Beyond the lens of a campus journalist

With schools defunding campus publications and the continuing proliferation of disinformation in the society, campus journalism is in a tight situation on either to fight back or stand down.

The POST in January 2021 reported that the campus press is not spared from attacks and is currently facing threats of repression and harassment. SINAG, the student publication of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy of the University of the Philippines-Diliman has confirmed the report. Moreover, the College Guild of Editors of the Philippines filed a complaint before the Commission on Human Rights on the alleged instances where school papers were oppressed and harassed since 2010 on July, 2020.

Amidst these attacks currently faced by campus journalism, campus journalism should be one of the pillars of free expression which gives students a space to talk about and report on problems that concern them and their society. This message is further amplified by SINAG features editor Angelo Vince Marfil in his statement in The POST: “Ang trabaho namin as campus journalists ay mag-expose ng stories hindi lang tungkol sa mga estudyante, kasama rin dapat ang istorya ng iba’t iba pang sektor.”

In the words of Chiara Greco, Editor in Chief of The Mike–the official student newspaper of St. Mike’s College, being a student journalist can make one understand the importance of representing the masses, and of being a voice to and for the unheard.

Campus journalism, therefore, is more than a means of just disseminating information. It can hone the critical thinking of students by developing their critical thinking which is very helpful in stopping the spread of false information in the society.

Everyone might not be labeled as student journalists, but in one way or another, a student can still employ journalistic practices. Inday Espina-Varona, the former head of ABSCBN Bayan Mo iPatrol Mo, highlighted this by saying that “When you say you are a citizen journalist, you may not be a professional practitioner of journalism, but you report with the basics of journalism.” Additionally, the veteran journalist emphasized the importance of knowing facts. “You don’t need to be a journalist to be able to appreciate the need to be loyal to facts,” she said.

LEANNE FAITH G. ORONOS Editor-in-Chief

PAUL JR. P. RADAM Associate Editor

NISHINA CATE M. CAGUICLA Managing Editor

PRINCESS ESTELA SHAKIRAH G.

BALLETE News Editor

JADE GABRIELLE A. GAGARIN Features Editor

PAUL POWELL P. RADAM Opinion Editor

JILIANNE VICTORIA D. CO Sports Editor

DANN ROUJZ M. DELA PEÑA Science & Technology Editor

ALEADELLE GO Online Editor

Espina-Varona’s statement on citizen journalism concretized more the importance of campus journalism. In a world where technology plays a big role in shaping the future, campus journalism is no longer limited to just journalists; it extends to all kinds of citizens with integrity and accountability in mind.

Philippine Collegian editor Abraham Sarmiento, Jr., once said, “Kung hindi tayo kikibo, sino ang kikibo? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?” which serves as a challenge to fellow students and student journalists to take a stand on freedom of speech and democracy.

With campus press being

CREATIVE & DESIGN

Alain Josef G. Aguinalde

Aegel Li A. Gagarin

Stephie Angele C. Uy

Ella Cassandra A. Abayan

WRITERS

Helen Joy B. Navales

Kimberly H. Bendicion

Wilhelmut Karlance Melvincent III C. Chan

Adalline C. Enverzo

Calem Matthew D. Garcia

Pryncyz Myggz T. Mercado

Jem C. Villarmino

Mark Jade D. Carilla

Archie G. Tillor

Reginald Vaughn T. Tiu

Jose Rafael N. Tiu

Kirstin Gilliane T. Escoto

Wesley G. Yao Cabigon

PHOTOJOURNALISTS & VIDEOGRAPHERS

Cayleigh Diamond C. Ching

Kurt Bryan B. Go

David Sanyan P. Nguyen

CONTRIBUTORS

Khriszel Nice E. Villacorte

Wella Mae B. Pines

Maria Elizabeth G. Kunimitsu

Kyll Felippe B. Cristobal

ADVISERS

Meg Giles Kirby A. Tupaz

Janine Mae C. Peñaflor

Reylyn S. Cataag

Joyce T. Pindos

Mary Joy Aldaya faced with multiple problems coming from all directions, it is important to remember that campus journalism is there to serve as voice of the masses. The decision from that point forward is now onto you. With the fight against disinformation and defunding just starting, will you pick up the pen and continue to be the voice of the truth? EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF SCHOOL YEAR 2022-2023

The Prism is the Official Student Publications of Leyte Progressive High School, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the editorial staff. All contributions become The Prism property and the Editor-in-Chief and the advisers reserves the right to edit all articles for publications.