Veracity I THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF BAJ SIDLAK PUP STA.MESA

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MCF ‘24 kicks off various eds, performances, speeches centered on press freedom

The PUP College of Communication (COC) Student Council initiated a two-day event entitled Media and Communications Fest 2024 to commemorate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) at PUP Bulwagang Balagtas, Ninoy Aquino Resource Library and Learning Center, on May 27–28.

With the theme ‘Sharpening Media and Communications for a Free and Liberating Press’, it stresses the need to validate the security of journalists globally and to support the democracy of freedom of information, considering the instances of human rights abuses and assaults.

Solidarity speeches were featured by representatives from different academic and mass organizations, including the PUP Journalism Guild, the PUP Communication Society, AnakbayanCOC, and Kabataan Partylist-COC.

“Ngayong World Press Freedom Month of Celebration, kaisa ang Anakbayan ng mga kabataang alagad ng midya sa panawagan ng tunay na malayang pamamahayag,”

Denise Anne Reboroso, Anakbayan-COC, said in her speech.

Performances by the runners-up and winner of PUP Drag 2024, PUP Polysound Band, Esremborak, Move to Groove, and other students who showcased their talents gave color to the event.

Tracy Althea Ramos, Project Head of MCF 2024, believes that communication students must become aware of their role in society, especially nowadays where misinformation and disinformation are rampant.

Ramos also said that the success of the event was not based on the execution of the two-day program but rather on the reflection of attendees through educational discussions, where they demonstrated their learnings.

“Iyong pagiging successful nito, nakita namin sa kung paano magsalita iyong mga padalo sa educational discussions…talagang maririnig mo na may natutunan sila mula sa mga speaker. Hindi siya bastang paggunita lang sa World Press Freedom Day, kundi mas pagtatambol nga ng ating panawagan para sa malaya at mapagpalayang pamamahayag.” Ramos added.

On the second day, the event began with introductory remarks

Importante na alam ng mga alagad ng midya ang kanilang papel sa lipunan, lalo na sa panahon na nagkalat ang misimpormasyon at disimpormasyon at lalo na sa panahon na kailangan ng taumbayan ng mga taong magdadala sa kanila ng katotohanan at tanging katotohanan lamang.

Ramos added, highlighting the role of media practitioners.

by Ramos, Project Head of MCF ‘24, who emphasized the importance of youth to be one with the masses as it is the true essence of being young.

The main program started with a discussion with Shane Mapesos of Alyansa ng Kabataang Mamamahayag (AKM) Secretary-General, about media, state attacks, and human rights.

Mapesos highlighted the importance of journalists to be with the struggling masses in order to be an effective medium; also, media practitioners should oblige with the needs of the many rather than the needs of an individual.

A second discussion, led by Brell Lacerna, College Editors’ Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) National Spokesperson, focused on media censorship and the state of the Philippine press.

Lacerna thoroughly discussed how the Anti-Terror Bill by the

Duterte Administration repressed journalists with their true essence of delivering first-hand information to the masses.

Given the censorship circumstances of the media field on a national level, Lacerna stated that media suppression also manifests within campus publications, even at PUP.

The COC Student Council leads the execution of the program in collaboration with PUP COC Administration, student formations and organizations such as The Communicator, The Catalyst, PUP Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral (PUP SKM), and other students from different colleges.

JOSHUA F. SAZON, GRECEL ANNE PALCE, ELIJAH DAREN PINEDA

AEM KIMBERLY IGNACIO CAPTURED BY:

COCians secures two awards at PJRC ‘24

tudents from Polytechnic University of the Philippines – College of Communication, secured two awards; 1st Place in Investigative Journalism and 3rd Place in Photo Essay, at the Philippine Journalism Research Conference (PJRC) with the theme “The Future of Philippine Journalism: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities” held at UP College of Mass Communication on June 7, 2024.

Eirene Manatlao, Patricia Kate Azicate, Marge Nicole Baldo, Bella Dela Merced,

and Mayen Medroso, thirdyear journalism students, bagged 1st place in the Investigative Journalism category with their piece entitled “A Silent Threat: Chemical Risk in Retail Leaves Workers Unaware,” which probed how the thermal receipts used in small and large retail stores affect the health and safety of workers who are frequently exposed to the chemical.

Meanwhile, Jann Conrad Bonifacio, a third-year broadcasting student, placed third out of 11 finalists in the photo essay division with his

entry entitled “Tahungan Kong

Kinamulatan: The Fisherfolk’s Battle Against Coastal Reclamation,” that highlights the struggles of Navotas fisherfolk.

Bonifacio’s work earned remarkable recognition, focusing on the fisherfolk’s fight for their livelihood against corporate environmental plunderers.

PJRC is an annual student conference that aims to promote journalism studies, academic research, and student investigative reporting.

Notable journalists Howie Severino, Joyce Panares,

and Roby Alampay graced the event along with other esteemed journalists, speakers, and panelists .

Rachel Khan, MD, and Danilo Arao who presented a lecture on AI journalism, addressing technological impacts on the field.

This year’s event was co-organized by the University of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas, and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

EUGENE DIRA, ANDREANA MARIE SY

Dean Mora confirms Alagaran II’s COC Deanship next term

r. Hemmady S. Mora, EdD, the current dean of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Communication (PUP COC), confirmed on Tuesday, June 4, that the next incoming dean of the local college is Dr. Jose Reuben Q. Alagaran II, PhD.

This is in line with the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication’s (UP CMC) Facebook congratulatory post on May 21 about Alagaran II’s deanship, who was an alumnus of the said college.

“Masaya ako [na si Dr. Joey] ang next dean. Actually, mentor ko siya dati,” Mora said in an interview.

In another interview, Leziel Nabigan, Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting (BABR) 1-3, said that she does not have first-hand information with regard to the new dean.

“I do look forward kung paano niya pangungunahan ang college natin since medyo marami rami siyang accomplishments na nababasa at naririnig ko dati,” Nabigan added.

Alagaran II is a faculty member of the PUP COC Department of Journalism. His three-year term is set to take effect on July 15, following the end of Mora’s term.

Alagaran II is yet to lay down his development project for the college.

ELIJAH DAREN PINEDA

PUPIANS GATHER IN PALESTINE-DRIVEN MOBILIZATION

ultiple progressive youth organizations inside Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) organized a pro-Palestine mobilization to call for liberation of Palestine, last May 14, 2024.

In light of Israel launching an attack on Rafah, expanding their military operations, and defying United Nations’ warnings, the call for Palestine’s freedom only intensifies and strengthens as Rafah, the last refuge in Gaza, was mercilessly assaulted and invaded by Israel’s military operations.

The students rallied their way from the Charlie Del Rosario building up to the campus grounds towards the main gate with their placards and banners mobilized in solidarity with

Palestine. They expressed their strong objection to the heinous orders of the Israeli government in the Gaza Strip, demanding a stop to the brutal genocide, and calling for the liberation of Palestine.

Various mass organizations showed their opposition against the on-going massacre of Israel towards Gaza by attending the protest, including the League of Filipino Students (LFS), Kabataan Partylist (KPL), PUP Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral (PUP SKM), and Sandigan ng mga Magaaral Para sa Sambayanan PUP (SAMASA PUP).

Burning the flags of Israel and the United States, the youth protesters express that resistance is justified when people are occupied,

demanding the U.S. to cease its inhumane support for Israel.

Matt Niones, a member of SAMASA-COC and a student from BAJ 1-1D, emphasized the importance of mobilization in solidarity with Palestine.

“Ang mobilisasyon ay isang malaking pwersa sa pagbabago, lalo na sa nangyayari ngayong henosidyo sa Palestine. Kaya kapag ang tao ay nagkaisa, sa anyo ng mobilisasyon, mas malakas ang pwersa, malakas din 'yong magiging impluwensiya natin,” Niones said.

Elijah Pineda, a member of the LFS and a student from BAJ 1-1D, asserted the significance of boycotting products, brands,

and corporations that continue to support Israel’s funding.

“Ito man ay maliit na bagay, malaki ang nagagawa nito para sa mga kapatid nating Palestino. Patuloy natin na i-boycott 'yong mga korporasyon na pumupondo sa kagamitang armas ng Israel… sa bawat pagbili at pagsuporta sa mga korporasyon na parte ng BDS Movement, isipin natin na maraming namamatay sa Palestine.” Pineda claimed.

The mobilization concluded with the youths marching back inside the university, calling for Palestine’s cause.

ANGELA DOMINGO VAN JUSTINE HUVALLA CAPTURED BY:

COC STUDENTS, JEEPNEY DRIVERS

unite in protest against PUV Modernization deadline

Transport groups MANIBELA and PISTON along with other progressive ones, held a transport strike in protest of the franchise consolidation deadline for PUJs and PUV Modernization Program on April 15, 2024, at Welcome Rotonda, Quezon City.

he College of Communication (COC) students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) joined drivers and operators from the "CubaoDivi'' line of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) on April 15, 2024.

They held a brief street protest and noise barrage in front of Mezza Residences to denounce President Marcos Jr.'s April 10 statement, which declared that the deadline and extension for unconsolidated jeepneys would no longer be in effect after April 30.

The students and drivers expressed their concerns and statements regarding the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) and how it will directly affect them as workers and commuters.

The primary protest began at University Avenue, University of

the Philippines, Diliman (UPD), led by PISTON, Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (MANIBELA), and other progressive youth groups.

Their march was interrupted by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) car mobiles, which blocked their way to Mendiola. Despite the blockade, some jeepney drivers, operators, students, and protesters managed to push past the barricade by collectively pushing the police vehicles aside.

As a result, many protesters were stranded along Quezon Avenue, en route to Mendiola with some jeepney drivers left behind.

This caused the formation to split, leading some protesters to East Avenue, where they held a demonstration in front of the Land Transportation

Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

After being stopped by a larger police presence, the groups eventually made it to the QC Welcome Rotonda, where Representatives Raoul Manuel of the Kabataan Partylist (KPL), Arlene Brosas of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers Partylist, and Ka Jerome from Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) bargained and negotiated with the QCPD to allow them to continue the program at Mendiola. They were forced to carry out the program as the negotiations flopped.

Drivers and operators from PISTON and MANIBELA later announced that they would hold a three-day straight protest before the deadline for the established extension.

From April 29 to May 1.

DENISE ANNE REBOROSO

PUP-COC progressive mass organizations joined forces in Independence Day mobilization in front of the US Embassy, Ermita, Manila in observance of the 126th Independence Day on June 12.

Despite the celebration, the rally highlights the ongoing struggle of the country for sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea amid China’s aggression.

COCIANS join lightning rally on126th Independence Day

n celebration of the 126th Independence Day, various progressive groups from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines - College of Communication (PUP COC) Community marched their way to the U.S. Embassy, on Tuesday, June 12.

