‘WRITE THE RIGHT’: iWrite attends a virtual workshop led by AFP and Tsek.ph

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In line with its ongoing commitment to fact-checking, members of UP Visayas iWrite attended a virtual workshop hosted by Agence France-Presse and supported by Tsek.ph on March 1 and 8.

According to iWrite adviser Dr. Zoilo S. Andrada Jr., he was invited by UP Diliman Associate Professors Dr. Diosa Labiste and Assistant Professor Yvonne Chua to join Tsek.ph.

A formal invitation was also sent to the Division of Humanities, prompting its participation.

“This is the reason why we are recognized as UPV Division of Humanities iWrite. As a new member of Tsek.ph, iWrite was invited to undergo a series of preparatory workshops on fact-checking,” Andrada said.

Tsek.ph is a collaborative fact-checking initiative launched in 2019 for Philippine elections, backed by the academe, media, and civil society to combat disinformation and provide the public with verified information.

AFP is an independent European news agency committed to truth, accuracy, and impartial coverage worldwide.

Sharing similar advocacies, AFP and Tsek.ph organized the two-day online workshop series held on consecutive Saturdays to prepare for the 2025 midterm elections in the Philippines.

Twelve organizations across the country, including iWrite, participated in the training.

The sessions were led by Sophia Xu, digital training manager for Asia-Pacific at AFP, and Jake Soriano, deputy head of digital investigation for Asia-Pacific, who previously worked with GMA News, Tsek.ph, and Vera Files.

Two key topics were covered: “Digital Investigation Fundamentals” on the first day and “Philippine Elections: How Can Journalists Verify and Debunk Misinformation in the Age of AI?” on the second.

The speakers discussed the types and differences between misinformation and disinformation in Asia, particularly the Philippines.

They also highlighted key skills that journalists and fact-checkers must develop to combat these challenges amid a rapidly evolving media landscape.

To reinforce their learning, participants engaged in hands-on exercises using digital investigative techniques both individually and collaboratively.

Amanda Isabel Contemplacion, a member of iWrite’s Creatives and Publication Committee and a first-year BA Communication and Media Studies student, shared her experience.

“One of the most valuable insights I gained is the importance of verifying information before reporting it,” she said.

“With the upcoming elections, it’s very crucial to provide accurate and well-researched information. This skill will help me uphold journalistic integrity and contribute positively to the election discourse.”

Participants were introduced to essential fact-checking tools such as refined search operators, reverse image search, geolocation, archiving, and verification methods for audio cloning and video manipulation.

Sophia Maye Vale, also a freshman BA CMS student and junior executive officer of iWrite, expressed enthusiasm for learning these tools, especially refined search operators.

“The most valuable skill I learned is maximizing search engines like Google using search operators,” Vale said.

“This is useful when searching for specific details in cryptic posts, particularly in fact-checking articles.”

With the rise of deepfakes and false content, both Contemplacion and Vale voiced interest in future workshops to further explore how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly in journalism.

They emphasized the importance of understanding AI’s role in detecting and combating misinformation, recognizing its potential as both a threat and a tool.

Meanwhile, third-year CMS student Samantha Mae Tayopon, a member of iWrite’s Documentation Committee, reflected on the role of journalists amid advancing technology.

“Technology has helped us understand society better, but it has also enabled the spread of fake news, especially online,” she said.

“This highlights the need for media literacy among users and for campus journalists to always fact-check and cross-check, especially ahead of the elections.”

The AFP-Tsek.ph workshop was part of iWrite’s preparations for the 2025 midterm elections.

Armed with new knowledge and tools, the organization remains committed to ethical, credible, and verified reporting at the forefront of its advocacy. (Written by Jasmine Kris G. Caleza)