Digital solutions platform giant Globe is supporting the upcoming National Vaccination Day through an anti-fake news campaign.
Globe joined the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Family Vaccine Specialty Clinic (FVSC), GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications Inc., (GMCI), and the Vaccine Solidarity Movement (VSM) in encouraging the public to support and participate in the National Vaccination Day on Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.
With Globe’s Truth in Action campaign, the public is encouraged to be discerning online and be confident about the COVID-19 vaccination. Globe is a very strong supporter of this campaign, said Globe senior manager for sustainability integration Miguel Bermundo who explained the company’s initiatives against fake news, protection of children, and support of the government’s vaccination drive.
Bermundo encouraged Filipinos to be more discerning and responsible social media users. He provided information on Globe-initiated public programs that would better help netizens protect themselves from the rising threats and dangers of the online world, stating that, “Globe encourages its customers to stay educated and protected when online.“
Bermundo discussed several examples of fake news which have been circulating online such as vaccination site shutdowns and various misleading information regarding vaccine efficacy in the country. “Even more serious is how disinformation is being spread about vaccines.”
Battling fake news is part of Globe’s education initiative, the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP). It is a multi-awarded workshop series conducted for free to students, teachers, parents, and even larger groups such as LGUs, and interest groups. Participants are taught how to develop strong critical thinking skills when online, which are fundamental for netizen safety today.
Through the DTP, Bermundo briefly shared some key insights on public protection against fake news, such as the importance of being able to identify facts from opinions and distorted news. He reiterated the importance of understanding the concept of perspective and the value of empathy when encountering others online. Bermundo added, “With the amount of time we spend on social media it is important to be able to identify fake news by diligently checking sources, and validating the information. We should all play an active part in fighting fake news by reporting false claims through social media and online messaging platforms.”
Globe has committed to making the Digital Thumbprint Program available to all interested communities and groups via scheduling of actual workshops and train-the-trainors sessions for those who would like to be program facilitators. Interested groups can inquire through email via bridgecom@globe.com.ph. The company has also made digital versions of the program available for self-paced learning through its free learning platform called the Globe eLibrary, which can be accessed through globeelibrary.ph
In addition, Bermundo highlighted the company’s MakeITSafePH advocacy, an initiative that protects Filipinos against fraud, hacking, cyberbullying, and other risks online. The company has invested millions of dollars to improve processes such as a content filtering system. It has also partnered with the government to help shut down malicious and illegal online platforms, especially those that can harm children.
Globe forged partnerships with Bantay Bata 163, which customers can reach for free through the Globe network in case of child-related emergencies. The 2919 Hopeline is a mental health hotline that helps manage emotional distress and crisis. It can be accessed for free by all Globe and TM subscribers or through the HealthNow app.
For MakeITSafePH, Globe also partnered with other organizations such as UNICEF, #SaferKidsPH, Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), Canadian Centre for Child Protection, to better protect Filipinos when online.
Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the UN Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.
