Good morning from Iloilo!

Journalists or Broadcasters are really the watchdogs of Society and in light of that, I was really moved by what Mx. Mendoza has presented in her talks. She presented a video that showcases the experiences of those people behind the television or the news being presented in our Television, radio, print media, etc. and as someone who aspire to be one I was really left in awe as aside from crafting factual news, you also need to deal with things like death threats or misfortunes that people wish you to encounter. It saddened me because they don't really get to see your purpose, they see you pa as someone na enemy because of your comments and information disseminating to the community. Nevertheless, I hope that someday, people get to see these actions as a good deed and it is part of our job and not as something that can deteriorate the serenity of our country. Overall, I really enjoyed the first session and I learned na it is really important to choose where to gather your sources as it is essential in our everyday lives. The news you get to acquire can leave an impact, so choose what to trust and absorb and what not.

Hi guys! We also posted some photos in our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/nJTC6GAcuzMNvyeu/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Ed Lingao was right. Be afraid, but do the job anyway. As a campus journalist from WVSU, we face several cases of censorship, where the administration is uncomfortable with the critical things we report. We have learned to brave these tides and assert the spaces of these stories in our information stream, such as the print and digital media. Moving forward, we want other campus journalists to also do the same. Be critical of the system you live in. They might threaten your education in the University, but there is strength in numbers. Journalists like Inday Espina Varona, the late Nonoy Espina, and community journalist and political prisoner Frenchie Mae Cumpio held the line during the Duterte regime. Campus journalists can, too.

As a budding campus journalist (quite literally—I only appeared in the journalism scene earlier this year), although I already understand and embody what it takes to be a journalist and what it means to be one, the first two sessions headed by Ms. Mendoza and Mr. Angelo sparked more flames for my growing passion in the field. The bravery and boldness a journalist must clutch in hand amidst all the hostility that responds is not easy to attain. It is a shame that we are being shunned by the very people that we are wearing ourselves thin for, but that is part of the job — to remain standing and committed to what we signed up for; to be of service, and to be the voice of the unheard.

"Before I am a journalist, I am a filipino" is such a moving line. I think it really encapsulates the struggle of balancing factual reporting with nationalism.

The presentations were really inspiring, especially the video that Rappler made about the insights of reporters about the importance of protecting press freedom. A line that really stuck with me was “I am a Filipino before I am a journalist, and I care about what’s happening in my country.” It serves as a realization for us that whatever we write or report is not just for us and for what we may earn from it, but most importantly, for the people and for the betterment of our country. It also served as an eye opener for us of the reality that journalists face, including death threats and arising technological advancements. As the elections are fast-approaching, let’s always remember that our voices are our power. And we should never let them silence our voices.

For real. I second this.

QUESTION: Have you guys also utilized AI or used it as an assistance when writing your news? Because we can't deny the fact na sometimes we get to be bombarded with multiple works and times also happen na we can't juggle it properly so we find ways in order to lessen the work.

Question:
Some journalist aspirants or communication students are a bit hesitant to be on the field due to reprisal or be the part of the minority in the spiral of silence.

As the person who works to unravel the truth, and took the role of being the watchdogs of the society, what are your words to somehow mitigate these common dilemmas and concerns of these people?

FOLLOW UP: Has it come to your mind that maybe time will come that AI will overshadow Broadcasters or Journalists? Thank you!

To be honest, I felt goosebumps while listening to our speakers. I always admire those journalists who aren't only truth seekers but also truth tellers and being in this field I know how dangerous it is, I admit that I'm also afraid but I'll always stand for the truth. This forum inspires me to be bolder as a future media practitioner. I've been a campus journalist since I was in elementary, I've been a volunteer reporter also and I know mahirap ang tinatahak kong daan ngunit patuloy akong maninindigan para sa boses ng katotohanan.

As someone from the Humanities and Social Sciences, after the previous presentations, I remember a quote from one of our social science classes that says, "Words create realities, instead of realities creating words." It may be quite contradictory in the field of journalism, but looking into the power and scope of propaganda, the gravity the aforementioned quote holds is undeniable. With the current unfortunate state of Philippine newsrooms, the topics discussed earlier serve as a reminder of how media literacy must be valued and applied. Regardless of being a journalist or a mere consumer of information provided in media sources, we are all taking a big chunk of responsibility to keep the spirit of truth, journalism, and democracy in the country alive and functioning.

How do we deal with people who act like die hard fans of an unjust leader? For example, with former president Duterte's case, despite the truth being out there, his supporters only became more enthusiastic and praises him for being "evil" just to make our country "safe," I'm afraid they would continue to elect such leaders. So, how are supposed to hold uncomfortable and progressive conversations with people who are determined to shut us down?

Being informed is easy but making sure that the information is factual or at least approximately true is hard, that statement really struck me. As someone who constantly hear fake news from relatives that was sourced online, it was really hard to explain to them that some of the information that they will see online is fake. Especially now that being vigilant online is getting harder because of the rise of trolls and fake news websites online.

A lot of people are being informed about misinformation given that awareness of it is posted and spread over time across different platforms. The challenge truly lies in the reflection and application on oneself which is the reason many are ended up falling or believing in it. Therefore, I agree that it is a must to be critical and curious at all times in the information we have seen particularly in social media where sources are not verified well.

Hello, everyone! This is Kris Bautista from iWrite but I am also a news writing student this semester. I would like to ask for your permission and consent to use your takeaways and quote you on my news article. Please react ❤️ if you consent. Thank you so much!

Hi @Kris Bautista ! I suggest you tag specific users here whose insights you specifically want to quote in your article. Thanks 🙂

Question: Do the COMELEC's policies and guidelines on misinformation and fake news apply solely to election candidates, or do they also extend to their supporters, for example the likes of Mocha Uson and Jam Magno, who spread misleading information against their opponent? Thank you 🙂