By Mikee Natinga Norico
On October 16, 2025, Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the Office of Communications, discusses ĴýProfessional & Responsible Digital Communication: Personal Branding EthicsĴý during the final session of the MOOC Camp: #SpeakSocial Ĵý English for Digital Communication held at American Corner Iloilo, 3rd Floor, CPU Henry Luce III Library.
American Corner Iloilo officially launched its MOOC Camp: #SpeakSocial Ĵý English for Digital Communication on October 3, 2025, at the American Corner Iloilo, 3rd Floor, Henry Luce III Library, Ĵý. The program aims to enhance participantsĴý digital communication skills by equipping them with the tools to effectively use the English language across social media platforms.
The event gathered 30 participants per session and featured four key learning modules led by esteemed faculty members and communication professionals.
The opening session, held on October 3, focused on ĴýEnglish in the Digital World Ĵý Foundations of Digital Communication.Ĵý Prof. Claire Anne D. Jardenil, faculty member of the Department of Languages and Mass Communication, served as the resource speaker.
The second session, held on October 6, ĴýWriting for Social Media: Crafting Captions, Hashtags, and Stories,Ĵý was facilitated by Prof. Sharlene G. Gotico, Associate Director of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Center. She shared expert strategies on how to create impactful social media content that resonates in todayĴýs fast-paced digital environment. She also emphasized clarity, creativity, and audience engagement as vital elements in crafting effective online messages.
Prof. Claire Anne D. Jardenil, faculty member of the Department of Languages and Mass Communication, discusses ĴýEnglish in the Digital World Ĵý Foundations of Digital CommunicationĴý during the opening session of the MOOC Camp: #SpeakSocial Ĵý English for Digital Communication held at American Corner Iloilo, 3rd Floor, CPU Henry Luce III Library.
On October 14, the MOOC Camp continued with Session 3 on ĴýEngagement and Interaction,Ĵý led by Prof. Clarence Benjamin, faculty member of the Department of Languages and Mass Communication.
The final session, held on October 16, centered on ĴýProfessional & Responsible Digital Communication: Personal Branding Ethics,Ĵý with Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the Office of Communications, as the resource speaker.
In his discussion, Rev. Dr. Jalando-on highlighted the transformative power of social media as a tool for peacebuildingĴýconnecting communities, amplifying voices, and inspiring collective action toward harmony. Citing global data and real-world examples, he illustrated how platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X have been instrumental in promoting social causes and unity through movements like #PeaceDay.
However, he also warned about the darker side of digital communicationĴýpolarization, misinformation, and online hostility. Drawing from contrasting case studies such as the Yellow Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong and the spread of fake news in the Philippines, he emphasized the need for users to cultivate media literacy, promote positive content, and foster empathy in digital spaces.
Attendees pose for a group photo together with Prof. Sharlene G. Gotico, Associate Director of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Center, after her session on ĴýWriting for Social Media: Crafting Captions, Hashtags, and StoriesĴý during the MOOC Camp: #SpeakSocial Ĵý English for Digital Communication at American Corner Iloilo, 3rd Floor, CPU Henry Luce III Library.
Rev. Dr. Jalando-on closed his presentation by challenging participants to design creative social media campaigns that advocate for truth, dialogue, and unity in the Philippine context.
The MOOC Camp will conclude on October 22, 2025, with a culminating activity marking the successful completion of #SpeakSocial Ĵý English for Digital Communication.
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