Originally Published on December 17, 2020
Written by Sofia Sacaguing
The Campus Journalism’s notable existence is no longer new to anyone. Since then, it has paved its way on educational grounds. It has become an avenue of aspirants hitherto to practice the field as future profession. Editorial staff of secondary and primary levels attest how campus publications shaped journalists’ skills through workshops and seminars. Thereafter, CJs were brought to conferences and competitions and if won, could bring honor to their represented academe. Such platform and opportunities open young minds to become the “voice” of the voiceless and make use of pen and paper as a weapon for progress.
On the other hand, the early orientation for most campus publication was boxed on competitions’ qualifications. These events might inculcate young correspondents to pursue journalism yet the standards imposed withhold genuine cause of campus press embolden by the existing Republic Act (RA) No. 7079 or also known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. It is good that the presence of these ventures enhance competency and technical skills of the journalists but, campus publications shall be guided by the RA 7079 which not only provides protection to freedom of the press on campus (whether on tertiary, secondary or primary levels) but also promote the development and growth of campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical and creative thinking, and developing moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth [RA 7079 Section 2. Declaration of Policy]. More than achievements and additional credentials to academe, educational institutions shall not establish publication as ‘’prerequisite’’ to the law but as a ground that welcomes discourses of pressing issues, may it be a national, local or academic concerns.
The publication’s critical role over the years in the fight against social inequity is remarked by how the Philippines obtain sovereignty— a war in which the Filipino people are still for. Besides, even the renowned national heroes use writing as a firearm to fight tyranny. Amidst Marcos’ dictatorship, campus publications also served as alternative media, and have reported true stories of suppression, abuse, and critical views relevant to its audience. University of the Philippines professor Danilo Arao once said, ‘’They should know not just the ethical and professional standards but also the history of campus journalism in the Philippines. Only then can they realize the important role that they play not just in the school but also in society” [2018, via Rappler’s Jodesz Gavilan]. These imply as well, that, student publications are more than school event coverage contrary to what most of colleges and universities have positioned it for.
The Filipino Youth, which students are part of, has always been told as hope of the nation and the campus publication’s responsibility on this is substantial. The country may have mainstream and big media outlets like GMA News, Inquirer, CNN, TV5 and ABS-CBN News, yet campus press; which is not controlled with censorship due to corporate, advertorial and market factors could engage its student audience to take their part and make use of their skills, ideas and passion to country’s progression while preserving democracy. If we will not break the norm and will always put a distinct brand on who the campus press are to the Universities and colleges, how is that a press freedom then?
Campus Publications, aside from covering events, must also be a platform of critical and educative discussions of societal issues either in a national and local perspective because such exertion of the right to free speech is protected by the fundamental law of land— The 1987 Philippine Constitution.
TNC of the North 