BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Student journalists from The Industrial Wheel, the official student publication of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campus, joined student publications from across the country in the 23rd Organization of Student Services in Information and Education, Inc. (OSSEI) National Training Workshop on Campus Journalism, opened Thursday, September 24, at the Crown Legacy Hotel Function Hall.
The three-day national workshop gathers 22 student publications from schools and universities across the country, aiming to enhance the skills and knowledge of student journalists in campus journalism.
The first day commenced with a session led by FYT Co-founder and Executive Director Voltaire Tupaz, who underscored the importance of pursuing journalism that is excellent, courageous, and socially relevant, urging participants to continue aspiring for meaningful journalism.
“May dako na iiwas sa panganib. May dako na maririnig. ‘Yan ang pamamahayag na kailangan ngayon. Mahusay, matapang, at may silbi sa lipunan. Kaya wag niyong babawasan ang inyong ambisyon, ipagpatuloy lang natin yan,” Tupaz said.
The session was followed by a discussion from Prof. Ben Domingo Jr., former Chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Technical Committee on Journalism, who delved into the evaluation of campus publications and the standards involved in assessing student publications.
In his talk, Prof. Dominggo emphasized the continuing role of journalism as a means of promoting democracy and freedom amid evolving environmental challenges.
“Journalism should continue to be a democratizing and liberating medium in a challenging social, cultural, economic, political, and technological environment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Melvin Gascon, News Editor of GMA News Online, led a news writing session focusing on the importance of identifying coqmpelling news angles in crafting effective news stories.
Further, his discussion introduced approaches to news writing beyond traditional methods, providing participants with insights into developing stories that are both relevant and engaging.
The Industrial Wheel’s delegation is accompanied by its head and technical adviser, Mr. Rex Palompon, as the publication continues its participation in the national campus journalism workshop.
Meanwhile, Brent Despe, Broadcast Head of the publication, shared what he looks forward to as The Industrial Wheel participates in the workshop for the second consecutive year.
“Since this is our second time joining the conference, I’m looking forward to gain new learnings through the topics from the new set of speakers and meeting campus journalists from across the country,” Despe shared.
The first day if the conference also served as an avenue for the evaluation of the participating publications, giving campus journalists and publication staff an opportunity to have their published works assessed.
Article by James Magayon