Dr Ambeth Ocampo shares in ‘History in the Age of Disinformation’ for the first ‘Galing Ateneo: Alumni Conversations’

Last 6 July 2024, Dr Ambeth Ocampo, a renowned historian and Ateneo Professor, provided a lecture on "History in the Age of Disinformation" for the first "Galing Ateneo: Alumni Conversations" at the Leong Hall Auditorium, Ateneo de Manila University.

The School of Social Sciences (SOSS) and the Office of University Development and Alumni Affairs (OUDAA) partnered for the first "Galing Ateneo: Alumni Conversations," a series of talks that aims to cultivate lifelong learning for Ateneo alumni, parents, and friends. For the first lecture under this program, Dr Ambeth Ocampo discussed how studying and engaging with history have evolved particularly in light of the widespread disinformation worldwide. In attendance were Ateneo de Manila University Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Bernadine T Siy; Ateneo de Manila University President Fr Robert “Bobby” Yap SJ; Vice President for Higher Education (VPHE) Maria Luz C Vilches PhD; Mr Ricardo Leong and Dr Rosita Leong MD; School of Social Science Dean Dr Czarina "Bopeep" Saloma-Akpedonu; and Office of University Development and Alumni Affairs (OUDAA) Director Fr Norberto “Kit” Bautista SJ. 

Before the talk commenced, Ateneo tours were offered to interested alumni. There was the Ateneo campus tour, which highlighted the iconic places on campus. The university’s rich artwork collection and exhibit in Arete was featured in the Ateneo Art Gallery Tour. The university’s historical archives were also showcased in the Special Collections Tour in the old Rizal Library. After the talk, there was a book signing by Dr Ambeth Ocampo, and alumni networking over light snacks at the Leong Hall Roofdeck.

Dr Ambeth Ocampo explained that understanding history is a process and a journey of discerning the full objective truth. History is shaped by the diverse perspectives and motivations of the people who live in it. However, the fallibility of human memory can cloud these individual narratives, highlighting the need to constantly validate and critically examine historical accounts. He then emphasized the need for education and reading to constantly combat misinformation. Lastly, he stressed the importance of remaining curious and instilling critical thinking as a way of living.

As the first "Galing Ateneo: Alumni Conversations" concluded, one participant shared, “I had a lot of fun attending Dr.Ocampo's talk regarding disinformation in history. I have learned a lot and I really loved the hospitality in Ateneo as this was my first time visiting the campus!”

Ateneo alumni were reminded to uphold, preserve, and communicate history as factually and unbiasedly as possible. The lecture highlighted the university's steadfast commitment to identifying, enriching, and embodying Philippine culture by persistently discerning and seeking the truth in all aspects. This newfound knowledge can empower them to contribute meaningfully to the nation's development and the upliftment of the Filipino people.