A New Generation Rises Against Disinformation: The Center for Information Resilience and Integrity Studies Leads the Charge
In the increasingly complex landscape of digital information, where misinformation and disinformation spread like wildfire, a new generation of leaders is emerging to equip Filipinos with the tools to discern truth from falsehood. At the forefront of this battle is the Center for Information Resilience and Integrity Studies (CIRIS), an independent organization founded by Michel André P. del Rosario, Christopher Balagtas, and Erik Chua. These millennial leaders are not just digital natives; they are staunch defenders of digital integrity, committed to countering disinformation, misinformation, and malign influence (DMMI).
Del Rosario, having witnessed firsthand the manipulative power of foreign influence campaigns during his tenure as Assistant Secretary at the Presidential Communications Office and Chair of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea Information Working Group, recognized the urgent need for a proactive response. Together with Balagtas and Chua, he established CIRIS with a clear mission: to empower Filipinos with credible information through compelling, truth-based narratives and strategic communication initiatives. They understand that disinformation is not merely a nuisance; it poses a significant threat to national security and democratic processes.
CIRIS operates with unwavering independence, a cornerstone of its credibility. While the founders have backgrounds in governance and communications, the organization remains free from political agendas. Their work is solely guided by the pursuit of truth and the public interest, supported by donors who align with this mission. This commitment to impartiality ensures that their analysis and reporting are objective and untainted by political motivations.
Unlike propaganda, which distorts facts to serve those in power, CIRIS is dedicated to uncovering and exposing falsehoods, amplifying verifiable truths, and empowering Filipinos to make informed decisions based on accurate information. They collaborate with diverse partners across government, academia, civil society, and media, but their commitment to credibility remains paramount. CIRIS understands that true credibility requires upholding facts, even when they are inconvenient, shaping narratives around the truth rather than manipulating truth to fit a predetermined narrative.
CIRIS gained prominence through impactful projects like “Alon ng Kabayanihan,” a short film that galvanized Filipinos to defend their sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. This campaign strategically focused on verifiable actions and the lived experiences of Filipino communities, rather than on accusatory rhetoric. The organization recognizes that the fight for the West Philippine Sea is fundamentally a fight for truth, and disinformation erodes the nation’s ability to protect its maritime resources, communities, and future.
The organization’s mission extends beyond maritime disputes. CIRIS actively combats disinformation campaigns that undermine the country’s core national interests, including threats to democratic institutions and electoral integrity. They develop digital literacy programs to equip Filipinos with the skills to identify online red flags, such as AI-generated fakes and coordinated troll networks. At the grassroots level, CIRIS supports “replicate” organizations in schools and communities, training the next generation to combat DMMI locally. Their collaboration with academics and experts, even when research challenges existing assumptions, further reinforces their commitment to continuous improvement and credibility.
CIRIS recognizes that the battle against falsehoods cannot be won solely through facts; the delivery of truth is equally crucial. Their approach combines rigorous research, strategic communication, and emotionally resonant storytelling to make verified information more compelling and accessible than misleading narratives. This strategy has garnered international recognition, exemplified by the documentary “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea,” which CIRIS supported. The film won the Tides of Change Award at the Doc Edge International Film Festival in New Zealand, despite attempts by foreign actors to suppress its screening.
Beyond simply correcting the record, CIRIS aims to cultivate a culture of truth that will withstand the ongoing challenges of the digital age. This involves engaging younger Filipinos where they spend much of their time: online. The organization seeks to foster digital resilience, encouraging critical thinking before clicking, liking, or sharing online content. They promote pausing, verifying, and actively protecting democracy from within.
CIRIS is actively developing nationwide lectures and workshops on disinformation in collaboration with universities and organizations. These initiatives, complemented by interactive resources, aim to train the next generation of digital defenders. At its core, CIRIS carries a simple yet urgent message: truth is a national responsibility. By mobilizing leaders, creators, educators, and everyday citizens, the organization strives to transform how Filipinos consume and share information, fortifying the nation’s resilience against disinformation.
The organization recognizes that disinformation erodes trust within communities, fuels division, and weakens the shared identity that unites a nation. However, CIRIS firmly believes that by embracing ownership of truth and equipping ourselves and others with credible information, no malign influence can ultimately prevail. Their work is a testament to the power of truth, transparency, and a dedicated effort to combat the insidious spread of misinformation in the digital age.