‘Don’t Look Up’ in Reality: The Scientist Rebellion

Beginning of a comeback

SIBYA is an annual student-run, non-profit communication congress that invites audiences from Northern Mindanao through invitations and independent promotions. Themed “Defending Democracy from Disinformation,” the congress tackled one of the most pervasive issues of the last decade—the severity of disinformation and its impacts to our democratic society. Dabbling on the recent misinformation and disinformation debacle during the campaign elections and the results that followed suit, the congress also brings to light the role of media and information on the plight of our democracy.

Over 300 virtual and on-site audiences across different universities witnessed the live discussion with the guest speakers composed of Rappler Journalist Rambo Talabong, CNN Philippines Chief Correspondent Pia Hontiveros, and AirAsia Philippines Spokesperson and former GMA News Anchor Steve Dailisan. The congress aimed to raise interest in journalism and communication, provide a forum for intellectual debate, and present current communication trends and issues.

Truth talks

Each guest speaker had their own unique stories of their journalism careers, imparting a variety of perspectives on the theme. Talabong shared a personal narrative on the disinformation pandemic, likening disinformation and misinformation to a virus which he characterized as hard to diagnose, quick to spread, and has multiple variants. With storm clouds in the horizon, he urged the audience to continue telling the truth, saying “let’s fight together” against the virus threatening to swallow the country whole. On the second talk, Hontiveros exemplified the highs and lows of journalistic work through her experiences in the field with a special focus on her life-changing coverage of a battle-stricken territory in Camarines Sur. The audience also received a special treat in the form of a short journalism 101 by one of the most experienced journalists in the field. She concluded that readiness, credibility, and experience are requisites for one to defend democracy against disinformation. Lastly, Dailisan talked about his journey as a journalist-turnedpilot which led him to experience how brands could easily become victims of false information too.

Contest Winners

Following the talks, an open forum took place that brought up discourse on relevant topics especially in giving vloggers access to Malacañang press coverages, media biases, and fake news. The congress ended with the awarding ceremony for the Essay writing and Photojournalism categories led by TheCrusader Publication Editor-in-Chief Melvin Villacote.

The Essay Writing contest winners are the following: Princess Dezza Dalog of Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSUIIT), Glenn Ruel Maujon of MSU-IIT, and Florence Ronn Cabrido of The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) won first, second, and third place respectively for the college level. For the high school category, John Sebastian Cabasagan of XU - Senior High School (XUSHS), Save Vrealffa Acain of Fatima College of Camiguin, Inc., and Chrislyn Bacalso of Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS) placed first, second, and third respectively.

For the college level Photography contest, Ivy Marie Mangadlao of MSU - Main Campus bagged first place, Raheemah Hafsah Pangarungan of MSU - Main Campus, second place, and Julie Ann Kee, third place. For the high school category of the Photography contest, Mohammad Ali Pangarungan of MSU Institute of Science Education Science High School won first place, Achilles Aramao of Liceo de Cagayan University, second place, and lastly, Christine Heart Embate of MOGCHS bagged third place.

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In an era muddled with lies and the truth becoming harder to find and even more so to defend, the speakers urged the participants to keep the fight going no matter what the future may hold. As Hontiveros emphasized, “Journalism will remain.” C