Catholic media workers from across the Philippines met in Batangas province to discuss strategies to spread church teachings and how to counter the spread of “fake news” especially among the youth.

Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, host of this year’s National Catholic Media Convention, reminded participants about the importance of “renewal for truth” when working in the media.

“Fake news and attacks are out in the open, but we gather to renew ourselves like the transfiguration of Jesus,” the prelate said during the first day of the four-day gathering on August 6.

He also reminded the mostly young participants to think and reflect about the issues that they will post on social media as he stressed the importance of prayer in their work.

Archbishop Garcera said the Church’s social communications ministry needed to renew its commitment to truth especially with the challenges brought about by “fake news.”