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| (Image Source: Malaya Business Insight/United Nations Educational, Scientific And Cultural Organization) |
Malabon City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete highlighted the city’s continuing efforts to foster a thinking culture through Media and Information Literacy (MIL) as he represented the City Government of Malabon in the “Launching MIL Cities: Connecting Communities Through Information And Culture” online conference, organized in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). “In Malabon, we see Media and Information Literacy not just as a skill, but as a way of thinking — a mindset that empowers every citizen to question, reflect, and act responsibly. Building a thinking culture starts with our people — when every Malabueño learns to seek truth, value dialogue, and use information wisely. Empowered citizens are the foundation of a progressive city,” said Dr. Rosete.
A thinking culture promotes curiosity, reflection, and open dialogue — empowering people to analyze, question, and make informed decisions. It views learning and reasoning as essential practices in daily life, both individually and collectively. During the panel discussion, Dr. Rosete identified information overload as one of the key universal barriers to cultivating such a culture. He said, “People today are constantly bombarded with information that isn’t always verified. Without critical thinking, we risk accepting misinformation as truth.” He also discussed barriers that are unique to the Philippine and Malabon context including the digital divide in coastal and flood-prone barangays, Language barriers as most materials are written in formal English and a culture of conformity that sometimes discourages open discussion and questioning. These, he explained, make it more challenging to develop a culture that values analysis and reflection. To address these challenges, Dr. Rosete presented Malabon’s initiatives as one of the Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Cities where learning and critical thinking are integrated into tourism, culture, and community engagement programs. Among these initiatives is the plan to merge MIL with tourism through heritage tours featuring “fact vs. myth” storytelling at local landmarks — providing both visitors and residents accurate historical knowledge while promoting media awareness. The city also aims to establish MIL Hubs in barangays and museums where citizens can fact-check, discuss, and learn about media and information practices. He likewise introduced the concept of MIL Ambassadors — composed of tour guides, youth leaders, and community volunteers — who will help promote responsible media use and transform tourism spaces into venues for learning and civic participation.
Recognizing that many still lack access to digital learning, Dr. Rosete also underscored programs for out-of-school youth and informal workers including Mobile MIL Caravans in markets and terminals, Tagalog-based community workshops, and offline learning materials such as posters, brochures, and radio features to reach communities with limited internet access. Dr. Rosete further emphasized the link between media literacy, cultural heritage, and social-emotional learning through the proposed Cultural Mapping Project of Malabon. This initiative will bring together students, artisans, and elders to document and celebrate the city’s tangible and intangible heritage such as Pancit Malabon and traditional crafts and local practices. He further stated, “Media and Information Literacy connects with cultural legacy through the preservation and responsible promotion of local heritage — and with social-emotional literacy by fostering empathy, respect, and collaboration in communication.” Aligned with this vision, the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (CTCAO) continues to spearhead programs such as the Malabon City Tourism XP App and Malabon TV, platforms that promote verified, responsible, and community-centered storytelling — empowering every Malabueño to become a critical thinker and storyteller in the digital age.
During the event, Malabon is one of only nine cities worldwide that were officially launched to become an MIL Pilot City. MIL Pilot Cities integrated media and information literacy learning into physical and virtual spaces to empower their residents to think critically and use social media responsibly. Among the MIL initiatives of the city government were the effective and timely utilization of its social media pages; the development of the Malabon All Hazards One Networt (AHON) Alert Application, Let’s Connect TXT MJS, Electronic Business One Stop Shop, and Tourism XP; and the launching of Malabon TV and City of Malabon University’s CMU I-Connect, the city’s reliable news platforms.