The said rally was a call for the ‘National Sovereignty’ of the Philippines from the hands of the United States and China.

“Kaya naman, lumalabas tayo sa lansangan para ipahiwatig na kung meron mang nagmamay-ari ng pangalan,

lupa, dagat, at ng mismong kalsada, tayong mga Pilipino ‘yon.” she added.

Moreover, Francine Barcelon, Katribu PUP, said the protest was about how the Philippines remains unfree, its people are slaves of imperialist nations like the U.S., and China’s government is selling its people as weapons.

MATT ALLEN NIONES

DAKOMPASS empowers campus journalists through design principles

he Communicator’s journalism workshop, DAKOMPASS, providing knowledge and skills to excel in the field of journalism was held at Accenture Media Room, Thursday, May 23.

The event started with Jose Miguel Dela Cruz, ANGAT TAYTAY’s Committee Lead for Creatives, wherein he discussed the topic on Newspaper and Magazine Layout, emphasizing the importance of design to enhance the result of a newspaper.

Furthermore, he emphasized that good communication depends on design, which can have a big impact on how information is conveyed. Dela Cruz then delved into

the three major principles of layout, which he emphasized are crucial in creating a visually appealing and effective design.

He explained that the focal point is the central element of the design and that it should be used to draw the reader’s attention.

Finally, he highlighted the concept of hierarchy, which is used to give priority to the most important elements of the design.

Dela Cruz outlined four important factors that journalists should consider when producing information for their audience: audience engagement, attractiveness and readability, perceived ability, and audience fit.

Participants were given a hands-on exercise to make online pub mats during the course, which allowed them to demonstrate their design abilities.

After that, Dela Cruz gave input on the publicity materials and suggestions for enhancing the layout and simple Photoshop editing after lunch.

The workshop concluded with an awarding of certificates to the speaker and closing remarks from Alexa Franco, expressing her gratitude to the attendees, partner organizations, and working committee of the event.

CAPTURED BY APRIL JOYCE

Mass organizations such as the League of Filipino Students (LFS), Kabataan Partylist (KPL), SAMASA PUP, PANDAY-SINING, Katribu PUP, and NNARA-Youth joined in the said protest.

On the other hand, Angel Masinas, Kabataan Partylist (KPL), said that the celebration of Independence Day this year had its own theme, ‘END-EPENDENCE DAY,’ and it is vital to impart knowledge to the fellow Filipinos that even though the celebration happens, they are still tied up in the hands of the colonizers.

“Ang pagiging aktibo ng mga kapwa natin Pilipino na makinig sa sigaw ng bayan at paglalaan ng kanilang oras upang mas maliwanagan pa sa mga isyung panlipunan ay sapat na motibasyon na upang buong sikhay na tumungo sa lansangan alangalang sa masa.” Barcelon added.

The rally dispered peacefully,and the masses marched from the U.S. Embassy along the streets of Kalaw Avenue.

BOSES ‘24: Talento, Pagtatanghal bilang Panawagan ng Sangkabaklaan

ilang paggunita sa Pride Month, inilunsad ng Viva Voce COC (VVC) ang BOSES 2024 na may temang: "Here & Queer: Chuva Choo Chooing our Way to Liberty," sa PUP College of Communication (COC) Lobby nitong, Hunyo 6.

Nagbahagi ng pambungad na talumpati ang Department of Broadcast Communication (DBC) Chairperson at VVC Adviser na si Kim Bernard G. Fajardo, bilang pagbibigay-pugay sa taun-taong komemorasyon ng BOSES, pati na ang pisikal na selebrasyon nito ngayon.

Sa pamamagitan ng pagtatanghal ng iba’t ibang talento kagaya ng pag-awit, tanghal-tula, deklamasyon, at pananalumpati, nanawagan ang sangkabaklaan para sa tunay na paglaya ng kasarian.

Ayon kay Jordan Joaquin, isang mang-aawit, bagamat selebrasyon ng Pride ang buwan ng Hunyo, tinatanaw ng pagdaraos na ito ang mga indibidwal na hindi pa rin handang ibahagi ang kanilang pagkakakilanlan at lumabas sa kani-kanilang mga kloseta.

"Ang BOSES 2024 ay nakatutulong upang mabigyang diin ang mga

panawagan na mawakasan na ang ilustrasyon ng diskriminasyon, paggiit sa karapatan, at depiksyong negatibo sa mga LGBTQIA+," saad ni Joaquin ukol sa esensya ng platapormang naibibigay ng nasabing komemorasyon.

Nagpahayag din si Daryn Rivera, isa sa mga nagtanghal, kung papaanong ang mga aktibidad katulad ng BOSES ay nakatutulong upang unti-unting makamtan ng komunidad ang tunay na kalayaang hinahangad.

"Sa pamamagitan ng boses at artes sa pagsulat ay naihahayag natin kung ano nga ba ang danas ng nasa komunidad," dagdag ni Rivera sa kung paano nga ba dapat gamitin ang talento ng isang indibidwal.

Bilang panapos, nagbahagi ng talumpati ang BOSES 2024

Project Head at VVC SecretaryGeneral na si Mary Bernitz Ellopo, kung saan kanyang pinasalamatan ang mga dumalo at katuwang na organisasyon sa paglunsad ng nasabing kaganapan.

PARZYVAL VALDEZ

CAPTURED BY

PARZYVAL VALDEZ

On June 6, Viva Voce holds “BOSES 2024” at PUP COC Lobby featuring a series of performances and activities that empower the LGBTQIA+ Community in celebration of this year’s pride month.

Selebrasyon ng PUP Pride, tampok ang iba’t-ibang usapin sa komunidad

pinagdiwang ang taunang selebrasyon ng PUP Pride sa pangunguna ng PUP Kasarinlan na may temang "HIWAGA: Pagsilang sa Mapagpalayang Bukas" sa Politeknikong Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (PUP), mula Miyerkules hanggang Sabado, Abril 3 - 6, 2024.

Bilang panimula, nagsagawa ng iglap-protesta ang mga progresibong organisasyon sa loob ng PUP bilang pagbubukas ng pagdiriwang.

Sinundan ito ng flag-hanging na inisyatibo ng iba't-ibang progresibong organisasyon bilang simbolo ng panawagan para sa pagsasabatas ng SOGIE Bill, Genuine Gender Freedom, at iba.

Para sa ikalawang araw, inilunsad sa College of Communication - Audio Visual Room (COC - AVR) ang "Usap Tayo Holy Trinity" kung saan tinalakay ang SOGIE 101, Feminism, at HIV AIDS 101.

Ipinaliwanag ni Michael Dave Bolima, unang tagapagsalita, ang diverse SOGIE-SC ng karamihan, partikular na sa kahalagahan ng pagkilala sa ating nakakasama.

Sa pangalawang tagapagsalita, sinipat ni Patricia Caorte ang malungkot na realidad na sa pagkabata nagsisimula ang diskriminasyon at nadadala ito hanggang sa pagtanda.

Samantala, sa pangatlong tagapagsalita, Joyce Ann Isidro, tinalakay niya ang peminismo sa konteksto ng Pilipinas, kung saan mas pinalawig niya ang layunin nito ay ang pagkakapantay-pantay at hindi pagmamataas.

Ipinaliwanag naman ni Zoe Black ang huling paksa, lalo na sa kahalagahan ng HIV AIDS 101, partikular na sa kahalagahan ng pagiging bukas ng mga tao sa pagpapa-check up.

Sa pagsisimula ng ikatlong araw, muling naglunsad ng talakayan sa COC - AVR kung saan tampok ang iba't-ibang paksa sa komunidad.

Bilang pagtatapos, idinaos ang iba't-ibang pagtatanghal at pananalumpati sa Tanghalang PUP na siyang naging hudyat ng pagsasara ng selebrasyon.

PARZYVAL VALDEZ

Isyung Panlipunan, tampok sa paggunita ng Tanglaw Fest ‘24

Bahaghari PUP, one of the participating organization booths during the second day of Tanglaw Fest features their call for social issues manifestations that highly concern the passage of the SOGIESC Bill and gender equality rights at PUP Oval grounds on April 5.

a pagsalubong ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan sa taunang Tanglaw Festival nitong ika-4 hanggang ika-5 ng Abril, 2024, naging tampok ang iba't ibang isyung panlipunan tulad ng Jeepney Phaseout, Charter Change (Cha-Cha), at National Polytechnic University (NPU) Bill.

Nagsagawa ng iglap-protesta sa loob ng PUP Oval ang iba’t-ibang progresibong organisasyon sa loob ng pamantasan bilang hudyat ng pagbubukas ng Tanglaw Fest. Layunin nito’y irehistro ang panawagang ibasura ang mga niraratsadang panukala na hindi makatutulong sa bansa, gayundin ang hinaing na itaas ang badyet ng unibersidad.

Sa kabilang banda, ipinamalas naman ng mga tagaganap ang kanilang mga talento sa larangan ng pag-awit ng orihinal nilang kanta, pagsayaw at sa pamamagitan ng drag performances.

Ayon kay Omar Lacsamana, BAJ 1-1D, mahalagang bitbit sa loob ng pamantasan ang mga panawagang nakakaapekto rito, maging ang panawagan para sa mga nasyonal na usapin.

“Tulad ng ibang mga festival sa ibang mga unibersidad, ang Tanglaw Festival ay nagiging daan upang magsama-sama ang mga estudyante at magandang pagkakataon iyon upang mabigyan ng kamalayan, mapalawig ang pulitikal na pananaw at paniniwala ng mga mag-aaral, at mahikayat sila na makiisa at sumama sa laban,

dagdag ni Lacsamana.

Naging istasyon naman ng iba’t ibang organisasyon ang

gilid ng oval para sa mga booth na kanilang itinayo. Kabilang sa mga organisasyong ito ay ang Sintang Pusa, League of Filipino Students (LFS), at PUP Journalism Guild (JG), kabilang din ang cosmetic brand na Dazzle Me at telecommunication na kumpanya na Globe. Ayon kay Randolf MaalaResueño, BAJ 3-2N, at kasalukuyang bise-presidente para sa External Affairs ng PUP Journalism Guild (JG), ang organisasyon ay naglalayong ipagkalat ang totoong misyon ng pamamahayag, hindi lamang sa College of Communication (COC) kundi sa buong unibersidad.

“And syempre dapat yung mission na yun is mailabas din natin as a practicing journalist sa outside ng university. Ayun habang student journalist pa lang naman tayo, tinatry ng PUP JG na i-hone lahat ng mga members niya at lahat ng mga constituents ng DOJ to become a more proficient and effective journalist,” dagdag ni Resueño.

