STI College Join ABS-CBN Fact Check Election Prep 2025

By: Graceline Marcelo , March 21, 2025

On March 11, 2025, ABS-CBN's 'Halalan 2025: iTsek ang Boto' workshop, led by ABS-CBN Fact Check and Bayan Mo, Ipatrol Mo (BMPM), took place at STI College Ortigas-Cainta. This event highlighted the long-standing partnership between STI and ABS-CBN for nation-building, dedicated to building an informed and responsible citizenry. 

This initiative sought to empower STI College 2nd and 3rd year BA in Communication (BACOMM) students with the essential skills and tools in fact-checking, a critical competency for the Halalan 2025 elections. 

Leading the charge was Dabet Panelo, Research and Training Officer of Bayan Mo Ipatrol Mo, ABS-CBN Research and Verification Unit, deepening students' understanding of the historical context of Philippine elections. 

Panelo engaged STI students with an interactive game during her session
Panelo engaged STI students with an interactive game during her session
Panelo engaged STI students with an interactive game during her session

Joining Panelo was Alexa Yadao, Junior Program Officer for Electoral Reforms of Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), who drew upon her expertise in electoral law, and addressed critical issues such as the ethical implications of state resource utilization during campaigns. 

“Hindi problema ‘yung pag-distribute ng social welfare programs. Pero ngayong eleksyon, nagiging problema na siya dahil andami nang lumilitaw na mukha sa mga social welfare programs,” Yadao pointed out. 

Yadao, speaking on ethical campaign practices

 

Furthermore, Panelo also addressed the ever-present challenge of disinformation. She emphasized that all social media users, regardless of age, are responsible for verifying information before sharing. 

“We have to make sure that what we’re consuming [on social media] are true and accurate,” Panelo emphasized in an interview. 

Students gained hands-on experience with fact-checking tools and techniques, such as reverse image search and geolocation, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. 

2nd and 3rd BACOMM students who actively participated in the workshop
2nd and 3rd BACOMM students who actively participated in the workshop
2nd and 3rd BACOMM students who actively participated in the workshop

More activities are slated to take place at other campuses, continuing the joint mission of STI and ABS-CBN to empower students with vital skills for responsible citizenship and media literacy. 

With information spreading rapidly online, knowing how to discern credible sources is crucial. This skill empowers informed decisions, promotes responsible digital citizenship, and builds a more discerning society for all generations.