Digital Minds BPO Opens New Headquarters in Naga City, Celebrating Growth and Innovation

 

Digital Minds BPO Services, a leading BPO company in Bicol, opened its new headquarters on July 25, 2024, at Greenwood Magsaysay Building, Naga City. The event, led by CEO Charvel Rebagay and COO Kristine Bernadeth Gaya, showcased the company’s expansion and enhanced service quality. The office features biometric access, 24/7 CCTV, spacious workstations, and a cozy lounge, ensuring a productive environment. This milestone highlights Digital Minds BPO’s mission to deliver top-tier outsourcing solutions and support local talent.

Naga City, Philippines – August 21, 2024 – Digital Minds BPO, a leading business process outsourcing company in the Bicol region, proudly announces the opening of its new office in Naga City, inaugurated on July 25, 2024.

The blessing of the new site was officiated by Rev. Fr. Elmer Pandes. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Charvel Rebagay, President and CEO of Digital Minds BPO, alongside COO Kristine Bernadeth Gaya. The event was attended by executives, admins, and staff, who celebrated this milestone with a banquet, sharing great food and stories.

The new headquarters is designed to foster skill development and unlock potential, featuring state-of-the-art facilities. It includes biometric access, 24/7 CCTV coverage, spacious workstations, and a well-equipped conference room, ensuring a safe, secure, and productive environment. Employees can also enjoy a cozy lounge and pantry with communal dining spaces and seating areas during breaks.

“Our new headquarters at Greenwood Magsaysay Building marks a pivotal chapter in Digital Minds BPO’s journey,” said Charvel Rebagay, President and CEO. “This state-of-the-art facility not only expands our operational capacity but also reaffirms our commitment to Naga City and the talented professionals in the region. As we continue to grow and innovate, this new space will serve as the epicenter of our mission to deliver world-class outsourcing solutions. We’re excited to leverage this enhanced infrastructure to drive greater value for our global clients and contribute to the local economy.”

Digital Minds BPO remains dedicated to providing top-tier outsourcing solutions while creating multiple opportunities for local talent. By expanding its operations, the company aims to hire competent individuals and lead a new generation of BPO experts and professionals, delivering the best outsourcing experiences to businesses worldwide.

The new headquarters, located at 3F Greenwood Magsaysay Building, Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City, is Digital Minds BPO’s second office, following the opening of its first office on J. Miranda Street in May 2023.

For more information about Digital Minds BPO Services, visit https://digitalmindsbpo.com/ or contact at contact@digitalmindsbpo.com.

About Digital Minds BPO Services Inc.

Digital Minds BPO Services is a premier business process outsourcing company based in the Philippines, specializing in customer support and back-office solutions. With over 14 years of industry experience, the company leverages cutting-edge technology and a skilled workforce to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services. Their commitment to excellence has made them the trusted partner for Fortune 500 companies and government agencies.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Crescendo and Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre Present: 'The Nutcracker' ASEAN Tour in Singapore

  

Following the tremendous success of their "Swan Lake" production in Malaysia and Singapore earlier this year, Crescendo is set to captivate audiences once again by partnering with the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre to bring "The Nutcracker" to life as part of their ASEAN tour. Scheduled for 8 December 2024 at The Theatre at Mediacorp in Singapore, this performance marks a continuation of Crescendo’s commitment to delivering world-class ballet experiences. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, "The Nutcracker" promises to enchant with its timeless story, stunning choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic music. Building on the momentum of "Swan Lake," Crescendo aims to offer Singaporean audiences yet another unforgettable cultural event. Tickets are available at sistic.com.

Singapore, 21 August – Following the resounding success of Crescendo’s production of "Swan Lake" in Malaysia and Singapore this past May, Crescendo is proud to collaborate once again with the renowned Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre to bring yet another beloved classic to life—"The Nutcracker" by P.I. Tchaikovsky. As part of their highly anticipated ASEAN tour, "The Nutcracker" will be performed in Singapore on 8 December 2024 at The Theatre at Mediacorp.