MULAT Docufest 2024 features award-winning student production houses from COC

On June 8, 2024, the first-ever MULAT Documentary Festival with the theme “What’s Poppin’?: Mga Kwentong Pop Culture” features five documentaries about contemporary Philippine pop culture produced by different production houses.

he MULAT Documentary Guild successfully conducted their MULAT Documentary Festival with the theme ‘What’s Poppin’?: Mga Kwentong Pop Culture’ at the FDCP Cinematheque Centre Manila on June 8, 2024.

The official entries were made by student production houses from the PUP College of Communication (COC). There are five productions who exhibited their documentaries, unraveling mind-altering social issues and pop cultures of the Philippines.

Among the panel of judges were Joseph Conrad Rubio, the program manager of i-Witness; Adjani Arumpac, an inspiring documentary filmmaker; Prestoline Suyat, the guild adviser of the MULAT Documentary Guild;

and Harold Nowell Perez, a program researcher for GMA Public Affairs.

Salinlahi Productions bagged multiple awards for their documentary ‘Sa Muling Pagsulsi’, directed by Kyle Ampuan. The awards include ‘Best Documentary’, ‘Best Picture’, ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Sound’, ‘Best Research’, and ‘Best Editing’.

Matamasa Productions also won plenty of recognition for their documentary ‘Himig ang Paningin’, directed by Jeffrey Aboy. ‘Himig ang Paningin’ won the ‘Second Best Documentary’, ‘Best Story’, ‘Best Concept’, ‘Best Research’, and ‘Best Documentary Title’. ‘Untucked’, a documentary by Alapaap Productions and directed by Kae Kristel Muñoz, gained astounding achievements. The entry was awarded

Pagbibigay ng free souvenir tulad na lamang ng stickers, libreng pagkuha ng larawan, at marami pang ibang pakulo ang ginawa ng mga organisasyon upang mahikayat ang mga magaaral na bisitahin ang kanilang naturang booth.

Iba’t ibang drag na pagtatanghal naman ang nasaksihan sa huling araw ng pagdiriwang kung saan mula pa sa ibang unibersidad ang mga nagpakitang-gilas sa entablado kaakibat ang adbokasiyang kanilang ipinaglalaban.

Pinangunahan at inorganisa ng PUP Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral (PUP-SKM) ang pagsalubong sa Tanglaw Festival nitong taon.

RENATO NARCISO JULIANNE PORTILLO

the ‘Third Best Documentary’, ‘Best Story’, and ‘Best Research’.

Tambuli Productions was praised for its documentary ‘Biyahe ng Sining’, directed by Icon Matthew Monit, and received ‘Best Story’, ‘Best Cinematography’, and ‘Best Trailer’.

‘Komic Express’ was awarded with ‘Best Poster’. The documentary was made by H2X4 Productions and directed by Wylor Blasco.

The event concluded with Mary Joy Jalandoni, the project head, delivering a closing remark, acknowledging everyone’s participation in the success of the documentary festival.

ANGELA DOMINGO

CAPTURED BY

WESLEY JAVIER

Asserting Press Freedom From the River to the Sea was led by a speech from the Convener of PUP for Palestine Mr. Gurdheep Hampal as he clarified what is happening in Palestine. He was then awarded

COCSC conducts ED, highlights solidarity of Filipinos to Palestinians

he College of Communication Student Council (COCSC) conducted an educational discussion (ED) in commemoration of Media and Communications Fest (MCF) 2024 entitled, “Asserting Press Freedom from the River to

The event started with a speech given by Gurdheep Hampal, the President of the College of Computer and Information Sciences Student Council (CCIS), and the convener of PUP for Palestine, in which he gave in Palestine and why Israel should not be recognized as a state. This was followed by discussions on how imperialism, colonialism, and genocide are interconnected

and benefit oppressors. Hampal concluded that Filipinos' actions could have a ripple effect on the decolonization process in Palestine.

The discussion was led by Elle Buntag, the National Chairperson of the League of Filipino Students (LFS), wherein she highlighted the importance of showing solidarity of Filipinos to Palestinians.

Additionally, Buntag described the situation in Palestine as an urgent issue for Filipinos, asserting that mainstream media misrepresents the conflict as the Israel-Hamas war. She also argued that the violence perpetrated by Israel is clearly genocide, with roots in imperialism.

Furthermore, it emphasizes the relationship between Filipinos and Palestinians regarding how the United States uses both countries as its two ends for the American empire. Buntag said that the US gives funds to the Philippine government that harms its own citizens, and US big corporations are funding Israel to support genocide.

“Hindi natin kailangang mamili kung sinong dayuhan ang lalabanan natin. Lahat ng dayuhan na gustong mangolonya–gustong dalhin tayo sa gerang agresyon, karapat dapat lang natin silang labanan” Buntag stated.

The speaker ended the discussion by reminding the participants to continue to act, to call for action, and to normalize resistance.

Kung ano kinakaharap ng mga palestinians, kinakaharap din ng mga Pilipino–huwag tayong pumayag na manaig yung interes ng mga dayuhan sa ating bansa at ipagtanggol natin yung pambansang soberanya natin.

Buntag concluded.

AYNBERT OMAGAP CAMILLE CEPRES CAPTURED BY

tudents from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines—College of Communication (PUP COC) celebrated Labor Day on May 1 to commemorate the right of every worker to a living wage and true reform within the working sector. The event took place on P. Noval Street, España Boulevard.

The march starts at P. Noval Street to Morayta and was led by the alliance group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), the leading workers’ movement, along with different sectors, including youth groups, the PUP COC Community, drivers, and operators.

After the initial program, rallyists went to Kalaw Avenue to hold another protest and program in front of the United States Embassy but were blocked by a group of Philippine National Police (PNP) enforcement officers from the Manila Police District (MPD).

The rallyists started clinging to each other and forcibly pushed their way through the police formation, causing a stampede-like situation that was immediately dispersed when forces from MPD bombed the protesters away with a

water cannon.

PUP COC joins labor day rally, demands living wage reforms

Small Enterprise and Livelihood Development Association (SELDA), along with other progressive groups, marches from P. Noval to Morayta in Metro Manila, rallying for salary increase and price cuts while raising their placards in solidarity during the 2024 Labor Day Mobilization

Despite all that, they moved forward with the program and especially condemned and called out the actions of fascism that MPD set forth.

KMU also calls for the majority of Filipinos to fight against imperialism in order to attain national sovereignty.

“Ang demands sana natin ay imbis na unahin ang kung ano-anong bagay gaya ng ChaCha at ang pagpunta-punta kung saan-saan ng Pangulo, so, siguro mas dapat tuunan nya nang pansin yung epekto noong heat index sa mamamayan nya mismo, lalo na sa manggagawa na araw-araw pumapasok, sumusuong sa init ng araw, at kadalasan wala rin namang compensation yan [o] additional na bayad sa pagpasok,” Arnie Joy Polares from the BPO Industry Employees’ Network (BIEN), demands from the government amidst the alarming situation of high heat index, which had been causing work disruptions among the workers.

Before the protest officially ended, news came to people that six of the protesters had been arrested during the said protest and were all charged with illegal assembly, despite claims from other protesters who all said that it was a peaceful assembly. They were all eventually released on bail after being detained for almost a week.

DENISE ANNE REBOROSO

CAPTURED BY:

WESLEY JAVIER

ED Fest on importance of press freedom to the society

PUP mass organizations along with their appeals to defend press freedom.

n commemoration of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), the College of Communication Student Council (COC SC) spearheaded an Educational Discussion (ED) Fest to widen the knowledge of communication students about the state of the press in the Accenture Media Room from Monday to Thursday, May 6–9, 2024.

Notable speakers from the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), The Catalyst, Anakbayan COC, SAMASA PUP, and the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) graced the event with their knowledge about press freedom and its importance.

On its opening day, Brell Lacerna from CEGP tackled the state of the Philippine press, highlighting the rampant attacks on journalists during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

Furthermore, he expounded on the consequences of Duterte’s term as president up to Marcos’ presidency now that censorship and repression in the media industry are still happening.

Meanwhile, Virginia Mae Magtira, Editor-inChief of the Catalyst, discussed the topic of contextualizing journalism in the current socio-political standing, underscoring the graft, corruption, violence, and inflation in the media industry.

After its opening day, Gerald Graciano from the Catalyst expounded on media and communication as a tool for social

change, emphasizing how journalists can shape the discourse of societal issues as they help reform society.

Additionally, he also said that journalists have multiple ways of struggling, and one is by using their pen to fight against repression in the journalist community.

On its third day, Shane Mapesos, SecretaryGeneral of Alyansa ng Kabataang Mamamahayag, spoke on aiming for propeople journalism, wherein she tackled the crucial role of journalists to write about the current status and occurrences of society.

Mapesos explained why it is important for journalists to actually go out of their comfort zone and be with the masses in order to be an effective media ally.

Moreover, Juned Patricio — Anakbayan PUP COC member, spoke on effectively analyzing social issues, emphasizing the relevance of learning about the societal issues that are evident in the community.

She also outlined the importance of learning history, as it will give more comprehension to the Social Investigation and Class Analysis (SICA) of society.

Lastly, the current President of IAWRT, Jola DionesMamangun, discussed journalists under the fascist administration, wherein she emphasized the life experiences of journalist and activist Ms. Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who, at the age of 21, became the youngest journalist imprisoned on illegal charges and is still alive today.

Additionally, she stated that this issue extends beyond journalists and media because press freedom itself directly impacts the rights and freedom of the masses.

Furthermore, Mamangun also discussed how women journalists are being treated unfairly amidst the fight for press freedom and equal rights and the reason why IAWRTS’s digital safe house for women journalists launched the Butterfly Campaign, carrying its invocation to spread awareness and protect women journalists against any form of harassment.

Meanwhile, fascism as the root cause of red tagging was discussed by Ronjay Mendiola, who mentioned the issues surrounding the role of the AFP-PNP and the CPP-NPA for Filipino citizens, the government, and press freedom.

To conclude the event, as part of honoring Press Freedom Day, a candle lighting was held to commemorate the journalists who sacrificed their lives for what is right, who were victims of an unjust system, and those who are still fighting and serving the people with truth amidst the oppression, injustice, and harassment just to attain a safe space for press freedom.

ELIJAH DAREN PINEDA, PARZYVAL VALDEZ, JULIANNE PORTILLO, JILLIANE TATAD

CAMILLE CEPRES CAPTURED BY:

PCPA ‘24 sheds light on media manipulation

he Polytechnic University of the Philippines Campus Press Assembly (PCPA) 2024, was held at Bulwagang Bonifacio on July 6 and 7, brought journalists together to stand against media manipulation.

In commemoration of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), various publications across college branches and campuses of PUP attended the event with the theme “Upholding Truth amidst Media Manipulation,” which aims to prepare university journalists with knowledge and approaches to combat different forms of media censorship and manipulation that are prevalent in the country.

