The Broadcast Media Circle and The Reflector, the official campus press of Pangasinan State University-Bayambang Campus, held the 2022 Campus Press Recognition and Oath-taking Ceremonies with the theme “Rise Up: Gearing Journalism Toward the New Normal” yesterday, October 28 at the PSU BC Library.
Mr. Cris Zuรฑiga, a respected news personality and now a consultant under the Office of the University President served as the event’s keynote speaker. He etched the true essence of becoming a journalist.
“Once a journalist, always a journalist. We write not for ourselves but for our audience – it’s not about us, it is about their stories,” he said.
Zuรฑiga stressed the importance of young journalists remembering why they are writing, expressing themselves, and wanting to be heard and understood. In line with this, he reminded the students always to write responsibly and with credibility and to arm themselves with the knowledge to distinguish disinformation from real ones.
He also underlined that character is fundamental to becoming a journalist.
“By knowing the basic ethics and principles of journalism, hinding-hindi kayo maliligaw sa pagsusulat,” he concluded.
In addition, Ms. Jireh Ceralde, the current EIC of The Reflector, officially commenced the event by delivering her stirring opening message. Correspondingly, Dr. Liza L. Quimson, Campus Executive Director, offered an inspirational message to the young journalists, sharing her experiences as a campus journalist being a former Associate Editor of The Reflector during her college days.
Consequently, Prof. Venus H. Sarmiento, University Director of PRPIO, spearheaded the newly-inducted campus press members and staff oath-taking. The former members of the BMC and TR were also acknowledged and presented with a certificate of appreciation.
The PSU-BC Campus press is now ready to battle, armed with their wits and pen.