CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

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CPU hosts seminars on “The Digital Nexus” and Critical Media Literacy for Social Impact and Sustainability

by | Nov 28, 2025 | Centralian Link

By Karren Jay G. Asgar


Guest speaker Dr. Thomas Bauer addresses participants during the seminars on “The Digital Nexus: Communication for Social Impact” and “Teaching Critical Media Literacy in the Age of Misinformation vis-à-vis Eco-Linguistics and Language for Sustainability,” held on November 26, 2025, at the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room.

On November 26, 2025, the Central Philippine University’s Department of Languages, Mass Communication, & Humanities (DLMCH), in collaboration with the Review, Continuing Education, and Consultancy Center (RCECC), hosted a seminar featuring two sessions: the morning session titled “The Digital Nexus: Communication for Social Impact” and the afternoon session, “Teaching Critical Media Literacy in the Age of Misinformation vis-à-vis Eco-Linguistics and Language for Sustainability.” Held at the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room, the event gathered faculty, staff, students, and invited guests for discussions on communication, media literacy, and sustainable language practices.

The morning session opened with a prayer led by Dr. Clarece P. Benjamin, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem conducted by Asst. Prof. Jarrlyn Law P. Jaco, both faculty members from DLMCH. Dr. Merle Lorca-Junsay, CPU Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the words of welcome, officially opening the seminar. Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, RCECC Director, acknowledged the participants, after which Dr. Annalee L. Cocjin, DLMCH Chairperson, introduced the guest speaker.

For the lecture proper, the guest speaker was Dr. Thomas Bauer, representative of the European Society for Education and Communication at the University of Vienna. He is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Vienna’s Department of Communication and was nominated in 1993 as Ordinarius for Audio-visual Media. Over the years, he has developed extensive research, teaching, and publication programs in Media Cultural Studies, Media Literacy Studies, Media Theory, and Media and Communication Science Epistemology. He also serves as a member of the international jury of the Comenius EduMedia Award, President of the European Society for Education and Communication (ESEC), President of Austrian-American Film Studies (AAFA), founder of University TV and Radio at the University of Vienna (1995), and Founding President and Head of the Board of Editors of OKTO Community TV Vienna (2005). His academic work has consistently been grounded in international and transcultural contexts.

The remainder of the morning session featured an open forum, a health break, and the awarding of the certificate, led by Asst. Prof. Sharlene G. Gotico, faculty member of DLMCH and Assistant Director of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Center (QAAC). The seminar concluded with closing remarks delivered by Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the CPU College of Arts and Sciences.

The afternoon session focused on “Teaching Critical Media Literacy in the Age of Misinformation vis-à-vis Eco-Linguistics and Language for Sustainability,” engaging participants in discussions on the intersections of media literacy, environmental communication, and language education for sustainable development.

The session began with a prayer led by Dr. Eden P. Gomez, followed by a recap and introduction by Asst. Prof. Bryan Paul Espinosa, both faculty members from the CPU-College of Education. The lecture was then delivered in depth by the guest speaker, Dr. Thomas Bauer. In his presentation, he emphasized the importance of equipping students and educators with critical media literacy skills to effectively navigate misinformation while integrating eco-linguistic approaches.

Assoc. Prof. Claire Anne D. Jardenil, faculty member of DLMCH, led the Q&A portion and the awarding of certificates. The session concluded with closing remarks delivered by Dr. Maredil R. Ambos, Acting Dean of the CPU College of Education.

With the successful conclusion of the event, CPU reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility, equipping students, faculty, and staff with the skills and perspectives needed to navigate the digital age and contribute meaningfully to society.