Fulfilling Biliran Province State University’s (BiPSU) mission to be a university "responsive to the needs of the local and global communities," the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) addressed the universal scourge of misinformation during the December 2 episode of "WOW BiPSU Extension in Action."

Aired on Radyo Natin 103.9 FM Naval, the program demonstrated how the university bridges global digital issues with local community education, ensuring that Biliranons are equipped to navigate the modern information landscape.

Hosted by University Media and Information Office (UMIO) Director Mr. Lorenzo R. de la Cruz, the episode focused on "Social Responsibility in Social Media," translating the university's commitment to the weaving of worthiness into practical digital ethics.

Dr. John Cavin Sabonsolin, Program Chairperson of the Department of Communication of BiPSU's School of Arts and Sciences, served as the resource speaker. Quoting the famous line, "With great power comes great responsibility," Dr. Sabonsolin reminded listeners that unlike traditional media, social media has no "gatekeepers."

"You are the one providing the information. We must have the discipline to verify before we click," Dr. Sabonsolin stated, emphasizing that users now hold the power to shape public opinion.

Dr. Sabonsolin educated the community on the nuances of falsehoods by citing UNESCO’s three categories of information disorder: disinformation, defined as false information spread with the specific intent to harm; misinformation, which is false information shared without harmful intent, often by mistake; and malinformation, where genuine information is weaponized to harm a person, group, or country.

To empower the community against these threats, Dr. Sabonsolin introduced the concept of "Triangulation of Sources." He advised students and community members not to rely on a single post but to verify information across at least three reputable sources, such as official LGU pages or national news agencies, before believing it.

The discussion also tackled practical online safety. Dr. Sabonsolin warned against the prevalence of "PM is the key" schemes in job offers or sales, noting that this lack of transparency is often a red flag for scams.

Addressing the mental health aspect of digital life, the discussion touched on how to handle online "trolls." Dr. Sabonsolin advised students to "choose your battles," explaining that trolls are often paid to generate engagement. "The more you engage, the more they earn. Stick to the issue, and if they don't, ignore or block them," he advised.

Director de la Cruz highlighted that this educational initiative is a direct manifestation of the university's Core Value of Service—helping change lives by protecting the integrity of information consumed by the public.

The "WOW BiPSU Extension in Action" program continues to serve as a conduit for the university’s responsiveness to societal needs.

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