SHARPENING TROOPS’ SKILLS ON SOCIAL MEDIA OPERATIONS: 53IB Conducts Social Media Training Cross-trained with Photography and Videography

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) conducted Social Media Training Cross-trained with Photography and Videography to enhance and sharpen the troops’ skills on social media operations and to promote the positive image of the Philippine Army in the unit’s Area of Operations and beyond, engage target audiences in Social Media and cyberspace, and intensify its conduct of Information Operations.

Social media is a form of electronic communication through which users create online audiences and communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other contents.

The information released through this so-called “new media” can be accessed anytime, anywhere, on any digital device; deviating from the use of “traditional media” such as radio, television, and print.

At the opening ceremony, Lt. Col. Don Villanueva, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations (G7) of the Army’s 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, said that this training is worth emulating and is highly needed in this digital age.

“This training will further capacitate the students in the proper use of social media,” said Lt. Col. Villanueva.

Meanwhile, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera expressed his enthusiasm that the said training will be a tool to combat fake news.

“In addition to its objectives, the training also aims to promote responsible social media use especially in this era where fake and false news proliferate,” said Lt. Col. Herrera. Aside from the Matapat Troopers, alumni of the Youth Leadership Summit and some reservists were also included in the said training.