Among the invited speakers for the event were Arnold Timoteo, Editor of PUP University Printing Press; Prestoline Suyat, Chief Editorial Section of PUP Research Publication Office; Dabet CastañedaPanelo, Campaign and Training Officer of Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo; and Ronalyn Olea, Editor-in-Chief of Bulatlat.

During the morning session, Timoteo tackled the five different types of media manipulation and the motives behind them, along with the vital role of the campus press in addressing and countering these influences.

“All information is biased. Sometimes you want to be objective, but it all depends on how you arrange the information to the data that you have. That is one point of media manipulation,” he added.

In the afternoon session, Suyat highlighted the significance of the campus press being student-led while delving into the differences between the dominant media and campus journalism.

"Ang publisher ay private individuals, malalaking negosyante, [at] malalaking korporasyon sa dominant media. Sa atin naman campus press, estudyante ang publisher, kung ang publisher ay estudyante— dapat ito rin ay nagsisilbi sa estudyante," said Suyat, as he distinguished the prioritized interests between the two forms of media.

Panelo, as the third speaker of the day, emphasized the role of citizen journalism in bridging information gaps and discussed how they undergo verification.

“Your biggest battle is in the newsroom. Bukod pa 'yong prior restraint. Hindi ka pa nakakapasok sa pinto, napagsaraduhan ka na,” Panelo shared, explaining how she dealt with media censorship such as prior restraint.

On the second day, Olea talked about how forms of media censorship have spread in the digital age and violated the right to press freedom through practices like website blocking and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

“Censorship is an attack on the media outlets and the press—but also an attack on people's rights to access information and right to free expression,” Olea added.

The two-day assembly was led by the Student Publication Office, in collaboration with the Alyansa ng Kabataang Mamahayag (AKM) and the College of Communication Student Council (COC-SC), along with student publications such as The Catalyst and The Communicator.

Peryodismong pang-kapaligiran, sumentro sa peryodistalks

sinagawa ng PUP Journalism Guild (PUP JG), ang ikalawang harapang diskusyon ng

Peryodistalks na may temang

"Environmental Crisis Chronicles: Unveiling the Truths from the Frontlines" sa PUP College of Communication - Audio Visual Room (PUP COC - AVR) alinsunod sa World Press Freedom Day noong Mayo 24, 2024.

Sa pambungad na pananalita ng COC

Dean Dr. Hemmady Mora, tinawag niyang “mga unsung heroes” ang mga peryodista na nag-uulat ng mga isyu ukol sa kalamidad at sakuna dahil mayroon itong kaakibat na panganib sa kanilang mga buhay.

“Napakahalaga ng role nila dahil sila ang kailangan para maiwasan

The PUP College of Communication's official student publication, The Communicator, kicked off the second day of its four-day workshop at the PUP Accenture Room on May 21.

inspirasyon sa mga mamamahayag na panatilihin ang pangangalaga sa kapaligiran at katarungan sa panlipunan.

Pinangunahan naman ni Aileen Camille Dimatatac ang talakayan sa kinakaharap na hamon ng environmental reporting, partikular na sa hamon na kaakibat ng pagsusulat ng mga istoryang pang-kapaligiran.

Ayon kay Dimatatac, upang mabigyang pansin ang mga mahahalagang istorya, importante ang pagbabasa at pagpapayabong ng kaalaman sa mga pansiyentipikong termino, paguugaling magtanong, pagpapalawak ng kasanayan sa multimedia, at pakikipagtulungan sa iba’t ibang komunidad, organisasyon, at maging sa gobyerno.

Kasunod nito’y sinimulan naman ng tagapagtatag ng Philippine Network of Environmental Journalists (PNEJ) na si Imelda Abano ang kanyang diskusyon

ukol sa mga hamong dinaranas ng mga peryodista at pananatiling ligtas sa pag-uulat sa mga delikadong lugar. “You assess yourself if you’re physically, medically, psychologically, and logistically prepared for the assignment,” sabi nito.

Binigyan din ng pagkakataon ang mga tagapakinig upang magtanong sa mga tagapagsalita ukol sa kanilang katayuan kaugnay ang iilan sa mga isyung pangkalikasan.

Bilang pagtatapos, nagbigay si Jordan Joaquin, Project Head, ng kanyang pangwakas na pananalita na hindi lang tungkol sa klima at panahon ang environmental journalism, kundi tungkol din sa karapatan ng mga nabubuhay na may kwentong dapat pakinggan. Pinasalamatan niya rin ang COC Dean, JG Adviser at buong komite, mga tagapagsalita, gayundin sa lahat ng pumunta sa programa.

DAKOMPASS underscores techniques to improve Campus Journalism

Furthermore, he dissected the structure of feature articles, highlighting the importance of an introduction to capture the reader's attention.

"Importante yung introduction, kasi kapag binasa ito, halimbawa, 'uy, maganda yung introduction' sabi nung reader tapos hindi nya alam binabasa nya na nang buo," he said.

session, Bolledo started the talk about investigative journalism, emphasizing its complexity as a form of journalism.

Before the event ended, he tasked the attendees with investigating certain issues inside PUP and provided feedback on their chosen topics.

In line with this, Associate Professor Prestoline Suyat and Multimedia Reporter Jairo Bolledo graced the venue with their knowledge of Feature Writing and Investigative Journalism, respectively.

According to Suyat, feature writing should capture the audience and evoke emotions, as well as the interest of human readers.

"Subjective sya, mula sa kwento, pero dapat based on facts pa rin," Suyat added.

Before he ended his talk, Suyat conducted a writing exercise to assess the attendees' understanding of the topic.

After the morning

"It's not supposed to be discussed in just a day or in hours," he said, pertaining to its difficulty.

Additionally, he discussed the difference between conventional reporting and investigative journalism.

"Sa conventional reporting, yung information yung lumalapit sayo, while sa investigative journalism, yung infos ay shrouded in secrecy," he said.

CAPTURED BY

P FOR PAYWALL: BUDGET INCREASE,

NOT PRIVATIZATION

ROLAN MUYOT

GIAN ANTONIO TRIBIANA

he Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) is dubbed as the “poor man’s university” as it is the home for more than 80,000 students from the working classes. But will the “poor men” still have access to their home once it gets privatized and commercialized?

House Bills 8829, 8860, and 9060, or the National Polytechnic University (NPU) Bill, aim to amend the PUP Charter, which will grant institutional autonomy to the university but require it to privatize nonacademic services and allow business ventures inside the campuses. In other terms, development occurs through privatization.

Ang Peryodismo ay Aktibismo: Pagtangan sa Propesyon at Tungkulin sa Bayan

ag-ulat, sumulat at magsiwalat. Ilan lamang ito sa mga itinuturo sa peryodismo. May iba’t bang tinig ng paglalahad ng katotohanan at tono sa pagsulat; may humihiyaw, humahapis at nakikibaka sa patas na lipunan para sa masa. Ngunit may nakabibinging tanong sa lahat ng nabanggit, ito nga ba ay pagiging peryodista o pagiging aktibista?

Ang peryodismo at aktibismo ay hindi nagkakalayo ang kahulugan at layunin. Kung sa peryodismo, nais ng mga mamamahayag na matamo ng masa ang katotohanan; sa aktibismo naman, nais ng mga aktibista na lumaya ang masa mula sa mapanupil na pamahalaan ng bansa. Ihiwalay mo ang isa, tignan mo kung paano mamatay ang natira.

ibang uri ng pamamahayag na ginagawa ng mga nasa mainstream media. Kailanman ay hindi maaaring maging aktibista ang pahayagan.

... kung walang aktibismo sa pamamahayag, ito ay kapos sa kanyang tungkuling maging tunay na lingkod ng mamamayan.

saad ni Kathleen Okubo ng Northern Dispatch sa Cordillera sa isang panayam ng Altermidya.

Ang isang peryodista, kapag tumangan ng responsibilidad sa masa, sila ay maituturing na aktibista. Ang isa ay sa midya, ang isa ay sa lansangan subalit kahit magkaiba man ng ginagalawan, iisa pa rin ang pinagsisilbihan. Ang peryodismo ay aktibismo. Ang peryodista ay aktibista, at walang masama rito.

Gayunpaman, dapat nga bang tawaging aktibista ang mga alagad ng midya? Gaano man karami ang magsabi na parte ng peryodismo ang aktibismo, naniniwala ang iba na hindi maaaring magkasama ang tungkulin sa trabaho at personal na pakikibaka. Hindi ito ang klase ng pamamahayag na itinuturo sa peryodismo o kahit sa

Taong 2021, pinatalsik si Emily Wilder bilang isang bagong News Associate sa institusyon na Associated Press kung saan siya ay halos dalawang linggo pa lamang sa puwesto. Ito ay dahil sa kanyang mga post bilang isang aktibistang pro-Palestinian noong siya ay nasa kolehiyo pa. Isa lamang ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit hindi itinuturo sa unibersidad na maging parte ang isang peryodistang estudyante sa mga kilusan. Sapagkat ang mga ganitong gawain ay maaaring makapagkompromiso sa tiwala ng masa at magdulot ng pagkuwestiyon ng tao sa integridad o kredibilidad ng kanilang kinabibilangang publikasyon.

Hindi kailanman magiging hadlang ang pagiging aktibista ng mga mamamahayag upang magulat ng obhetibong balita. Dahil ang totoo, mas pinapalawak nila ang kanilang tungkulin. Hindi nila kinukulong ang kanilang mga sarili sa basta sulat lamang; na kapag naibalita na sa

“The country, with its trust in unparalleled development in the new century, needs more industry leaders who will serve under the principles of excellence, patriotism, and love for knowledge and truth. In order to achieve this and for national development, it is now high time to strengthen the PUP and elevate it into a National Polytechnic University,” said Quezon City 2nd District former Representative Winston Castelo—one of the principal authors of the bill.

CARTOONBYSHERLYNZABATE CONCEPTBYFRANCINEBARCELON LAURENCESAMSON

The House Committee on Higher and Technical Education (CHTE) Chairperson Representative Mark Go claimed during a senate hearing that the provision is not wrong and merely a function for the Board of Regents (BOR) to earn profits for the benefit of its students, mentioning the University of the Philippines' Ayala Technohub as an example.

Aem Kimberly Ignacio—President of the College of Communication Student Council’s (PUP COCSC), stated that the majority agreed to the provision of an increased budget for the school, but there were policies that were considered "anti-student," such as the possibility of medical care will no longer be covered by the Free Education law.

An institution seeking an increase in budgetary allocation to provide competitive citizens should not fear privatization and commercialization.

