By Rigel Kent D. Delfin
| EMPOWERED STORYTELLERS. The Editorial Board and Staff of The Courier proudly display their Certificates of Participation after completing the campus journalism training workshop on October 8, 2026, carrying the theme “Pagpanggas: Cultivating Stories, Empowering Voices, Creating Impact.” The training strengthened their knowledge and skills in campus journalism, reaffirming their commitment to truth, responsible reporting, and giving voice to the campus community. / Photo: Andrew D. Baylon |
Student writers from the various publications of Capiz State University (CAPSU)–Mambusao Satellite College participated in a campus journalism training workshop on October 8, 2026, at the college library, carrying the theme “Pagpanggas: Cultivating Stories, Empowering Voices, Creating Impact.”
Satellite College Director Dr. Ramy Lloyd L. Lotilla opened the event by emphasizing the vital role of student publications in the university, describing them as “the heartbeat of a university.”
“You are truth seekers, storytellers, observers, and watchdogs of our community,” he said.
Dr. Lotilla also reminded the participants of their responsibility to practice accuracy, fairness, and integrity in their journalistic work. “As campus journalists, we have the responsibility to report what is true, to be fair to the people you write about, and to present information with accuracy and integrity,” he said.
He further emphasized that learning is a continuous process, noting that every journalistic experience offers an opportunity for growth. “Every interview teaches you how to listen. Every article teaches you how to think critically,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prof. Freden S. Delgado, adviser of The Courier, explained the purpose of the training, citing Republic Act No. 7079, or the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, which promotes the development of campus journalism and supports student publications as platforms for student expression.
“All schools must publish a paper as a means of expression for the students,” Delgado said.
He also explained that the cost of sending every student journalist to training programs outside the university can be a challenge. To address this, the organizers brought the training directly to the campus. “Instead, we are bringing this here inside our campus,” he said.
Serving as the resource speaker, Ms. Chantal Jade V. Tolores facilitated sessions on news writing, column writing, editorial writing, photojournalism, and layout. Each session featured an open forum, allowing participants to raise questions and clarify concepts, followed by workshops where they applied the skills and techniques they had learned.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Lalaine E. Ricardo, chairperson of Student Affairs and Services, reiterated the importance of truth and accountability in campus journalism.
“As young journalists, you must always uphold the truth and verify facts,” Dr. Ricardo said.
She also encouraged the participants to remain fair and balanced in their reporting and to use their platforms to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard.
Dr. Ricardo concluded by expressing her gratitude to Tolores, who was visiting the campus for the second time, and to Prof. Delgado for his guidance and continued support of the student journalists.