The Public Relations Society of the Philippines president, Ana Pista, APR, presents the presidential report to the Society.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave M. Gomez called for stronger collaboration between the government and the communications industry to address fake news and rebuild public trust during the Public Relations Society of the Philippines’ (PRSP) 1st General Membership Meeting held on April 14, 2026, at Palm Grove, Rockwell Center.
Building on Gomez’s call, PRSP President Ana Ruby Pista, APR, presented the Society’s presidential report and introduced its 2026–2027 theme, “Steward the Story,” which signals a shift in how the PR industry defines its role.
“We are moving from being mere narrators or promoters to becoming ethical stewards of the narrative ecosystems we influence,” Pista said.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary, Dave M. Gomez, delivers his speech on stewards of public trust and the fight against fake news.
Coordination gaps and communication delays challenge anti-misinformation response
In his keynote address, Gomez underscored the challenges of the government responding to misinformation in a fast-moving digital environment.
He cited the bureaucratic review processes, the inconsistent messaging that arises from coordinating multiple agencies, and the algorithm’s preference for emotionally charged content over verified information as the challenges that slow the government’s response to fake news.
“While the news cycle demands answers in minutes, the speed mismatch is the daily test of our patience and creativity,” he added.
These delays lead many Filipino people to quickly lose their confidence in the president’s words. To address this, Gomez highlighted ongoing initiatives such as Oplan Kontra Fake News and coordination efforts with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to strengthen misinformation response systems.
“Building public confidence demands consistency, transparency, and authenticity,” he said.
He also called for closer collaboration with the PRSP to fight fake news.
“As communicators, we are not just messengers. We are stewards of information that shapes our nation’s future,” he said. “Hindi kasinungalingan ang susulat ng ating kinabukasan, at hindi fake news ang magdidikta ng ating kasaysayan (Falsehood will not write our future, and fake news will not dictate our history).”
The PRSP’s 2026-2027 Board of Trustees and advisers express gratitude to the PCO Secretary. From left to right: Steve Dailisan MC; Norman Agatep, APR; Karla De Quiros; Dave M. Gomez; Ana Pista, APR; Steve Michael Moore Jr., MA, CMP; Edgar Timbungco, APR/CPME; Ritzi Villarico-Ronquillo, APR; Emver Cortez; Ma. Luisa Paragas-Sebastian, APR.
Platforms, AI governance, and public reporting system strengthen anti-disinformation strategy
During the open forum, Gomez said social media platforms have adopted escalation mechanisms for harmful content and are open to reducing the spread of verified misinformation.
He also confirmed plans for a public reporting platform, developed with DICT, to allow citizens to flag fake news.
Gomez pushed back against criticism that government efforts could suppress dissent.
“Some detractors say we are weaponizing Oplan Kontra Fake News to silence critics. It’s not that,” he said. “It is really more of protecting our people from the harm of fake news.”
On election-related disinformation, he drew a clear line:
“I will not resort to trolling and manufacturing fake news. I will not fight fire with fire. I will not fight fake news with fake news,” he said. “The truth is still our best defense against fake news.”
Gomez added that regulating artificial intelligence remains a challenge, with policy often lagging behind technological development, but confirmed that AI governance is a priority under the Philippines’ ASEAN agenda. He also said the government is exploring positioning the country as a regional data center hub, while acknowledging resource demands.
He said lessons from a 2025 visit to a data center facility in Dubai highlighted the need for affordable power and a sustainable water supply for such investments.
PRSP inducts 12 new members into the Society.
PRSP rolls out initiatives, training programs, and digital platform enhancements
Following Gomez’s speech, PRSP outlined its 2026–2027 initiatives under “Steward the Story,” including the launch of the PRSP Academy, which will offer training and certification programs for PR practitioners.
PRSP also announced the 62nd ANVIL Awards, which will celebrate PR campaigns that change the game, the regional expansion plans in Cebu and Davao, alongside the revival of student programs such as campus caravans, student PR congresses, and competitions.
A refreshed PRSP website was also unveiled with a new look, featuring a membership directory and an integrated payment system.
The event also marked the induction of 12 new PRSP members.