Celebrating 35 years of captivating audiences worldwide, "The Nutcracker" has become more than just a ballet; it’s a magical experience that transcends borders and generations. The story, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, weaves a tale of holiday wonder, with elaborate costumes, dazzling choreography, and a timeless narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Crescendo is thrilled to build on the momentum of their recent successes, offering Singaporean audiences an opportunity to experience this fairy-tale ballet in a world-class setting. "The Nutcracker" is renowned for its ability to unite people through the universal language of dance, delivering a performance that is both enchanting and unforgettable.

“After the overwhelming reception of 'Swan Lake,' we knew we wanted to bring something just as special back to Singapore,” said Marco Rios, CEO at Crescendo. “'The Nutcracker' is a perfect choice, with its universal appeal and the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre’s exceptional artistry. We’re excited to continue our partnership and bring this holiday classic to life for the Singapore audience.”

The Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre’s artists and soloists are internationally acclaimed for their grace and technical prowess, promising a performance that will leave audiences spellbound. The production’s intricate set designs, combined with the beautiful melodies of Tchaikovsky, create an immersive experience that transports the audience into a world of magic and joy.

• Event: The Nutcracker by Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre

• Venue: The Theatre at Mediacorp, Singapore

• Date: 8 December 2024 (2 shows, afternoon & evening)

• Tickets: Available at sistic.com

About Crescendo: Crescendo is a leading name in performing arts, dedicated to bringing world-class ballet and cultural performances to Southeast Asia. With a commitment to artistic excellence, Crescendo collaborates with top international companies to present ballets that resonate with both traditional and modern audiences.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Crescendo and Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre Present: 'The Nutcracker' ASEAN Tour in Kuala Lumpur

  

Following the success of their "Swan Lake" production in Malaysia and Singapore earlier this year, Crescendo is set to enchant audiences once again with P.I. Tchaikovsky’s "The Nutcracker" as part of their ASEAN tour. In collaboration with the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, the ballet will be performed in Kuala Lumpur on 13 December 2024 at Plenary Hall, KLCC. Celebrating 35 years of global acclaim, "The Nutcracker" offers a magical holiday experience with its timeless story, stunning choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic music. Building on their recent triumphs, Crescendo continues to bring world-class ballet to Southeast Asia, delivering performances that resonate across generations. Tickets are available at primuseticketsearch.sales.ticketsearch.com or myticket.asia.

Kuala Lumpur, 21 August 2024 – After the resounding success of Crescendo’s production of "Swan Lake" in Malaysia and Singapore this past May, Crescendo is thrilled to collaborate once again with the acclaimed Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre to bring another beloved classic to life—P.I. Tchaikovsky’s "The Nutcracker." As part of their highly anticipated ASEAN tour, "The Nutcracker" will be performed in Kuala Lumpur on 13 December 2024 at Plenary Hall, KLCC.

Celebrating 35 years of captivating audiences across the globe, "The Nutcracker" has become more than just a ballet; it’s a magical experience that transcends borders and generations. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this enchanting story weaves a tale of holiday wonder, with elaborate costumes, dazzling choreography, and a timeless narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Building on the momentum of their recent successes, Crescendo is excited to offer Malaysian audiences an opportunity to experience this fairy-tale ballet in a world-class setting. "The Nutcracker" is renowned for its ability to unite people through the universal language of dance, delivering a performance that is both enchanting and unforgettable.

“Following the overwhelming reception of 'Swan Lake,' we were determined to bring something equally special to Malaysia,” said Marco Rios, CEO at Crescendo. “‘The Nutcracker’ is a perfect choice, with its universal appeal and the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre’s exceptional artistry. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership and bring this holiday classic to life for the Malaysian audience.”

The Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre’s artists and soloists are internationally acclaimed for their grace and technical prowess, promising a performance that will leave audiences spellbound. The production’s intricate set designs, combined with the beautiful melodies of Tchaikovsky, create an immersive experience that transports the audience into a world of magic and joy.

Event Details

• Event: The Nutcracker by Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre

• Venue: Plenary Hall, KLCC, Kuala Lumpur

• Date: 13 December 2024

• Tickets: Available at myticket.asia

About Crescendo

Crescendo is a leading name in the performing arts, dedicated to bringing world-class ballet and cultural performances to Southeast Asia. With a commitment to artistic excellence, Crescendo collaborates with top international companies to present ballets that resonate with both traditional and modern audiences.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

JPLT Online Japanese School Offers the Chance to Learn from a Professional Native Teacher For Only 900 pesos a month!

