Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is extending its communications advocacy beyond the power sector, with Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga calling on Gen Z communicators to take the lead in the fight against misinformation and disinformation.

Speaking before communication students and faculty of Far Eastern University (FEU) on September 29, 2025, Zaldarriaga said young Filipinos must recognize their role in shaping credible digital spaces.

“Your voice matters just as mine matters. Your choices online matter. And together, we can make responsible communication trend again. We all need to collaborate because upholding credibility is everyone’s responsibility,” he told participants in a session on Countering Misinformation and Disinformation in Digital Media.

The event was part of FEUling PRide: Charging Ahead in Public Relations, a seminar hosted by the FEU Communication Society in partnership with the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP). Zaldarriaga also serves as a PRSP Board of Trustee.

He emphasized that media literacy should be viewed as a basic life skill, noting how disinformation campaigns can affect not only politics and social issues but also sectors like energy, where public trust and informed decision-making are crucial.

“Some schools have already taken steps to teach students how to spot fake news. With the right support, more young people—especially in vulnerable communities—can gain access to this critical knowledge,” he said.

Zaldarriaga welcomed FEU’s collaboration with industry professionals, saying it would help prepare students to critically assess information, identify credible sources, and exercise responsible digital citizenship.

What do you think? How should the energy industry strengthen media literacy initiatives to prevent misinformation from shaping public opinion on power costs, regulation, and the energy transition?

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