Palo Archdiocese stresses need to use technology responsibly and for propagating Catholic Church teachings
Father Chris Arthur Militante (left), spokesman of Palo Archdiocese, takes a “selfie” with young people who joined the social media workshop. (Photo courtesy of Father Militante)
Ronald Reyes, Tacloban
Philippines April 25, 2018
An archdiocese in the central Philippines is encouraging young people to use social media responsibly amid reports that more Filipinos are spending more time online.
In its “Digital in 2018” report of internet and social media usage, U.S.-based social media company Hootsuite noted that Filipinos spend an average of nine hours and 29 minutes online daily.
Father Chris Arthur Militante, spokesman of Palo Archdiocese, said young people have to acquaint themselves with being “responsible media users.”
“The are fully adept at using these tools,” the priest noted, adding that the power of youth who know how to use social media responsibly “is a strong force that will benefit society.”
A summer youth camp was held recently in the archdiocese to convince young people to utilize social media for evangelization.
Father Militante said the church sees the need to use technology “in propagating Catholic teachings.”
“We need more guidance,” said Jhonel Cobacha, a 17 year old who admitted that he spends most of his time on social media.
He said that people his age are drawn into pornographic and illegal sites because of curiosity. “Many are not aware of the consequences of their actions,” said Cobacha.
Gregorio Angelo Villar, deputy director-general of the Philippine Information Agency, said 67 million Filipinos out of the country’s 105.7 million population are active social media users.
“[Social media] has become both a gift and a curse,” said the official, adding that there was a growing number of Filipino children falling victim to the online sex trade.
The International Justice Mission has reported that 165 victims of online sexual exploitation were rescued in the Philippines from 2011 to 2017.
As of January 2018, the organization reported that it had rescued 268 victims, helped in the arrest of 121 suspects and the conviction of 20 people involved in online sexual exploitation of children.
Villar said with the growing access to technology among Filipinos, “the main problem that we have is how to use it.”
The official admitted that most Filipinos still don’t know the responsible use of technology. “More people are exploited because of ignorance,” he said.
