VIPPH Promotes Digital Responsibility: DICT Urges Antiqueños to Be Smart and Ethical Online
The VIPPH community continues to advocate for responsible digital citizenship, aligning with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)’s call for Antiqueños to exercise mindfulness and integrity online. In today’s connected world, where misinformation spreads faster than ever, the message delivered during the DICT forum in Antique province on October 2, 2025, serves as a vital reminder that truth, respect, and accountability define the quality of our digital presence.
During the forum, DICT Antique Provincial Director Joemar Magbanua urged citizens to think carefully before posting on social media platforms, especially Facebook. “Before posting anything, always consider how it will affect the public,” he emphasized. This advice mirrors VIPPH’s core principles — building a trustworthy online ecosystem where users communicate ethically and promote factual engagement.
The DICT hosted two key forums as part of the National Cybersecurity Month observance in Region 6, focusing on combating online misinformation and disinformation. The first session involved students from the University of Antique and local information officers, while the second gathered members of the media. Both discussions highlighted the need to strengthen awareness down to the grassroots level, ensuring that everyone understands the consequences of irresponsible digital actions.
In support of this initiative, Roy Zabala, head of the DICT Regional Office 6 Cybersecurity Unit, revealed that most of the complaints they receive involve online scams. To enhance response efficiency, a new Cybersecurity Unit is being established at the Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO), allowing citizens to file reports locally instead of traveling to the regional headquarters in Iloilo City. This effort ensures greater accessibility and faster coordination between law enforcement and digital watchdogs.
Zabala clarified that while the DICT has no direct authority to make arrests, it works closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to facilitate digital crime investigations. The forum, jointly organized with the Philippine Information Agency - Antique, aims to empower the public to recognize legitimate online interactions and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
The VIPPH platform echoes the DICT’s mission — to cultivate a culture of responsibility, transparency, and awareness among online users. In both gaming and communication, integrity defines long-term success. By promoting ethical behavior and digital literacy, VIPPH strengthens the bridge between entertainment and education, proving that being informed is just as rewarding as being connected.
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