Quezon City has been designated as a Pilot Media and Information Literacy (MIL) City by UNESCO, recognizing its efforts to integrate information literacy into local governance, education and digital innovation.

The designation places Quezon City in an international network of local governments promoting information literacy as a foundation for sustainable development.

Other pilot cities include the city of Malabon; Athens, Greece and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mayor Joy Belmonte stressed that critical thinking and citizen empowerment are essential tools in the fight against misinformation and disinformation.

Speaking at the Philippine Media and Information Literacy Conference (MILCON 2025), Belmonte cited global studies that rank misinformation and disinformation as top threats to social trust and democracy.

She noted that in the Philippines, over 24 million Filipinos remain functionally illiterate, which directly affects the public’s ability to discern truth in the digital age.

“These days, the most vital skill we can cultivate is how to think — the discipline of asking ‘why’ and ‘what if,’ especially when faced with complex situations,” Belmonte said.

Media and information literacy has become a key pillar of the city’s governance agenda. Quezon City has allocated P6 billion or 15 percent of its 2025 budget, to education initiatives, meeting UNESCO’s benchmark for education spending.

This funding covers improvements to public school facilities, expanded scholarship programs, and support for the Quezon City University (QCU).

Belmonte also disclosed ongoing discussions with The New York Times Company to launch a citywide debate competition in public schools to strengthen students’ analytical and communication skills.

The city has also invested in digital transparency, including making its official Facebook page a primary communication channel with over 1.4 million followers. The local government website now features text-to-speech and chatbot functions to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.

“Our goal is not only to fight misinformation but to empower citizens with the skills and confidence to seek truth, question power, and participate meaningfully in public life,” Belmonte said.

Quezon City’s recognition builds on years of initiatives promoting informed citizenship and creative expression, including digital literacy workshops and the Maki+ Fiesta Media Festival.