Opting for truth, trust, and transparency is not just a slogan but a way of life for Thomasians, Palace Press Officer and UST alumna Claire Castro emphasized in a masterclass on governance held on May 9 at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom, Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building.

In the event, “Truth, Trust, and Transparency: Highlighting Thomasian Identity in Navigating Governance and Media in the Age of Disinformation,” Castro urged students to uphold Thomasian values in the fight against disinformation, especially as the Philippines faces an “information crisis” in the age of social media.

“As Thomasians, we already know the value of truth. It guides us in our thoughts, words, and actions. We deem it important to always demand for the truth from others and ourselves,” Castro said during her lecture.

She further explained that trust is precious because of its rarity, and that Thomasians pride themselves on building lasting trust in their studies, work, and commitments to the nation.

Then she added that transparency is a natural extension of truth and trust, and it is something that Thomasians are not afraid to demand or to give.

Castro also addressed the growing problem of fake news and disinformation, especially in the Philippines, which has been identified as a “hotbed for disinformation.”

“We are more susceptible to amplified messaging tainted by propaganda, humor-mongering, and other elements that distort public opinion and perception,” the Palace Press Officer said

In a data released by ReportingAsean in 2023, an average Filipino spends over 10 hours on social media every day compared to other Southeast Asian countries, making them more vulnerable to disinformation.

It also showed that the Philippines has the lowest level of trust in news with 38 percent, and a high rate of people often hearing politicians criticizing journalists or news media.

Castro also stressed that combating disinformation is a shared responsibility, not just for those in government communications but for everyone.

“Your criticisms, with valid basis, the government needs to listen. A responsible government welcomes these remarks to correct what needs to be corrected and to finish what needs to be accomplished,” she said.

She encouraged the Thomasian community to be vigilant, to speak out against fake news, and to participate actively in upholding truth and accountability in society.

“If you see something, say something,” the Thomasian alumna urged.

The UST alumna credited the University for instilling in her the values of truth and integrity, and challenged fellow Thomasians to be “the bricks that make up the defensive wall against disinformation, misinformation, and their many forms.”

“We shall parry every mud they sling and get rid of the muck they rake. As Thomasians, we will be responsible when many cannot,” she said.

Castro graduated from UST with a law degree and a political science degree.

She is a trial lawyer, and previously hosted the "Usapang Batas" on DZXL News.

The masterclass by the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters and the Department of Political Science, gathered policymakers, scholars, journalists, and students for a dialogue on the roles of media and government in addressing the information crisis.