NAGA CITY  (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency, in collaboration with the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Naga City and the military conducted a  one-day media literacy seminar for campus writers.

Dubbed “pukaw,” which means awaken in Bikol, the event drew the participation of 42 campus journalists from various schools and universities in the Bicol Region. 

The activity took place at the Jesse M. Robredo (JMR) museum in Naga City on Thursday, April 24.

Naga City SK Federation President Jefson Felix said the event is an initial step to engage all campus writers to empower one another and be heralds of truth and knowledge.

“Here in Naga City, we are planning to federate them, both high school and college level student publications, either private or public because our main intent po is they need to mingle out. Kailangan po nilang mag collaborate and kailangan nilang makapag bench mark with each other. We believe that inter-generational learning can be possible through such a federation. More so as a collegial body that we are trying to empower,” Felix stated.

Felix, who sits as ex officio city councilor, believes that there is a need for campus writers to unite so that they can suggest policies on how to protect campus press and create a ‘media information literate Naga City.

“It’s a leadership sanctuary for campus journalists. At the same time ito pong grupo na ito sila din ang mag re- reality check sa mga campus journalists na hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon matapang tayo or kokontra tayo. We have to learn our limits as well. We have to learn how to re-frame the stories but still telling the truth. We also have to learn how to collaborate and compromise for us to gain a high yield impact,” the SK official added.

For Felix, the power of the pen is mighty yet it comes with big responsibility.

“Believe in the power of the pen, but the biggest responsibility of a campus journalist is always about truth-telling.”

Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) Collegian Editor-in-Chief Lourian Mae R. Ondivilla expressed that the seminar has reinforced her commitment to disseminating accurate information.  She stressed the importance of vigilance in content creation and the need for fact-checking as an integral part of their responsibility.

She added that it is important to note the fundamental but often overlooked rule in social media: “Think before you click.”

Juvie Fortuno, editor-in-chief of The Pantograph x Malaya, University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) Senior High School publication said that the activity underscored the importance of media literacy for her

“I learned how important it is for student journalists to become literate when it comes to media and information. Right now, we are using social media accounts where we put all our contents and coverages in our school. It is important for us to become literate. It does not only emphasize our capability to give information but we also assess information if it is beneficial and news that is truth-worthy for the public to see,” the  Junior High school journalist said.  

Fortuno believes that, as a student journalist, she must uphold information rooted in truth, and combat the prevalence of fake news in the country.  

“I think campus journalists should become a sword and pen for the truth and justice, combat misinformation, disinformation and mal-information.”

9th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion operations officer, Capt. Jason Ray G. Jaramillo emphasized the importance of neutrality for campus journalists and steering clear of biases.

"Refuse to be swayed by wrong organizations or negative influences. Instead, sow seeds of kindness, empathy, and understanding. Lift others up, and watch how your small acts create ripples of positive change, not only for yourselves, your families, and our country,” Jaramillo added. 

The activity concluded with a commitment signing to truth-telling and upholding responsible writing. (PIA 5/ Camarines Sur)