  

JPLT Online Japanese School, DialogPlus Japan, and DialogPlus PH, featuring native Japanese instructor Mayuko Sensei.

A special offer for beginners to learn Japanese from a native instructor for only 900 pesos per month.

Classes start in September 2024, with weekday and weekend options available.

Online via JPLT’s platform, including the JPLT Metaverse Campus.

To provide accessible, high-quality Japanese language education at an unprecedented price, allowing learners to gain authentic pronunciation and cultural insights from a native speaker.

Enroll through JPLT’s website, choose your preferred schedule, and join classes with a mix of native Japanese and Filipino instructors. Recorded lessons are available for missed classes.

JPLT Online Japanese School Offers the Chance to Learn from a Professional Native Teacher For Only 900 pesos a month!

[DialogPlus Japan and DialogPlus PH] – [August 21, 2024] – JPLT (Japanese Language Training Online School) offers an unbeatable opportunity: learn from a native Japanese Instructor at an incredibly affordable price! 

For the first time, even those who are complete beginners with no prior knowledge of Japanese can join the Beginner Batch and participate in interactive, online lessons with a native Japanese instructor for just 900 pesos per month (USD: $15 | JPY: 2,520).

Website: https://jplt-dialogplus.com/

Introducing Mayuko-sensei

Our new addition to the JPLT team is Mayuko-sensei, a highly experienced Japanese language educator with over a decade of teaching experience in Australian secondary schools. With a Master’s degree in Education from an Australian public university, she now brings her expertise to online classes, providing quality education at a fraction of the usual cost—an opportunity unlike any other.

Imagine learning Japanese from a native speaker who can charge thousands of pesos per hour for one-on-one lessons, and is now made accessible at a very low price. This offering stands out as a unique chance for learners.

Special September Batch Offer:

Conversation Course for Beginners (N5/A1)

Weekdays: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM PHT / 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM EST (previous day)

Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM PHT / 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST (same day)

Weekend Classes: Continue Japanese practice online with skilled Filipino instructors.

Missed a class? No problem—recorded lessons ensure easy access to catch up at any time.

Why This is a Great Opportunity:

Unbeatable Prices: Quality Japanese lessons at a price that’s never been seen before.

Native Japanese Teacher: Learn authentic pronunciation and cultural insights directly from a native speaker.

Experienced Instructors: Get the best of both worlds with guidance from Filipino and Japanese educators.

Flexible Schedule: Choose from weekday and weekend classes to fit your lifestyle. 

Comprehensive Curriculum: A solid foundation covering JLPT N5 or CEFR A1 levels.

This unique opportunity is designed to cater to beginner Japanese language learners, offering an exciting path to mastering the language.

About JPLT Online School

JPLT (Japanese Language Training Online School) aims to be an inclusive and sustainable online school, fostering a collaborative learning community where learners can support one another. Free Japanese learning opportunities are also available.

JPLT Metaverse Campus

The JPLT Metaverse Campus offers group classes, one-on-one lessons, and free, fun activities in a cutting-edge virtual space. This platform connects Japanese learners worldwide, providing opportunities to practice speaking with avatars and learn naturally in a supportive environment. Experience the future of Japanese language education at the JPLT Metaverse Campus.

Start the Japanese language journey today by enrolling through the following links:

Enroll now

The contents of this news release are accurate at the time of the announcement. Please note that details may change over time.

About Dialog Plus Philippines Corporation

Contact Information:

Dialog Plus Corporation

Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

Representative: Toshimitsu Tanaka

Phone: +81-45-577-9777 (10:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00, excluding Wednesdays and holidays)

Email: info@dialogplus.co.jp

Website: Dialog Plus Japan

Dialog Plus Philippines Corporation

Office Location: 49, 20th Street, East Bajac-bajac, Olongapo City, Zambales, Region III, 2200

Email: admin@dialogplus.co.jp

Phone: +81-047-222-5070

Website: https://dialogplus.ph/

For further details, please visit the website:

https://jplt-dialogplus.com/

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Media and Information Literacy in the Philippines Disinformation Web

This is the first part of the four-part series on Media and Information Literacy in the Disinformation Web. In this piece, it will discuss how the spread of fake news and misinformation is eroding trust in media and threatening democracy in the Philippines. Explore the impact of political propaganda, COVID-19 misinformation, and the fight for truth.

