Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga has called on Quezon City government personnel to remain steadfast in the fight against fake news, stressing the crucial role of public information officers in safeguarding truth and public trust.
Speaking at the workshop Decoding Deception: Navigating the Era of Fake News organized by the QC Public Affairs and Information Services Department (PAISD), Zaldarriaga highlighted the importance of critical thinking, collaboration, and media literacy as frontline defenses against misinformation and disinformation.
“In today’s digital age, public information officers must ensure that citizens receive only timely, accurate, and verified information,” he said. “By promoting media literacy and equipping our peers with the right tools, we can curb the spread of misinformation and lead with integrity and clarity. Above all, truth must prevail to preserve public trust.”
Zaldarriaga, who also sits on the Board of Trustees of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), drew from his nearly four decades of communications experience to share strategies on identifying and countering false information, as well as protecting organizational reputation.
The workshop formed part of PAISD’s five-day Risk and Communication Training, designed to strengthen communication strategies, sharpen risk communication plans, and ensure efficient, transparent information flow during crises and disasters.
Representatives from Quezon City’s 65 departments and 142 barangays took part in the training, underscoring the city’s commitment to building a well-informed and resilient community.