However, with increased budget and privatization of miscellaneous services comes a cost, which affects students and concessionaires on campus. Students now have to pay for services that were previously free of charge such as medical assistance, while food vendors around PUP Lagoon are forced to increase their prices due to rising rental costs.

While fighting for their right to an accessible education and academic freedom last February 12, student-led protests occurred outside the House of Representatives (HOR) highlighting concerns over the proposal that would guide the path for the state university's total commercialization, fearing it would affect the students' access to affordable education and services, which coerced the police to brutally disperse the crowd leading to seven people sustaining wounds and injuries following the violent encounter.

PUPians want their "Sintang Paaralan" to enhance its quality of services, educational facilities, staff treatment, and build a reputation as a state university serving the masses; however, such improvement costs a hefty price that would prioritize profit-oriented goals instead of focusing on shaping the school itself.

Would being an "Iskolar ng Bayan'' really mean anything if an aspiring student continues their educational pursuit in a commercialized university fueled by profits rather than the idea of providing quality and accessible education for all?

telebisyon o dyaryo ay ayos na. Ang totoong layunin ng mga mamamahayag ay hindi lamang magsulat ng balitang obhetibo kundi pati na rin ang magtaguyod ng pagbabago. Ang aktibismo sa peryodismo ay isang mahalagang parte ng kanilang tungkulin sa publiko.

Krusyal ang pakikibaka ng mga peryodista dahil mas napapaingay nito ang mga isyung panlipunan na hindi nabibigyan ng sapat na espasyo sa midya. Isang halimbawa nito ay ang alternatibong midya na matapang at kritikal na naibabalita ang mga impormasyong hindi kayang gawin ng mga dominanteng midya. Makikita rito na walang

diskriminasyon sa pagtangan sa tungkulin bilang peryodista, bagkus, nakuha nito ang atensyon ng publiko.

Pantasya na lamang din na maituturing ang peryodismo na walang halong aktibismo. Sabi ng iba, ang dalawang ito ay hindi dapat magsama sa isang konteksto—dahil ang isa ay trabaho, at ang isa ay personal na aspekto.

Gaya ng normal na tao, hindi dapat ikulong ang tungkulin ng isang peryodista sa simpleng pagsulat at pagbabalita lamang. Marapat din silang mabigyan ng pagkakataon na makibaka sa sigaw ng masang kanilang pinaglilingkuran. Isa sa itinuturo sa peryodismo ang tungkuling maging ikaapat na estado ng lipunan; bahagi ng buhay ng peryodista ang manindigan at magmulat ng taong bayan at hindi ito maisasagawa kung walang bahid ng aktibismo.

Sa uri ng lipunan na mayroon ang Pilipinas, lumilitaw ang isang malaking katotohanan: ang peryodismo ay aktibismo. Sa kabila ng isyu ng pananakot at pagpapatahimik sa mga alagad ng midya, hindi dapat ikahiya ang katotohanang ito. Ang bawat balita; sa telebisyon man o sa dyaryo ay maaaring maghatid ng pagbabago, magmulat ng kamalayan, at paigtingin ang diwa ng demokrasya ng mga Pilipino. Sa huli, ang pagsanib ng aktibismo sa peryodismo ay para maisakatuparan ang layuning magsulat ng katotohanan at ibalik sa masa ang katarungan.

KESHIA FAITH MIRANDA MATT ALLEN NIONES

A Free Press for a Free Planet CARVING NAMES ON BARK:

record of 281 deaths in the past 10 years is what earned the Philippines the title of “Asia’s deadliest country for land and environmental defenders.”

This is what drives the core of environmental journalism, a field that is highlighted in this year’s World Press Freedom Day with the theme: “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”

It has been 31 years since the declaration of World Press Freedom Day, but there has been little change in the state of press freedom in the Philippines. This begs the question: how many World Press Freedom Days will it take for the Philippines to free its journalists from the binds of redtagging?

Environmental problems such as climate change, air and ocean plastic pollution, global warming, and deforestation are few of the many pressing matters that reach the pages of newspapers. However, the most concerning topic with rising incidents of human rights violations is the state of mining in the country.

“Dozens of journalists covering illegal mining, logging, poaching, and other environmental issues have been killed in recent decades,” said UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres.

These mining operations have reported direct negative effects on the health and welfare of communities—many of which rely on articles to reach the masses and address their

living conditions, only for these articles to remain buried in the mines.

A report from UNESCO found that journalists and news outlets reporting on environmental issues dealt with about 750 attacks in the past 15 years, and 44 were killed over five decades—one of which is Gerry Ortega, an environmental advocate, and journalist who was murdered by a hired gunman during the Aquino administration. Ortega was an environmental advocate who worked with various environmental groups, participating in anti-mining protests in Palawan.

Ortega was only one of the many environmental journalists whose lives were compromised in their line of work and is one

of the reasons why journalists continue to fight for press freedom today.

Government authorities have long used “red-tagging” as a way to hide the human rights violations against journalists and activists by falsely labeling them as communists and terrorists, making the notion of red-tagging a “license to kill.”

Despite the ruling of the Supreme Court En Banc in a decision penned by Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda, granting the writ of amparo in favor of Siegfred D. Deduro which has declared redtagging, vilification, labeling, and guilt by association as a threat to a person’s right to life, liberty, or security, this practice continues to persist in the recent decades—leading up to the current Marcos administration.

The number of attacks and human rights violations against journalists is a testament to the lack of press freedom in the Philippines, yet movements such as World Press Freedom Day are a reminder of the need for change.

Red-tagging remains a deadly practice that has left its mark on the people who showed journalistic skills, but this year’s World Press Freedom Day is not only an opportunity to fight for press freedom but also to plant trees and carve on its bark the names of every journalist who ever lived fighting for the environment; fighting for a free press.

Appholding Censorship

ikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms with over 1.7 billion users worldwide. It’s made to create, share, and discover short videos covering various contents related to entertainment, lifestyle, fitness, education, news, and many more. Especially for media practitioners, it's a great medium to spread truth about several issues around the world.

With its wide reach of audiences, TikTok has the power to give you all the information you need. However, everything comes with two sides. The platform can also manipulate and suppress facts that lead to the dark side of media—censorship.

On May 28, Joseph Morong, a Filipino journalist, uploaded an 11-minute and 28-second video on TikTok where he tells his experience on doing coverage in the West Philippine Sea.

The caption reads, “MAHIRAP BA MAGCOVER SA WEST PHILIPPINE SEA? How is it like to cover the West Philippine Sea? A glimpse of what is at stake in

what others consider a potential flashpoint in geopolitics.”

Upon uploading, Morong noticed that his video was muted. He then posted on his Facebook account that his video doesn't even have a soundbed which is a common reason in censoring some videos on the platform. The reporter did not let censorship stop him from spreading the truth and re-uploaded his video on TikTok on May 30, and on Facebook on June 1st.

On April 28, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) fired water cannons that damaged a Philippine vessel. A clear sign that China

is bullying the Philippines with their power. This heightened geopolitical tension between the two countries needs to be seen by the world, and TikTok has the ability to spread awareness about this. But how can people access facts if their source is censoring the truth?

Censorship is everywhere. Not just in TikTok and other social media platforms, but also within publications, newsrooms, and oneself. It happens due to different factors such as money, fear, and intimidation.

This matter remains a challenge and responsibility to current and future media practitioners such

as the students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ College of Communication (PUP-COC) and from different institutions. Intimidation and censorship should not be allowed to triumph over the quest for truth.

TikTok might have an advantage due to its number of users, but it is not the only platform that could serve as the avenue for journalists to inform the people. It is not the only medium to raise awareness. People could still open their televisions, radios, surf on other social media platforms, or read the news through newspapers.

After all, an online platform that is navigated as a tool to promulgate facts should uphold truth, spread information, and refrain from appholding censorship.

GRAPHICS BY

Palestine to Philippines: Media Under Siege

n April 1, 2024, Israel enacted a law that would temporarily ban foreign media organizations—especially Qatar-based Al Jazeera—if it determined that they posed a threat to national security. This situation seems familiar in the Philippine setting for it has been a continuous struggle in the country to counter the attacks directed on the media landscape. However, regardless of the context of these events, Palestinians and Filipinos share the same struggle— media censorship.

Al Jazeera’s shutdown is Israel’s desperate move to censor the various humanitarian violations they committed toward Palestinians and maintain their diplomatic image and relations with other countries. The Israeli government’s decision to cease

operations has been denounced by Al Jazeera as a “criminal act,” and the organization has issued a warning that the nation’s repression of free expression “stands in contravention of international and humanitarian law. Meanwhile, targeting media entities in the Philippines are attempts to silence media organizations in exposing the atrocities of the government. The ABS-CBN shutdown, the censorships of progressive media organizations such as AlterMidya, Pinoy Weekly, Bulatlat, the killings and blatant redtagging toward media practitioners are reminders of the frail democracy that the country has.

These incidents showcase a global pattern that expresses threat toward the media landscape. Regardless of the conflicts that each nation faces,

it is a manifestation that oppressors are intimidated by the media’s ability to expose social realities and shape the masses’ capability to make informed decisions. They are willing to go to such lengths to suppress the watchdogs’ outcry for truth. However, this only means that a collective problem demands a collective resolution.

The calls of Palestine are no different from the calls of Filipinos. Thus, there is a call for the students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Communication (PUP COC) to stand with Al Jazeera as its struggle is also the struggle of Philippine media. And with that, the collective decision to stand with Palestine means that the liberation of Palestinians is a win for the media field as their constant plead for freedom

has taken effect despite the hurdles of censorship, and it marks how powerful the media truly is.

It is both a challenge and responsibility to bear for practicing and aspiring media professionals to uphold truth regardless of the threats that surround the media field. Neutrality must not be interchanged with impartiality; to write—to form messages and to disseminate them—is already to choose a side that must be the side of Palestinians, Filipinos, the oppressed, and the unheard.

Would you consider a media that is committed in presenting news for the people, yet it continues to ignore the cries for help of those who are constantly silenced?

ng paaralan ay isang maliit na bersyon ng lipunan na binubuo ng mag-aaral at mga manggagawa. Sa loob ng lipunang ito ay ang konseho ng mga mag-aaral na tinataguyod ang interes at pangangailangan ng mga estudyante at manggagawa— naghihikayat ng isang mapagtanong, mapagsuri, at kritikal na pamantasan. Ngunit sa kabila nito, iba ang imaheng ipinipinta sa kanila ng administrasyon ng institusyon— isang kalaban ng bayan.

Kilala ang Politeknikong Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (PUP) bilang isang institusyong lumilikha at nagaalaga ng mga progresibong kabataan. Kung kaya, suki rin ito sa walang pakundangang panrered-tag ng pamahalaan at ilang ordinaryong mamamayan. Ang red-tagging sa PUP ay nakaaapekto sa reputasyon, kredibilidad, at kaligtasan; hindi lamang ng unibersidad, pati na rin ng mga estudyante at manggagawang nakapaloob dito.

