01/05/2025
𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟎𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓, 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬; 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞
In a powerful move that brings “Good Vibes sa Internet” to life, and in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to combat disinformation, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Google Philippines have renewed their strong alliance to fight fake news and expand digital literacy efforts across the country.
The high-level meeting between DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda and Google Philippines’ Head of Public Policy and Government Relations, Atty. Yves Gonzalez, on Wednesday resulted in stronger online safeguards, smarter AI tools, and a nationwide push for digital empowerment.
Under this partnership, Google will strengthen AI-powered content detection, enhance human moderation, and tighten enforcement of YouTube Community Guidelines. Meanwhile, DICT’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center will launch a rapid-response channel to flag harmful and unlawful online content—ensuring faster action and greater accountability.
The two parties sealed their commitment through a joint statement, emphasizing their shared duty to protect Filipinos online and uphold digital integrity.
“This partnership reflects a strong model of responsible digital governance and private-sector accountability—a necessary foundation in building a safe, trusted, and inclusive digital Philippines,” the joint statement of DICT and Google read.
“This is a teamwork for truth. Together, we’re building stronger defenses against disinformation and giving every Filipino the tools to thrive in the digital world,” Sec. Aguda added.
The partnership also kicks off DigiBayanihan 2.0, a grassroots digital literacy campaign supported by Google Philippines and led by ASSIST. Aligned with DICT’s flagship Digital Bayanihan agenda, the program will focus on teaching practical digital skills to communities in the Visayas and Mindanao—bringing the benefits of digital knowledge to those who need it most.
With stronger policies, smarter tools, and united leadership, DICT and Google are putting power back in the hands of the people—helping Filipinos spot fake news, think critically, and connect with confidence in today’s digital age. #