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Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga has called on Quezon City government personnel to remain steadfast in their advocacy against misinformation and disinformation, underscoring the crucial role of public communicators in preserving public trust.

Speaking during a workshop organized by the Quezon City Public Affairs and Information Services Department (PAISD), Zaldarriaga reminded participants that in an era where false information spreads quickly, public information officers carry the responsibility of ensuring that citizens receive only timely, accurate, and verified updates.

“In today’s digital age, public information officers must ensure that the public only receives timely, accurate and verified information,” he said in his talk, Decoding Deception: Navigating the Era of Fake News. “By advocating for media literacy, we equip our peers to reduce the spread of misinformation. This enables us to lead with integrity and clarity, ensuring that truth prevails and public trust is preserved.”

Drawing from his nearly four decades of experience as a professional communicator, Zaldarriaga—who also serves as a trustee of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP)—emphasized the value of critical thinking, collaboration, and media literacy in countering fake news. He also shared practical strategies for identifying and addressing false information, noting how reputation management is closely tied to credibility in communications.

The session formed part of PAISD’s five-day Risk and Communication Training, which seeks to strengthen communication strategies, enhance risk communication plans, and ensure the effective flow of information, particularly during crises and disasters. The event gathered representatives from 65 city departments and officials from 142 barangays, reflecting the local government’s commitment to improving transparency and accuracy in public service communications.