24 sa iba’t ibang sulok ng PUP ang nagkalat na mga flyers at posters na nagsasabing terorista si Cristina Moreno o mas kilala bilang “Nanay Cristy”—

Sa tindi at tagal ng siklo ng red-tagging, naging “normal” na ang walang habas na paghuli at panrered-tag sa mga aktibistang sinusuong ang lansangan para isigaw

iisip, kinakastigo ng gobyerno ang sinomang pumupuna at tumutuligsa sa kanilang kabalbalan sa pamamagitan ng red-tagging. Walang sinasanto, kahit na sino, bata man o matanda, estudyante man o manggagawa.

Nagkakaroon ng chilling effect tuwing mayroong redtagging dahil sa panganib na dala nito sa mismong indibidwal, pamilya, kaibigan, at kahit na sinong konektado sa kanila. Ito ang armas ng gobyerno—ang pagpuntirya at malalimang pagukit ng takot sa pag-iisip ng mga tao.

Imprenta ng RED-TAGGING mula Malacañang hanggang Sintang Paaralan

Bise Presidente ng Samahang

Janitorial (SJ) sa loob ng pamantasan. Si Nanay Cristy ay aktibo sa pakikipaglaban para sa nakabubuhay na sahod, regularisasyon, at maayos na benepisyo para sa mga manggagawa.

Nito lamang Marso 25, ibinahagi ni Aem Kimberly Ignacio— kasalukuyang pangulo ng College of Communication Student Council (COC SC) sa kaniyang facebook account ang patungkol sa internalized redtagging ng administrasyon ng COC sa konseho at iba pang “militanteng grupo” nang ituro silang may pakana ng mga sulat at pintang nanghihimok para sa armadong pakikibaka. Namataan naman noong Marso

Malinaw ang siklo ng red-tagging: awtomatikong kalaban ng bayan ang bumoboses at nanawagan para sa pagbabago na dapat tinatamasa ng lahat. Tulad na lamang ng konseho at ni Moreno na pilit pinatatahimik dahil sa pwersa ng kanilang pakikibaka.

Unti-unting pinapatay ng redtagging ang karapatan ng lahat para sa kalayaan—mula sa isip, salita, at gawa. Subalit nasa batas mismo ang karapatang pantao, ang mga nagpapatupad at dapat na nangangalaga ng mga batas ang siya ring pangunahing umaapak at lumalabag dito.

ang hinaing ng masa. Nalalagay sa peligro ang buhay ng mga itinuturong “terorista” at kung minsan pa, nauuwi ito sa pagkitil ng buhay ng mga patuloy na lumalaban sa huwad na pamahalaan.

Sina Nanay Cristy at ang Konseho ng mga Mag-aaral ng PUP COC ay ilan lamang sa mga aktibistang pilit isinisigaw ang interes ng masa sa tainga ng nagbibingi-bingihang pamahalaan. Ang pagkondena sa kanila bilang kalaban ng bayan ay dahil lamang sa iisang dahilan: ayaw ng gobyerno sa mga kritikal at marunong maganalisa dahil alam nilang kapag natutong maging kritikal ang mga mamamayan, makikita na ng lahat ang katiwalian at huwad na paglilingkod ng mga nasa pwesto.

Bilang sagot sa dumaraming bilang ng mga kritikal na pag-

Ang takot na iniimprenta ng gobyerno ay umabot na sa administrasyon ng PUP nang sila mismo ang kumukondena sa progresibong pag-iisip at kilos ng kanilang estudyante at nang hindi na nila maprotektahan ang sarili nilang manggagawa mula sa redtagging.

Pamantasan ang dapat na humuhubog at nagpapatalas sa kritikal na pag-iisip ng mga kabataan. Hindi dapat sila nasisindak sa mga pananakot at panlulupig ng gobyerno upang tuluyan nang maputol ang siklo ng red-tagging—isang malaking hakbang patungo sa tunay na pagbabago.

DREW VALLERIE TAN AVA DOMINIQUE PANOPIO

CARTOON BY

JEZRA ESTER GO LUKE PERRY SAYCON

OPINION

Attention to Potential: Budget for Skills

he Polytechnic University of the Philippines - College of Communication (PUP COC) students are the backbone of the campus, which supports its organizations and publications. However, their potential is often held back by inadequate funding—a constant obstacle that continues to weigh on students despite their academic excellence and profound patriotism.

Even though they have excelled academically regardless of the rise in national revenue, PUP’s budget significantly reduced by 158.1 million pesos last year. While the government spent more money overall, the university received less funding than previously.

Impending budget cuts threaten to further lower the already rotten educational system in our country, depriving students of the accessible, free, and highquality education that they deserve.

“If students can perform at a high level with little to no funding, what more if they had the budget? The university must support our organizations and fund our publications; university-wide and collegewide. Some publications have ceased their operations just because they don’t have the resources. The university administration must respect the autonomy and editorial independence of student publications. They are supposed to be allies, not enemies. They must listen to the concerns of the studentry, not turn a blind eye to them.” said Lourence Angelo Marcellana, Editor-in-Chief of The Communicator— COC’s official publication.

The government’s focus on initiatives like mandatory ROTC over educational enhancement that highlights a systemic failure to address crucial needs within the educational system, because it only proves the disregard for the core issues that are affecting education.

Kirchhoff Angala, President of Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral (PUP SKM) point out the government’s skewed priorities because of their plan on the revival of mandatory ROTC, which is detrimental to students’ rights to a quality, safe, and inclusive education.

As students endure the long overdue PUP budget increase that was promised, COC organizations and publications continue to play a crucial role in students’ advocacy and skills development.

This improper use of funds for other agendas such as the controversial ROTC only shows a serious neglectforstudents’needs.Byeffectivelysupporting and funding the university’s organizations and publications, students’ educational experience would be significantly enriched.

The Communicator hosted a successful workshop called “Dakompass,” that was attended by students and campus journalists from May 20–23, held at PUP Accenture Room. PUP also hosts a number of programs and educational discussions (ED). The purpose of these events was to broaden their understanding of media and journalism. This only demonstrates that students are resourceful and maintain excellent standards in their work despite the university’s insufficient budget.

Are we undervaluing our intellectually and patriotically exceptional students, or shouldn’t we start to fully support their potential?

platform for advocating for the rights of students and promoting inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community, culminating in a protest where attendees could further exercise their rights.

There is no doubt that inclusivity for all is deeply embedded in the university’s culture as shown by the ongoing and vibrant celebrations of Pride Month in the university and the active participation of mass communication students in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. PUP COC is indeed a testament to what can be accomplished when a community is united together to support, fight for, and empower one another.

By promoting a community that values and promotes diversity, the university not only adds color to the college experience but also sets a model for other educational institutions where its students would feel safer and valued.

PUP COC surely leads the way in creating a home where pride meets inclusivity, where every single one feels safe and seen, making sure that no one feels invisible.

the responsibility falls on their shoulders to dignify students’ welfare and ensure that any policy and project they aim to implement are appropriate to the concrete analysis and situation of the college.

Most of all, it is important for students to be discerning in understanding the inner workings of each department and the entire university system as education does not end with acquiring knowledge but further extends to utilizing this in advocating what is right and opposing what is wrong. Each COCian’s active participation in staying vigilant and exercising critical thinking plays an important role in fostering transparency, integrity, and good governance, not only within the university but also in the wider community.

EDITORIAL

“Smart” OR BARE MINIMUM?

he Polytechnic University of the Philippines - College of Communication (PUP COC) started the installation of projectors, computers, and 60-inch televisions with internet access in every classroom in March 2024, creating “smart” classrooms. While the equipment installation is a great addition for the convenience of faculty members and students when conducting onsite classes, can a classroom really be called “smart” for having the bare minimum?

Albert Lim, a laboratory technician from COC under the Facility Management Office (FAMO), reiterated the effectiveness of the newly installed projectors since students and professors would often borrow equipment from other departments before. He also thought of the addition of a new building for more classrooms. But, is there a budget allocated for this?

Ronjay Mendiola, Chairperson of Sandigan ng

Mag-Aaral Para sa Sambayanan (SAMASA PUP), questioned the accessibility of the “smart classrooms’’ in COC. The said classrooms can’t be used freely by COCians unless they are conducting classes with their professors. This restriction fails to cater to the overall academic needs of the students and seems to be facultycentered.

“Hindi natin naga-grab ‘yung opportunity na makamit ng mga estudyante ‘yung kanilang full potential kung kulang-kulang ‘yung mga facilities hindi lang sa COC kung hindi pati sa ibang mga colleges,” said Mendiola.

Quality education brings out the full potential of students, yet constant budget cuts and a lack of facilities hinder that.

From April 15 to June 3, 2024, classes shifted to online mode due to the rising heat index. The suspension of onsite classes has brought up an existing issue about the lack of facilities for better studying conditions on campus.

Dean Hemmady Mora has filed a petition letter to FAMO on the installation of air-conditioning units in COC, but they rejected this proposal since the residential areas around COC may be affected and can cause an outage. The power capacity around the building is only limited; it may take a few more years before the ventilation issue at the college is fixed.

Even with the limited budget of the university, it’s still worth mentioning that the university takes

initiative to prioritize the betterment of the students by improving the facilities in the college. The newly added equipment can serve as proof that the college is moving forward.

The effectiveness of learning still arises from personal interactions rather than through online classes. There is no doubt that attending a class in a physical classroom comes with many benefits, not only for the students but for the professors as well. It makes communication easier by being able to interact in real time, which encourages a more engaging and immersive learning experience. However, the number of students in COC is not balanced with the number of classrooms.

PUP has not been known to be the most studentfriendly and comfortable university to study in, but being an “iskolar ng bayan” resonates immunity amidst any given circumstances. But resilience should not be glorified all the time.

The university budget should prioritize the convenience of its students and staff. The government and student universities should work hand-in-hand to solve the ongoing educational problems instead of putting first the unnecessary implementations such as the National Polytechnic University (NPU) Bill.

Although minor improvements are appreciated, are these really enough to call studying conditions “better” or “smart”?

O R G A I N Z E

and Advocate: A Call to COCians

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ College of Communication (PUP COC) serves as the home for all the communicators and future media practitioners. PUP COC has earned its reputation as the college of champions, known not only for skilled students but also for being vocal about societal issues. The question is, how can anyone be a champion if speaking out can only harm you?

In today’s media landscape where issues like red-tagging and censorship threaten the state of press freedom, it is crucial for all COCians to be equipped with knowledge and advocacy skills to participate in the long-standing call for safe press spaces and right to information without fear of reprisal. But, where can students reach out for help? Where can students unite?