In the Philippines, the fine line between facts and fiction is increasingly blurred. Due to the proliferation of fake news, campaign propaganda, and state-sponsored trolling, Filipinos have difficulty fact-checking and assessing the content that they consume. Moreover, these contents tend to satisfy people’s biases and world view which is why they tend to accept the facts at face value even if they were factually erroneous to begin with.

This article will highlight different examples of how bad actors spread fake news. It will also highlight the dire consequences of the mass spreading of misinformation. Lastly, how can the community fight against them?

Case Study 1: Political Propaganda as Weaponization of Lies

Political propaganda is a potent tool in the Philippines. This is rampant during elections. During that season, false narratives and manipulated stories have become common on social media. Social media is the predominant source of campaign propaganda among Filipinos; after all, the Philippines is the social media capital of the world. This propaganda is exacerbated by state-sponsored trolling, which further amplifies these messages. This creates an echo chamber that stifles dissent.

For example, studies on the last 2022 presidential campaign have shown a surge in misleading information. Usually, the content of the campaign favors certain candidates while harming others. This is particularly detrimental to democracy because people ground their discretion on lies in order to vote for particular candidates. 

In this scenario, it harms the electorate the most because they are fed with lies in order to vote for certain candidates that have self-serving agendas. 

Case Study 2: Clickbait, PR and Coordinated Campaigns Contribute to the Fake News Epidemics

Aside from skewing public opinion, disinformation is handy in generating profits for businesses. Remember, attention is the new currency of the digital economy so enterprises come up with lots of strategies to attract people’s attention. For example, clickbait websites and PR firms contribute to the fake news epidemic. They churn out emotionally charged but misleading stories for profit. 

They do this through coordinated disinformation campaigns. The said campaigns flood social media with fabricated content that creates an illusion of widespread support for specific narratives. For example, they greenwash oil companies in order to blind-sight the public that they are environmentally responsible.

These tactics erode trust in media and foster as cloud of scepticism among institutions. If people are to rely on credible media sources, the media companies must hold themselves ethically responsible otherwise it will be a PR nightmare for them or a lawsuit waiting for telling fabricated stories.

Case Study 3: COVID-19 Misinformation That Worsened A Public Health Emergency

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a proven disaster due to misinformation. False claims about treatments and vaccines have led to dangerous health behaviors and vaccine hesitancy. These harmful narratives have prolonged the pandemic and put lives at risk.

Fighting Back: Media Literacy and Collective Action

To combat disinformation, it requires a multi-pronged approach. It requires the efforts of major key players.

• Government agencies – pass laws that incentivize media companies to integrate responsible publications in their platforms such as fact-checking.

•  Independent fact-checkers and civil society organizations should educate the public and expose false narratives.

• Promotion of Media and information literacy education is essential so individuals can critically evaluate information. Understand that the reason bad actors exploit the consumers is due to a lack of MIL among users.

As a Media Consumer, What Can You Do?

• Be Skeptical: Don't believe everything you read online.

• Check Sources: Verify information from reliable sources.

• Support Fact-Checkers: Follow and share the work of reputable fact-checking organizations.

• Demand Accountability: Hold media outlets and politicians accountable for spreading misinformation.

Balancing Regulation and Freedom of Speech

Everyone agrees that fighting disinformation is essential, but protecting freedom of speech is equally important. This is where things could get murky if we highly regulate speech in the name of fact-checking. 

The solution could be to find the right balance in regulations to ensure that legitimate discourse and criticism are not stifled. 

The Fight for Truth: A Shared Responsibility

The fight against disinformation is a shared responsibility. When people become more media literate and demand accountability, they can create a more informed and resilient society. The future of Philippine democracy may well depend on the ability of Filipinos to filter out the web of misinformation and uphold the truth.

Coach Boost Gio

About Kwento Co

Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

WePlay X Jen Animation: WePlay Collaboration with Popular Animator Jen Animation, Exclusive Rare Items Available from August 23rd!

