BAGWIS fights disinformation through Batch Project; hones journalistic skills

ALEX TUMAGANTANG

Bagwis, the Official Publication of Mindanao State University-General Santos, conducted its first ever physical Batch Project on January 4 at Labangal National High School, General Santos City, in line with fighting disinformation and misinformation.

Bagwis Editor-in-Chief, Aubrey Maye Arrieta, highlighted that the main purpose of conducting the project is to combat the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation in the country.

“As this nation struggles to find light past the looming darkness brought by the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation, our role as campus journalists is very needed,” Arrieta said.

“Do not give up your dreams in campus journalism, because you [we] have what it takes to amplify the voices of the masses, defend freedom, and publish truth,” she added.

Youth-led Network for the Right to Information advocate (YNFORMer)

Realee Gabarra, meanwhile, tackled disinformation and its effect on society, while YNFORMer Leonard Tucjayao discussed the status of journalism in the Philippines, and Herkurt Tamba deliberated strategies for combating disinformation.

CAMPUS JOURNALISTIC PROWESS HONED

Bagwis members also discussed lectures in the morning on various journalism fields, including news, editorial, feature, and sports writing, photojournalism, cartooning, layout, and video editing.

A competition was held after the proper lecture, in which winners received prizes and certificates.

Diana , one of the participants from News Writing, expressed her gratitude to the publication for conducting the batch project because.

“Masaya po ako na isa po ako sa mga participants sa batch project na ito. I will use what I have learned here as I immerse myself in campus journalism competition soon,” she emphasized.

The batch project of Bagwis is mandated for trainees as stipulated in the publication’s Constitution and By-Laws in Article XV.