ILOILO CITY, Dec. 21 (PIA) -- Local leaders from the city and province of Iloilo lauded the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Western Visayas for the conduct of the virtual College Press Conference (COPRE) and Awards this year, despite the challenges brought by the pandemic.
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., who also served as keynote speaker in last year’s COPRE, said that the goal of development communication in campus journalism is very timely not only because we are in a state of pandemic but also because of the proliferation of fake news and untruthful information especially in social media.
“I am glad that PIA-6 has continued this activity for our students despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said in a video message during the virtual awarding ceremonies held December 16, 2020.
He also reminded campus journalists that it is their duty to help disseminate the correct and truthful information to the public.
“Always remember that the freedom of speech is not absolute so practice responsible journalism. As campus journalists, make sure that you carry out your mission towards your fellow students and your school,” Defensor said.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, who also delivered a video message, said the event is very timely and relevant as "we do not only send participants or delegates in order to win and bring honor to their universities, but train young writers to speak louder and air their sentiments at a time when our freedom is curtailed due to the quarantine."
“Campus journalism must go beyond the medals and certificates the writers reap. Furthermore, it should also be an avenue to train and produce socially-aware champions of media literacy,” he said.
Treñas said that this year’s theme “Upholding Development Communication in Campus Journalism Amid the Pandemic,” emphasized the significant role campus writers play, especially in this democratic society.
“As training grounds of journalists who are committed to make sure all citizens are aware of their rights, this virtual gathering of young writers is very important,” he added. (JSC/LTP/PIA6 Iloilo)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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