  

Recently, the well-known entertainment app WePlay announced a collaboration with famous Filipino animator Jen Animation, bringing users an exclusive experience. Starting at 12 PM on August 23rd, WePlay will launch a special limited-time gift package, giving users a chance to win exclusive Jen Animation-themed in-app items.

During the launch period, users can also participate in social media events by sharing screenshots from the Jen Animation-themed watch party in designated discussion threads to win additional Jen Animation-themed virtual items.

As a global company, WePlay has frequently topped app charts in various countries, attracting nearly a million players in the Philippines alone, with global downloads exceeding 100 million. The app is available on both iOS and Android.

For more information, please visit: https://weplayapp.com/

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

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.

Coach Boost Gio

About Kwento Co

Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Encouraging Filipino Students to Be Media and Information Literacy

  

This is the third installment of the four-part series of Media and Information Literacy Education in the Philippine Classrooms. In the Philippines' digital age, Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is key for students. MIL equips them to navigate the online world, critically assess information, and responsibly create media. However, MIL education faces challenges that need addressing.

Unequal Access: A Barrier to MIL

One major hurdle is unequal access to digital resources. Students in urban areas often have better technology and internet than those in rural and poorer regions. This gap stems from infrastructure limitations and socioeconomic factors. This leaves rural and poor students vulnerable to misinformation.

Resolving this issue requires a long-term approach and not just band-aid solutions. The government should ensure that households earn enough income to sustain their families. It is easy to recommend providing families with gadgets and what have you but the reality is that is not sustainable and the solution requires self-sufficiency for these families.

Will children have better equipment for their MIL education if families were to improve their income? It is not guaranteed but the chances this student might have that boost of support is higher.

Curriculum Gaps: Theory vs. Practice

The Philippine curriculum includes MIL, but there's a gap between theory and practice. Students learn the concepts but lack hands-on experience applying them in real situations.

So, what is the solution? To implement more project-based learning is needed to bridge this gap. Examples include writing blogspots, studying media consumption and media biases, and other internationally accepted standards of good quality MIL education.

This is a tough reform to push through because the educational system in the country prefers rote memorization. In this strategy, students are meant to regurgitate information that they absorb in their studies but not enough application to assess if they really learned something or not.

A major reform that the education department could do is train teachers to teach MIL subjects as a hybrid subjective-based type of learning and objective-type of learning. In this method, students can rote memorize the principles but they have to use inferences and draw conclusions from the materials they are about to use.

With this strategy, the gap between theory and practice could be bridged.

Diverse Perspectives: Beyond the Classroom

MIL education isn't just for schools. Parents, communities, government, and media professionals play a role.

Parents can reinforce MIL at home. These could allow children to use gadgets for reading credible news outlets or watching educational videos on YouTube. Basically, children drawn to screen time are frowned upon due to the fact that it may be deemed unproductive. Yet, the key is to ensure that their content is of good quality.

Policymakers and media can advocate for better MIL standards and create content promoting media literacy. In this modern world, government intervention and self-regulation of media companies are necessary to ensure that users become more critical and safe from misinformation that spreads on the platform. In a practical context, it is necessary to ensure that people discern facts from fake news because this shapes the policy options that guide political leaders.

MIL skills develop outside classrooms too. Community organizations and online platforms can host workshops and provide resources. Educational apps and websites offer interactive ways to hone critical media skills.

The Long-Term Impact of MIL

At present, the short-term value of MIL classes is to widen the worldview of students and enhance their critical thinking skills. However, there are more practical benefits in the long term that students could benefit from MIL:

• It shapes informed citizens who actively participate in society. This will prepare students to be better voters and safeguard their politicians. Why? They cannot be easily deceived by propaganda and they are empowered enough due to the knowledge that they have so they can put checks and balances on leaders who intend to abuse their powers.

• It prepares students for careers in a digital world. Technological advancements are already here. So, in order forstudents to exploit those opportunities, they must be proficient in navigating tools and information especially since they are free and accessible nowadays.

• Fosters responsible online behavior for overall well-being. Remember, you could be sued if you defame other people online. This is a sufficient warning to keep digital spaces clean.

Moving Forward with MIL in the Philippines

Progress has been made, but challenges persist. Collaboration between educators, parents, communities, and government is essential to bridge gaps and ensure equal access. By expanding MIL beyond classrooms and recognizing its long-term impact, we empower Filipino students to be critical thinkers and responsible digital citizens.

