Ciris’ next generation leaders postpone opposing false information and establishing a culture of truth
As false information becomes more complex, a new generation of leaders are getting along with Filipinos. The Center for Information Resilience and Integrity Research (CIRIS), an independent organization led by emerging voices in governance and communication, is at the forefront of the fight against false information, misinformation and malignant effects (DMMI).
Ciris by Michel AndréP. Del Rosario was co-founded with co-founders Christopher Balagtas and Erik Chua, and Ciris shows that millennials are not only digital natives, but also defenders of digital integrity.
Mr. Del Rosario, who previously served as assistant secretary in the Office of Presidential Communications and served as a national working group for the Western Philippines Marine Information Working Group, witnessed first-hand how foreign influence manipulates public opinion. He joined Balagtas and Mr. Chua to establish the mission of CIRIS: to arm Filipinos with credible information through storytelling and strategic communication based on truth.
“Fake information is not only a trouble, but a national threat,” said Mr. Del Rosario. “Our generation cannot remain passive. We need to make sure that the truth is not only told, but is also heard and felt.”
Ciris stressed that its independence is at the heart of its work. “We may have a background in governance and communication, but the organization has no relationship with any political agenda,” explained Mr. Del Rosario. “We have donors who share our mission, but our work is guided only by the truth and the public good.”
Where propaganda bends facts to serve power, Ciris does the opposite. They reveal lies, expand the facts and help Filipinos make decisions based on the truth. The group works with various partners in government, colleges, civil society and media, but says its credibility will never be compromised. “Creditation means sticking to facts even if it is inconvenient,” Mr. Barragatas said. “We don’t shape truths to fit the story – we shape stories around truth.”
Ciris by Alon ng kabayanihan – A recent short film that gathered Filipinos to defend the sovereignty of the West Philippine Sea. The movement reflects a deliberate choice, rather than focusing on fingertips, but on verifiable actions and the life experiences of the Filipino community. “The most important thing in the struggle for the West Philippine Sea is to fight for the truth,” Del Rosario stressed. “Fake information weakens our freedom to protect our things – our oceans, our food, our communities, and our country’s future.”
The organization’s mission goes far beyond the West Philippine Sea. Ciris’ campaign against disinformation undermines the country’s core national interests, from elections to democratic institutions. Its digital literacy program is designed to help Filipinos define red flags online, from AI-generated fakes to coordinated troll networks. At the grassroots level, it supports “replicate” organizations in schools and communities that train the next generation to fight DMMI locally. Ciris also works closely with academics and experts to welcome research even when challenges to hypotheses – using it to refine strategies and enhance credibility.
Ciris believes that the struggle against falsehood is not a win based on facts but the realization of truth. Its approach combines research, strategic communication and emotional resonance storytelling, making proven information more attractive than lies. This strategy has been recognized internationally. Ciris supports documentary Food Delivery: Just From Western Philippines SeafoodDespite attempts by foreign actors to pull it out of the lineup, they won the Change Award at the Doc Edge International Film Festival in New Zealand.
For Ciris, fighting disinformation is not only about correcting records, but also about building a culture of truth that will transcend today’s digital struggle. This means reaching young Filipinos: online. “Our mission is to build digital resilience,” Mr. Barragatas said. “We want Filipinos to think critically before clicking, liking or sharing. Pause. Verification. Protect our democracy from inherent influences.”
Ciris is preparing national lectures and workshops with partner universities and organizations disinformation and interactive resources and interactive resources to train the next wave of digital defenders. Ciris’ core conveys a simple but urgent message: the truth is national responsibility. By mobilizing leaders, creators, educators and everyday citizens, the organization aims to change how Filipinos consume and share information.
“Fake information erodes trust, divides communities, and weakens the identity that unites people into a nation,” Mr. Chua said. “But if we take ownership of the truth – if we arm ourselves and each other with trustworthy information, then there is no vicious influence that will defeat us.”
Spotlight is a sponsored part of BusinessWorld, which allows advertisers to expand their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by posting stories on business world sites. For more information, email us to inline@bworldonline.com.
Join our Viber for more updates, and subscribe to the title of BusinessWorld and get exclusive content via www.bworld-x.com.