This is where the role of National Democratic Mass Organizations (NDMOs) comes into light. NDMOs have been advocating for press freedom for ages and also stand as the hope for the oppressed and marginalized sectors of the society. They provide help by organizing movements, unions, and protests in a collective struggle for true democracy and in ensuring that the media can fulfil its role as the watchdog of the society. By serving, NDMOs foster a society where democracy is not just a mere theory, but a reality.

Since media forces are not sufficient to effectively advocate for press freedom, NDMOs are here to help them. They provide a supportive role by amplifying the voices of the

workers, students, and other sectors, ensuring that all of their grievances and concerns are not only heard but acted upon. They were also keen in dismantling the oppression that had been existing and plaguing the society. They are replacing the rotten system with an ideology that prioritizes human dignity and social equity. NDMOs equip the people, especially those in the media, the courage to advocate for human rights amidst the threats. But who really are the people behind NDMOs, and who can join?

The NDMOs are made up of individuals or groups with the goal of fighting for and achieving the true rights and freedom of the people through different means and calls that are anchored in their experiences. These include workers, farmers, artists, indigenous people, youth and students, women, and others who make up a large part of society. And society could never be society without the presence of the media. Therefore, society and media unite to advocate for human rights and press freedom.

Anyone can join NDMOs without any conditions, as long as the goal of the individual aligns with what best serves the society, particularly the masses. Many youth, especially students, are already joining and working collectively with different progressive organizations that are akin to their advocacies, interests, or what they can relate a lot to.

Students, especially those studying media, wield crucial roles in society. As future media practitioners, it is essential that COCians are eye-opened and vocal about their surroundings

and be well-aware of diverse societal issues, as they are the news providers, eye-openers, and voice of the masses from across different regions and parts of the world. After all, they are a part of the different sectors of society, including women, LGBTQIA+, youth, and students, who face different struggles such as harassment and discrimination. There’s no denying the fact that being vocal is one key to attaining a better life and equal rights for all Filipinos.

Embracing the role of being a student of media and being part of NDMOs are big steps toward advancing change. Joining NDMOs not only helps COCians understand societal issues better, but it also opens them to new opportunities and connections, helps maximize their skills as future media practitioners, and the role of formidable student power—where students are not merely students, but also a part of the social force of the masses. And as a COCian, your voices should ring clear, without any hesitation and fear.

This further proves that students of media are for and with the masses, the voice of the voiceless, and stand with them against the unceasing oppression. Change can be either of these two: scary or happy. Change is scary if done alone, but it leads to happiness if it’s done with someone. Advocating for human rights is one thing, but joining NDMOs is a great thing. COCians should organize and advocate, for the masses and for the future.

CAPTURED BY

BABR PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS, BAGS BEST-OF-THREE FINALS SUPREMACY

t was a game of inches until BABR’s connection worked its magic.

After a neck-to-neck match in the game one of the finals, Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting Fire Nation, dominated Bachelor of Advertising and Public Relations Air Nomads, 95-81, to sweep the best-of-three in Men’s Basketball Division finals of the 2024 College of Communication Sports Fest, on May 4, at CEA Covered Court.

Establishing only a three-point lead in the first game of the final series, 66-63, BABR ensured their victory to dethrone last year’s champions, the BAPR Squad.

Josiah Edmund Delima, with hot hands, scored 24 points, earning him the title of Most Valuable Player for this year’s sports fest, and guided the team to victory.

He stated that one thing that led the team was his contributions as a player with both effective offense and defense.

“Siguro ang pinaka naging contribution ko is yung nagampanan ko yung role ko as a player, naging effective yung defense and offense ko during the game kaya kinaya namin manalo.” he added.

In a game where everyone is motivated to win, Fire Nation took an early lead in the first period, but BAPR stopped their momentum and finished the second half down by only six points, 47-41.

Wary of a probable game three, BABR gained a second wind and fired several triple daggers to increase the advantage against the Air Nomads in the third quarter, 73-57.

Still, BAPR put all hands on deck, going on a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter led by Joseph Barnachea’s relentless scoring to reduce the margin with four minutes remaining, but their miscommunications made it easy for BABR to pull ahead and win the game, 95-81.

“Alam na rin namin yung laro ng bawat isa since nakakapaglaro kami before pa magstart ang sportsfest

JILLIANA VICTORIO

“Masaya, at the same time nakakaproud din sa sarili. Actually di ko ineexpect maging MVP this sportsfest since ang goal ko lang talaga is to enjoy the game and makacreate ng network inside COC.” he added.

On the other hand, Joseph Barnachea went all out for BAPR, grabbing 55 points, together with the help of Kennard Mejes with 19 points, but both fell short to protect their title due to several errors and miscommunications.

“Obviously wala naman kaming advantages against BABR, if meron siguro aabot ng game 3 yung finals. In terms naman sa disadvantages, mas madalas errors and miscommunication namin.” Barnachea stated.

“I think next year will be my last year and sasali pa rin ako sa sports fest para mabalik sa BAPR yung title.” he added.

With one side aiming to defend its title and the other hoping to reclaim it, both are looking forward to the exciting games at next year’s college sports festival.

Masaya, at the same time nakakaproud din sa sarili. Actually di ko ineexpect maging MVP this sportsfest since ang goal ko lang talaga is to enjoy the game and makacreate ng network inside COC. he added.

The volleyball matches drew large crowds of enthusiastic supporters, creating an atmosphere of excitement and unity while off the field, the event fostered a strong sense of community, with supporters and friends from each block participating in friendly matches.

The first match between ADPR and BABR highlighted their power and excellence, with Air Nomads winning the first set 21-15 and the second set 22-20, and following match featured BABR and BAJ, where BABR started strong with six consecutive points, securing a 21-10 victory in the first set and a 21-14 win in the second set.

BABR (Red) takes pride in the intense final round of Men’s Basketball, marked on the 5th day of Sportsfest 2024 on May 3 at CEA-NDC court.

ith the final scores of 25-13, 17-25,15-6, the feisty Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR) Air nomads, without single loss, bagged the championship after defeating the Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting (BABR) Fire Nation, in the finals of Women’s Volleyball of the Sportsfest 2024 on May 02.

The unbeatable ADPR grabbed the opportunity to

showcase their athletic prowess in the sportsfest led by the PUP Communication Society, an organization, and the College of Communication Student Council, with the theme “Avatar: Ascendance; Be the Legend,”, wherein they didn’t only emerged victory, but they also placed third the merged team from Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Bachelor of Communication Research (BAJ-BACR).

The intensity of the final game was visible as both teams battled for the championship with heavy attacks and fierce service aces.

ADPR dominated the first set with a 25-13 score, however, BABR regained momentum and won the second set 25-17, but ADPR crushed their opponent’s hope and concluded the thrilling match with the score of 15-6.

Hannah Heralde, this year’s MVP from ADPR, expressed her joy and gratitude in an interview saying, “We are very, very happy to have succeeded until the final. I’m thankful to my teammates for fighting until the end; I couldn’t have done it without them. Napaka galing po nila at malaking acknowledgement ang maibibigay ko sa kanila.” Heralde stated.

The COC Sportsfest not only highlighted athletic talent but also strengthened the bonds within the school community, making it a memorable and inspiring event

YSABELLE DELOS SANTOS

ADPR’s Romero readies their service in the finals game of the Women's Volleyball division at PUP COC Sportsfest inside the CEA covered court, April 30

CAPTURED BY GIANCARLO LOPEZ

SPORTS

BAJ edges out ADPR, bounces back from their last defeat

ith the tenacity to stave off being at the bottom similar to last year’s competition, the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BAJ) hung on and beat the Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR) in a thrilling five-set finals match of Men's Volleyball during the College of Communication (COC) Sports Fest 2024 on May 03.

After defeating their rival, BAJ snared the victory and forged scores of 25-19, 22-25, 25-23, 17-25, 15-8, at the covered court of College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) as their battleground for their ultimate showdown.

"Super happy kasi nagbunga 'yong eagerness namin to win this sports fest. Last sports fest kasi we were at the bottom. Kaya we really aimed to bounce back... Thankfully, we were able to achieve such a milestone." said Ryan Jericho T. Quito, the captain of the team.

Quito also remarked that aside from their eagerness to win and to avoid being the lowest, similar to the previous year's sportsfest, their team's connection and communication enabled them to win.

Meanwhile, Elijah Attunaga reigned as the Most Valuable Player and bagged the Best Outside Attacker award which sported 55 total points.

When he was asked how he felt about the awards, he answered, “Actually, the personal awards were just a bonus; what I really meant that day was to win the championship since it was my first try to play sa Sports Fest. In all, I really enjoyed the Sports Fest.”

BY

Being able to clinch those achievements was not a surprise as he mentioned that he had been playing for a long time.

"I’ve been playing volleyball for more than a decade. Since I was in elementary school, I was a varsity and now here at PUP, I’m also part of the Radicals team but I didn’t continue to play for the University for some reasons." he said.

Another special award was secured by Rupert Ladaga, in which he was hailed as the Best Middle Blocker.

In the early game, with their wellbalanced defense and offense, BAJ directed the dominance on their side that made them take the first set.

However, when they entered the second set, ADPR shocked BAJ by continuously throwing powerful attacks evident by consecutive eight service aces from Shane, moreover, BAJ admitted that he was the biggest threat for them.

"They will agree that it will be Shane. Talagang puntos kung puntos siya sa bawat palo and even sa backrow especially in service area ay talagang pumupursyento siya. Kaya nung finals ay umabot ng fifth set dahil maganda rin ang layo ng opposing team which is the ADPR." Quito said.

The following sets were heated enough as both teams became ignited, showcasing extremely aggressive gameplay, and throwing multiple catastrophic spikes.

The final blow was a service from Ladaga, punctuating the victory for BAJ that dethroned the Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting (BABR), setting the crowd into frenzy and making them excited for next year’s sports fest.

Journos put all hands on deck, bag podium finish with newly formed team

espite being a newly formed team with only nine members, the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BAJ) Earth Kingdom still managed to grab third place in Men’s Basketball in the Sports Fest 2024 with the theme: "Avatar Ascendance: Be the Legend", on April 29 to May 5, 2024, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at CEA Covered Court.

Earth Kingdom captain John Edmar Pineda and his fellow first five, Mark Joseph Sanchez, David Buenaventura, Aaron Ernest Cruz, and Dave Jacinto led their team. Followed by the bench players who will give a breather to the main five to subbed out are Francis Jayco Dela Cruz, Glen Kerby Dalumpines, John Wendell Laniog, and Jon Lois Minimo.

our fellow Journos bago makagraduate if ever, and obviously may advantage sa amin yung ibang team dahil sa experience nila dahil

Pineda put on an incredible effort, scoring 79 points for his squad in four games, earning him a spot in the Mythical Five. Sanchez, who also scored 43 points, and Buenaventura, with 42 points, are the next two leading scorers in their team.

