A Catholic archbishop urged church communicators to serve as a “moral compass” in the digital age, warning that constant online interaction does not necessarily create genuine human connection.
Speaking at the general assembly of SIGNIS Philippines in Manila, Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon said Catholic communicators must ensure that digital technologies foster authentic encounters rather than superficial engagement.
Technology must ultimately lead to communion, he said, cautioning participants that frequent contact online can still fall short of meaningful relationships.
About 30 participants representing 15 organizations joined the gathering, held at the JESCOM boardroom of the Sonolux Building in Quezon City, with others attending virtually. The assembly carried the theme “Planet, People, and Prophetic Response.”
Alarcon, chair of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communications, drew his message from the SIGNIS Cybermission Program, emphasizing that communication technologies must remain rooted in human dignity and moral responsibility.
He outlined three guiding anchors for Catholic communicators.
The theological anchor, he said, is grounded in dignity, justice, authentic community and malasakit, a Filipino term for compassionate concern.
The strategic anchor follows the TRUST framework — testimonial witnessing, relational and universal bridge-building, service and transparency.
The technical anchor recognizes artificial intelligence as a tool that can assist communicators but cannot replace human moral judgment.
AI is like a “junior staffer,” Alarcon said, noting that while it can help process information, ethical responsibility ultimately belongs to people.
Reports presented during the assembly highlighted efforts to strengthen the organization’s structure through regional and youth coordination and reaffirmed commitments to financial transparency.
Leaders also reviewed key milestones from 2025, including the Asian Catholic Publication Editors’ Roundtable and the SIGNIS Asia Assembly hosted by SIGNIS Philippines last October.
In her president’s report, Pie Mabanta-Fenomeno outlined priorities for 2026, including outreach to marginalized communities, values formation for digital natives and increased attention to ecological responsibility.
Participants concluded the meeting by pledging to address the linked challenges of environmental degradation, declining social values and political polarization through responsible and compassionate communication.
