By Rafhael Jabongga, XU-SD Student Volunteer
On February 9, the Student Social Involvement and Advocacy Program (SSIAP) through the initiative by the student volunteers of Xavier University (XU) organized a webinar series for the upcoming 2022 national and local election. Gahum sa Katawhan: Magkahiusa para sa Matinud-anong Piniliay 2022 is an online webinar series that started its first pilot episode last September 16, 2021, that aims to inform, form, and transform through various talks. It partnered with different stakeholders such as LIHUK Movement, National Citizens’ Movement for Free Election (NAMFREL), Lyceum of Iligan Foundation, Association of Xavier University Oro Scholars (AXUOS), XU National Service Program, XU Central Student Government, and the City Scholarships Office.
Its second episode, headed by Ms. Kathleen Garces, in support of Mr. Nestor Banuag Jr of the event tackled how to choose the right leaders for the country’s progress and development. Mr. Roel Ravanera, Vice-President of the XU Social Development Office kicked off the event by addressing his welcome remarks that inspired the viewers towards the event, he says “kini usa ka kamatu-uran nga dako kaayo matabang alang sa kalamboan sa atong nasud”. He also added that “ang gahum dili libre if we are aiming for development, we need to understand, be unified, and above all ━ truth”.
The conversation then sparked with the first speaker Ms. Yasmira Moner, Acting Director of the Mindanao State University- Iligan Institue of Technology (MSU-IIT) institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao, and she is also an Associate Professor in Political Science Department in the institution. Ms. Moner took forward on choosing the right candidate for the position as she mentioned the power lies within the hands of the people. Moreover, she added that the government represents the people of the nation along. In the context of power, Ms. Moner then emphasizes where does it belong, when to use it, and what is the result by tracing back its system. She says “Maging critical tayo sa electoral system natin”. She also hint that there is no such thing as neutrality in politics, “pumili tayo ng alam natin pinaglalaban ang pangkalatahan, at hindi ang interes ng iilan”. Lastly, Ms. Moner concluded her discussion on politicians being held accountable through the ballots during elections by relying on our political stand, and starting the dialogue in making a change in a deeper sense with the people’s power.
Along with Ms. Moner, tackling fake news that is rampant online, Ms. Rechelle Ann T. Barraquias from the Development Communication and currently, the chairman emphasizes mainly information dissemination through social media. Ms. Barraquias highlighted that with the ongoing campaign, social media plays an important strategic tool especially online with regards to a candidate’s tactics. She says “mahinundang tukihon gyud nato ug ayo ang imporsyon na gakakita sa social media”. Ms. Barraquias pointed out that without prior knowledge online, it would result in fake news that would lead to deceiving untrue facts online. In view of fake news, she mentioned three types of information disorder: disinformation, misinformation, and misinformation. Disinformation was made intentionally, while misinformation was not made intentionally rather it is just a mistake. Lastly, malinformation could be based on reality, but the sole intention is to destroy or harm other people or a nation. Ms. Barraquias ended her talk, on 5 ways to combat propaganda, and it is through MAGIS━ Mind the motive, Assess the context, Get the idea, Investigate for the information, and Source for the source.
The event’s reactors are Angelica Gacus, Glecyl Jaquilmac, and Jose Rowel Damas, and hosted by Ms. Keziah Mallorca and Jaime Obendencio, student volunteers from the SSIAP.