Graphics by John Carl Acosta

Orienting its newest batch of student journalists, The Industrial Wheel, the official student publication of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campus, conducted an onboarding program for its new Wheelers, held at the Student Publications Office (SPO) on Monday, September 21.

The orientation introduced the newly recruited staff to the publication’s organizational structure, workflow, house rules, and responsibilities as members of the publication.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Rex Palompon, Head/Technical Adviser of the The Industrial Wheel, emphasized that publication work should be driven by purpose and passion rather than popularity or prestige.

“I always say that passion dies down over time, especially if the purpose is gone. And more than the passion, more than the purpose, I believe that your membership in the publication should not merely be focused on popularity or prestige,” Mr. Palompon emphasized.

He further underscored the importance of truthfulness in journalism, encouraging the new members to speak up, rely on facts, and present the complete truth rather than only parts of it.

“As vanguards of truth, tell the truth. Never be afraid to speak out of truth, because that’s what you are supposed to do. And when you speak of truth, you speak out of facts, and you speak out of facts, you get all the facts, not half facts,” he added.

Meanwhile, in an interview, the publication’s Editor-in-Chief Alrey John Lacaba encouraged the new Wheelers to remain open to learning, embrace growth, and treat mistakes as opportunities to improve.

“Always be willing to learn and to give yourselves room to grow. You don’t have to know everything right away, especially since everyone starts somewhere. Take every assignment, suggestion, revision, and mistake as an opportunity to improve,” Lacaba said.

Additionally, the editor-in-chief urged the new staff to work together, embrace their responsibilities, and use their voices responsibly while staying true to their purpose as Wheelers.

“More than just becoming better campus journos, I hope they also learn how to work with others, handle responsibilities, and of course use their voice responsibly. Enjoy the process, support one another, and when the work in the publication gets a little too exhausting, just come back to the very purpose why you chose to become a Wheeler in the first place, ” he added.

Moreover, Aldred Superales, a junior news writer, shared his purpose and expectations upon joining the school publication.

“My purpose in joining the IW is to improve and strengthen my writing abilities and to meet new people who share the same interests as I do. I am expecting a smooth-sailing journey here in the publication and that I get to improve myself,” Superales shared.

The program also provided an overview of what they can expect during their probationary period and subsequent assessment.

The newly recruited members will serve as members of The Industrial Wheel for the Academic Year 2026-2027.

Article by Nicole Cheyne Formentera & Sarah Lorica