Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) executive director Jaime Montoya (Photo grabbed from science.ph)
MANILA – The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) on Friday noted the importance of fighting false information to win the battle against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
"Overcoming Covid-19 entails fighting false information that may affect the public’s trust in science and evidence-based healthcare solutions. Alongside our efforts to aid our healthcare system through health R&D (research and development), we also aim to ensure that the Filipinos are educated with correct and accurate information about Covid-19 especially with the current vaccination rollout," PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya told the Philippine News Agency.
Montoya emphasized that no person or organization can fight the pandemic and false information alone, thus, combined efforts that operate with a shared goal are necessary.
"We regard the private sector as our partner, and we recognize the importance of collective efforts in fighting misinformation about health and health research-related topics," he said.
The involvement of the private sector, Montoya said, is essential not just in the government’s vaccination program, but also in the country’s whole strategy against Covid-19.
Asked for their comment on the recently launched "Truth in Action" campaign of the Globe Group, both Montoya and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Guevara said they welcome and support such initiative.
"Truth in Action" aims to educate the public on the Covid-19 vaccines' safety through videos. It also includes a pledge that encourages the public to become responsible digital citizens and avoid spreading malicious and fake information online.
"Mas mahirap ang laban sa infodemic (The battle against infodemic is harder). If the private sector could help (in this fight), this is welcome," Guevara said, adding that she hopes everyone capable of helping will join the government in the fight against Covid-19.
Montoya added that they support all initiatives that are aligned with the greater goal of preventing the spread of the virus and false information. "Let us remember that there is only one enemy and that is Covid-19. Regardless of where every initiative is coming from, it is still an effort that contributes to this shared goal, and it will make a difference," he said.
Montoya said the PCHRD supports all communication efforts aligned with this goal and is grateful for every initiative whether it is from a government agency or a private institution.
"The issue of Covid-19 misinformation is of enormous importance, thus, we welcome the participation of the private sector to help us deliver the right and accurate information to the Filipino people," he said. (PNA)
"Overcoming Covid-19 entails fighting false information that may affect the public’s trust in science and evidence-based healthcare solutions. Alongside our efforts to aid our healthcare system through health R&D (research and development), we also aim to ensure that the Filipinos are educated with correct and accurate information about Covid-19 especially with the current vaccination rollout," PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya told the Philippine News Agency.
Montoya emphasized that no person or organization can fight the pandemic and false information alone, thus, combined efforts that operate with a shared goal are necessary.
"We regard the private sector as our partner, and we recognize the importance of collective efforts in fighting misinformation about health and health research-related topics," he said.
The involvement of the private sector, Montoya said, is essential not just in the government’s vaccination program, but also in the country’s whole strategy against Covid-19.
Asked for their comment on the recently launched "Truth in Action" campaign of the Globe Group, both Montoya and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Guevara said they welcome and support such initiative.
"Truth in Action" aims to educate the public on the Covid-19 vaccines' safety through videos. It also includes a pledge that encourages the public to become responsible digital citizens and avoid spreading malicious and fake information online.
"Mas mahirap ang laban sa infodemic (The battle against infodemic is harder). If the private sector could help (in this fight), this is welcome," Guevara said, adding that she hopes everyone capable of helping will join the government in the fight against Covid-19.
Montoya added that they support all initiatives that are aligned with the greater goal of preventing the spread of the virus and false information. "Let us remember that there is only one enemy and that is Covid-19. Regardless of where every initiative is coming from, it is still an effort that contributes to this shared goal, and it will make a difference," he said.
Montoya said the PCHRD supports all communication efforts aligned with this goal and is grateful for every initiative whether it is from a government agency or a private institution.
"The issue of Covid-19 misinformation is of enormous importance, thus, we welcome the participation of the private sector to help us deliver the right and accurate information to the Filipino people," he said. (PNA)