Coach Boost Gio

About Kwento Co

Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Bridging the Digital Divide Enhancing Media and Information Literacy

  

This is the last  installment of the State of the Media and Information Literacy in the Philippines series. This article explains how the digital divide in the Philippines, especially in rural areas, hampers Media and Information Literacy (MIL). It will discuss how unequal internet access and digital literacy disparities exacerbate this issue and the steps needed to bridge the gap.

As stated in the previous article, the income disparities of Filipino households also lead to a stark contrast of digital disparities. This divide does not only limit access to information but also hinders the development of critical MIL skills, essential for the utilization of today's media-rich environment. Below, we explore the factors contributing to this divide and how they impact MIL in the country.

Unequal Internet Access

In the Philippines, the disparity in internet access between urban and rural areas is a significant contributor to the digital divide. Urban centers boast more extensive internet infrastructure and connectivity. For example, Metro Manila enjoys the highest internet access rate at 32.3%. This reflects a concentrated investment in urban areas. In contrast, many rural regions struggle with limited or unreliable internet access which leaves large populations disconnected from the digital world.

Furthermore, income inequality exacerbates the digital divide. More affluent households are more likely to afford high-speed internet and modern digital devices. Meanwhile, poorer households face challenges in accessing even the most basic digital services.

Sadly, access to fixed broadband surged only among the wealthiest 40% of the population, while marginal improvements are seen among the poorest, illustrating the widening gap in digital access.

This stems from the inaccessibility and the expensive infrastructure set up in the Philippines. It is cheaper for internet companies to focus on urban areas rather than rural areas. In this case, the government should invest heavily in infrastructure in far-flung places to improve the said conditions

Negative Impacts on Education

The failure to resolve this digital infrastructure leads to the repercussions of this digital divide. It negatively impacts the educational sector. Students from rural and poor areas face significant barriers in adopting digital learning tools since they either cannot afford digital devices or internet connectivity is also inaccessible. These tools could have improved the ability of students to critically analyze media content and use information effectively. Without reliable internet, these students are often left out of online education opportunities.

A good example of said discrepancies was greatly seen during the COVID–19 pandemic. The more well-off students rely on online classes while the poorer students have to rely on paper modules to get by. The difference? The former gets proper instruction while the latter fends for himself.

Exacerbating MIL Disparities

If this trend continues, the digital divide will significantly restrict access to diverse sources of information. Students from poorer communities have limited access to the internet and they often rely on fewer and sometimes biased sources of information. This situation limits their ability to critically evaluate media content.

On the other hand, the disparities in internet access and digital literacy directly contribute to unequal educational outcomes. Wealthier students, with better access to digital tools and resources, are more likely to develop strong MIL skills. Unlike their economically challenged counterparts, they may fall behind. As a result, a perpetuates a cycle of inequality that affects their ability to engage critically with media and information.

If these groups have different sources of information, they may have polarized views on what is right and what is wrong since they cannot agree on the correctness of the facts they have learned.

Policy and Infrastructure: Bridging the Gap

To address these disparities, it requires a comprehensive approach. It starts with significant investments in digital infrastructure. The Philippine government must prioritize expanding broadband coverage to rural areas so that every Filipino has access to the Internet. Additionally, targeted educational policies that promote digital literacy across all regions are essential. This includes comprehensive teacher training programs that equip educators with the skills necessary to teach MIL effectively. The teachers should also be well compensated and well-subsidized for said digital technologies.

Meanwhile, community-based initiatives are also encouraged to step in to overcome cultural barriers. By engaging local communities and raising awareness about the importance of digital literacy, these programs can foster a more inclusive approach to technology adoption.

Conclusion

The digital divide in the Philippines presents a significant challenge to achieving widespread Media and Information Literacy (MIL), particularly in the rural and poor areas. Unequal access to the internet and varying levels of digital literacy exacerbate these disparities, impacting educational outcomes and limiting opportunities for critical engagement with media and information. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including investments in digital infrastructure, targeted educational policies, and community engagement. Bridging this gap can ensure that the Philippines has equitable access to MIL resources, empowering all its citizens to thrive in the digital age.

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About Kwento Co

Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES