19/02/2026
The Silliman Alumni Association Inc. , in partnership with the SU College of Mass Communication and the Kapunungan sa mga Mass Communicators, launched the ‘Social Media Principles for the Silliman Community’ on Feb. 7.
The initiative served as the culminating highlight of SU MassCom Week, celebrated during the College’s Diamond Jubilee, with the theme 60 Years of Storytelling.
The SAAI Board of Trustees approved the document on Jan. 17, following consultations with the SU College of Mass Communication, and positions it as a “living set of principles that evolves alongside the social media landscape”.
In his remarks for the launch at the Bamboo Pavilion, SAAI President Adlai J. Amor underscored both the power and risks of digital platforms, citing their role in storytelling and connection, while warning against the ease of harassment and abuse due to anonymity.
“We have seen it do good – like enabling grandparents to see their grandchildren regularly and reconnecting with old friends. Yet, we have also experienced its bad sides – manipulating people to favor one politician over another, and the online abuse of women, children, and other marginalized communities,” his statement read.
The Social Media Principles affirm the new media’s role in telling stories, exposing corruption, strengthening democracy, and promoting public good, while cautioning against misinformation, racism, and disinformation.
It calls on Sillimanians to engage respectfully online, uphold truth, avoid harassment and libel, practice transparency, respect copyright, and act as responsible fact-checkers.
Members of the Silliman community—including alumni, students, faculty, and staff—can digitally sign, and support the principles through the SAAI website.
The launch marks a milestone collaboration between alumni and the academic community, and reinforces the SU College of Mass Communication’s six decades of commitment to ethical storytelling and responsible media practice. (Luke Timothy Burbano/KMC)
