to engage with the local community through educational programs and workshops that highlight the importance of sustainability in healthcare. These initiatives will aim to raise awareness about the environmental impact of dental practices and encourage patients to adopt eco-friendly habits.

Furthermore, UDC will invest in research and development to explore innovative solutions that can further reduce the environmental impact of dental care. This includes the development of new dental materials that have a lower carbon footprint and the exploration of digital technologies that can streamline operations and reduce waste.

Dr. Charlston Uy emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals, stating, “We recognize that achieving net zero emissions is a complex challenge that requires the collective effort of our entire team, our patients, and our partners. By working together, we can create a sustainable future for the dental industry and set an example for other healthcare providers to follow.”

Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas echoed this sentiment, adding, “The success of this initiative depends on the active participation and commitment of all stakeholders. We are excited to collaborate with UDC and leverage our expertise to develop a roadmap that not only addresses the environmental challenges facing the dental industry but also promotes a culture of sustainability and innovation.”

This initiative not only positions UDC as a leader in sustainable dental practices but also sets a precedent for the entire healthcare industry. By creating a net zero emission roadmap, UDC aims to inspire other dental and healthcare providers to follow suit, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.


Photo caption: L-R: Dr. Charlston Uy and Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas