John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. became the center of media literacy and digital transformation as it hosted the two-day 2025 National Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Conference, last November 7-8.
With the theme "Navigating Digital Age through Media Mindfulness and Digital Transformation," the conference together with JBLFMU-Molo, Polytechnic University of the Philippines- College of Communication and Trinity University of Asia- Media and Communication Department in partnership with PUP PhD Communication Society and PLAI Western Visayas Region Librarian Council, explore the critical role of media literacy in the evolving digital landscape.
The conference quickly proceeded into discussions with keynote speakers addressing challenges in journalism, children's media use and how mindfulness is applied in digital literacy education.
Furthermore, Usec. Jose A. Torres Jr., Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, gave the opening keynote on "The Challenges of Journalism in the Philippines and the Imperative of Media and Information Literacy," addressing the urgent need for safeguarding media integrity against misinformation and violence.
An online session on international perspective from Sherri Hope Culver, Director at Temple Universityโs Center for Media and Information Literacy in the USA, who tackled the intersection of children, media, and artificial intelligence, highlighting ethical dilemmas and opportunities.
A series of plenary sessions showcased developing ideas in media education: Dr. Jose Reuben Q. Alagaran II discussed ways in integrating media mindfulness, while Dr. Walter H. Yudelmo focused on "Health Communication and the New Media Trap," emphasizing how media influences public health issues. Dr. Rona Dhel C. Alingasa examined "Media and Information Literacy Among Teachers in the Digital Age," sharing strategies with educators managing digital use into classrooms.
Ms. Rahel Podobsky-Stucki on "Online Safety, Ethics, and Digital Transformation" reminded the delegates of the personal and societal responsibilities in cyberspace, as the day ended with a final plenary.
The conference also provided a platform for parallel research presentations on the different room session of the university.
The second day of conference featured insights into artificial intelligenceโs role in media literacy by Dr. Alexandre Le Voci Sayad, an advisor to UNESCO, reinforcing the conferenceโs commitment to addressing future-forward topics. Meanwhile, Mr. Alexandre Le Voci Sayad, Director, ZeitGeist UNESCO Advisor, AI and MIL Specialist, talks about: Artificial Intelligence and Media and Information Literacy: Pathways to Digital Transformation
Additionally in the MIL Session 1 and 2, Mr. Alvin Canales, Director for Digital Platforms Philippine Association for Media and Information Literacy, ICT and Research Coordinator of Balibago Primero Integrated School, Tarlac City and Dr. Rhoda Garzon-Campillan, Academic Supervisor and Associate Professor, BA Communication at University of San Agustin, Iloilo City talks the topic about: Understand Online Privacy, Safety, and Security and Creating Alternative Media Texts Using Digital Tools.
A roundtable discussion on the final day engaged librarians, teachers, and advocates in evaluating the current state of MIL in Western Visayas and strategies for regional strengthening.
This partenership aligns with the following United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs): Quality Education (SDG 4), Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 6), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
Story by Mdpn. Josh Narzoles and Mdpn. Rayle Navigar