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BAJ) representing the Earth Kingdom in 'Avatar Ascendance: Be the Legend' proudly secured the 3rd place at Sportsfest 2024.

"Hindi ko naman ineexpect na itatrato ako ng team as their captain kasi ako lang naman nag-aya sa kanila at nagpush na makasali ang team sa sports fest dahil nanghihinayang ako sa opportunity at dahil na rin junior na kami gusto ko lang ma-experience namin makalaro with

magkakasama na sila last year, and lalong lumakas broadcomm dahil halos puro varsity ang players nila pero ang ineexpect ko lang with my team ay we'll play and enjoy regardless sa magiging result," Pineda said.

"Para sa akin napakalaking achievement na nakabuo ng team ang BAJ this year, dahil last year nag cover lang ako event for our magazine and nagtaka ako bakit walang representative ang BAJ sa men's basketball. Kaya ayon, kahit kulang kami sa player, hindi namin cinonsider yung factor na yon dahil mas inisip namin na mahalaga this time, may team na, and hopefully eto pa lang ang simula," said the captain of journos.

“...on't hesitate to try as long as yun yung sinisigaw ng puso…you only live once, so try lang nang try as long as doon ka naman masaya at alam mong wala kang tinatapakang tao.” - Mhie

Under the scorching sun, she, the limitless, jumped high like a great wall, clinching the best middle blocker award in her second appearance at the 2024 College of Communication sportsfest entitled “Avatar Ascendance: Be the Legend,” led by PUP Communication Society and its partners. Four years ago, she had just started transitioning, not knowing that she would be able to participate in her skin and ensure trans visibility.

I’m super grateful kasi nga nabigyan kami ng opportunity na makasali nga dito na walang pangangamba, she added.

transgender woman who aspires to inspire fellow trans folks through her participation and dedication to prove their presence in society through the game of volleyball–bagging the championship title with no loss during preliminaries up to the championship match.

Li “MHIE” tless

Jeremhie “Mhie” Romero is a 23-year-old graduating student from ADPR 4-2D. She’s a

The significance of the visibility of transgender in their crafts– to showcase what they can do and having to participate under their respective identities. The long overdue discussion of transgender folks taking part in sports that correspond to their gender identity, where what they want is to be seen.

In the international scene, transgender people are allowed to participate. Meanwhile in the Philippines, where there is transgender presence in history, ironically, it is far from total

acceptance. Acceptance more than tolerance is the goal. In an interview, she was asked about her feelings concerning being able to join and play in women’s volleyball. She said “Actually first, hesitant talaga ako sumali kasi nga iniisip ko rin baka mayroong discrimination…Very happy naman (ako) kasi walang nangyaring bias and hate towards other students here in COC” Jeremhie stated.

She also talked about her experience being a transwoman in PUP, “I'm super happy and grateful since PUP is known for being open with regards in gender equality.” then she added “Masasabi kong naexpress ko nang malaya ang aking personalidad. Kung saang gender ba talaga ako naaayon without thinking of everyone's comments.”

Her statement is the manifestation of how trans people are perceived in our society. Looking forward, her experience shows that everyone is a step closer to welcoming transgender people, allowing them to express their identity in various fields, specifically in sports–giving them the platform they deserve, and letting them stand on the podium.

Existing as a transwoman is already hard as is. Living in an overly conservative country where religious beliefs bypass change only aggravates the hate towards transitioning. The Communication Society’s event paved the way for much greater acceptance and inclusivity of transgender people joining sports. Mhie’s historic participation in women’s volleyball is only a glimpse from thousands of stories of trans people challenging the status quo.

Reviving the Spirit: Return of the Champs after five-year hiatus

he College of Communication (COC) Cheering Squad is back. After a nearly five-year hiatus, the squad will participate again in the upcoming University Intramurals Cheerleading Competition this September. But this year, the squad is preparing for an epic return like it never left. With new faces and renewed spirits, the squad will once again Go! Fight! Cheer! Win!

The COC Cheering Squad was a dynasty, winning 10 championships, five of them being bagged consecutively

before they forcibly went on hiatus due to the pandemic. However, in late 2023, the squad’s alumni began recruiting brand-new members. The team has been working hard to set the groundwork for their return.

The alumni lead the squad faced the task of funding, recruiting, and teaching a full team of newbies. They also gathered a dedicated bunch. A group of people willing to carry the pressure of returning to the scene equal to its former 5-peating glory.

For four days a week, the squad faces an intense training regiment. They improve their flexibility, strength, and endurance. Guided by their alumni, they also attempt stunts each session to lay the bedrock for the coming return. With an atmosphere much like a family, despite the exhausting training, each member’s adaptability and chemistry with one another grows.

Despite not being funded by the university, the alumni still support the squad with donations. Providing

the mats, equipment, and supplements. Ensuring the squad is getting stronger, improving their technique, can safely lift, and can do skills each training session.

The story of the current COC Cheering Squad is still ongoing. They will return like they never left as they set their sights on the competition. Despite carrying the pressure of being the 10-time and five- peating champions, the cheering spirit is present and the squad will certainly go on to Go! Fight! Cheer! Win! For the coming years.

SPORTS

Behind the Limelight

he Philippines is home of very talented and artistic people and there are no doubts about it. Filipinos emerged as excellent in any mode of art such as singing and dancing. But compared to dancing, singing gets a lot of attention from everybody that is evident in many competitions and game shows such as The Voice, Tawag ng Tanghalan, The Clash, I Can See Your Voice and so on. However, dancing as well as the dancers aren't getting enough attention for most of the people.

Lack of attention to dancing especially to dancers is a mystery because dancing is a very mesmerizing thing that holds power, passion, talent and skill, that is why back then, there was an intriguing question: Is dancing more of an athletic pursuit or an artistic endeavor? Are dancers considered as an artist or an athlete?

Dancers are widely accepted as artists because dancing is under performing arts. Dancers incorporate their artistry and creativity through movements to convey emotions, tell stories, and create visually compelling performances. Dancing holds cultural and historical significance as it reflects the traditions, values, and narratives of different cultures.

Some may argue that dance is strictly an art form but they're definitely wrong. Just like athletes, dancers need to undergo intensive training, body conditionings and specialized exercises to improve stamina, flexibility, strength and endurance in order to properly execute choreography with less exhaustion and to avoid other physical difficulties and injuries.

Moreover, dancers need to improve their physical fitness in order to survive the extended period of hours of training, for example, the Movers and Motions, and Move to the Groove, both resident dance groups from Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) train for more than 5 hours. Those levels of practice are comparable to the work of professional athletes.

Undeniably, dancers are both athletes and artists as they utilize and fuse the nature of the two in order to create and execute a masterpiece, a choreography that tells a story and captivates the audience.

Despite having the difficulty to embody and balance the two realms, dancing and dancers don't get much recognition and appreciation from the people. Few dance genres are regarded as sports, inadequate funds and support, inaccessible dance studio and training, and limited universities offer dance-related programs.

Truly, dancing deserves a spotlight, so that pure talent, passion, commitment, and dedication to unify athleticism and artistry to perfect their proficiency and excellence.

Dancers have dual roles, thus, it's only fair to give them a double amount of appreciative efforts like supporting them, providing them more workshops, opportunities and facilities, giving them bigger space in our society, and defy the perspective that dancing is just a hobby because for some, it's their dream, it's their entire life. In this approach, we are not only giving them representation in our country, but we are also conserving and prospering the Philippines' unique and colorful culture, and we’re able to fulfill one's dream. OMAR OGIE LACSAMANA

or Self-made?

he College of Communication (COC), known for its many names like “College of Champions” and “College of Colors”, like any other college and university has sports teams that its athletes lead. Bringing justice to the names it was given, the athletes that COC have always tried to put out a fight in intercollege tournaments.

Being able to bring pride in the college not only in academics but also in sports is a big opportunity and privilege that the teams have. With that we come to the question, how does COC support the college’s athletes? Do they get enough support in bringing pride to COC?

In an interview, Hannah Fil Tanza Grade, the co-captain ball of Chinchansu, shared their experiences about the support that they get from the college.

“

Mostly nagtutulungan kami ng Mens

Volleyball Team para sa mga trainings namin, sila 'yung nag co-coach sa amin and nagbibigay ng inputs kapag may laro kami and vice versa she stated.

“Minsan wino-work namin na makahanap ng court ng bola for practice, tinutulungan din kami ng mga alumni namin in terms of materials and funds”.

The teams most likely get support from either their sister team, Manikang Pandigma, or from the alumni, making the most of every help that they can get from their support systems.

In the inter-college games, the student council, their sister teams, and multiple students from COC would come to their games to cheer them on. “Na appreciate namin ‘yon kapag pumupunta sila para suportahan kami”, she said in the interview.

People would likely think, where is the support from the faculty? Well, when she was asked how they handle their studies, she mentioned that their professors would always give them extra time to handle their academics. Which is a big help in balancing their academics along with their sport.

Even despite the lack of equipment and sometimes support, she is confident that that is not a big factor for them. The support that they get is still enough and that they appreciate the help. Still being able to put out a show for both the said college, and the whole university. .

“Practice lang talaga ang kailangan namin” she mentioned. In the world of sports practice is everything, but support also plays a big role. As COCians, students are called to not only support the activities of organizations but also the games of our teams. They represent pride and show the giftedness and hard work of each member.

With that being said, support should not be forgotten when it comes to their games. The simple presence of the faculty, the student council, and the students is a big boost in morale. Being able to know and see who they are bringing that trophy home for would be great. The interview ended with her asking for the support of everyone in their games, to show love, and to showcase talent.

MIKO GABRIEL CLEMENTE

ACCURACY IS OUR PRIORTY

SHERLYN ZABATE

CHIEF CARTOONIST

EDITORIAL BOARD

GERALDINE LORAÑA

LAYOUT ARTIST

DAVID BUENAVENTURA

OMAR OGIE LACSAMANA

RALPH VILLAR

LAYOUT ARTIST

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EDITORIAL WRITERS | Matt Allen Niones, Gian Antonio Tribiana, Shaine Peñaranda, Angel Camille Dio, Rosalina Hernandez, Jen Abigail Tolentino, Ava Panopio, Fiona Galamiton, Chen Caparas, Keshia Faith Miranda, Angel Masinas, Drew Valerie Tan SPORTS WRITERS | Hannah Ysabelle Delos Santos, Miko Gabriel Clemente, Jon Lois Minimo, Mark Pablo CARTOONISTS | John Laurence Samson, Francine Barcelon, Jezra Ester Go, Luke Perry Saycon

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