Rubeus Hagrid
THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL: Campus journalists from the Division of Leyte gather around keynote speaker Patricia C. Moreto during the Mini-Press Conference of ASPC ’26 held on November 13, 2025, in San Isidro, Leyte. Photo by Albus Dumbledore.
In recent years, Campus Journalism in the Philippines has always been very much alive. Schools became the foundation and a stepping stone for moulding aspiring writers who will someday become one of the country’s most prized heroes and guardians of the truth. Dating from the 19th century, we have successfully conquered another transformation in the education system to keep up with the dynamic societal needs and to competitively participate in the marketplace. The theme: “Campus Journalism in the MATATAG Era: Breaking Down Barriers of Isolation, Indifference and Mediocrity; Building up support for Inclusion, Collaboration, and Excellence” is fundamental in the quest of challenging norms, moulding perspectives, and creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity with excellence.
Campus Journalism serves as a mouthpiece for those unheard and marginalized voices, specifically for students. It is the perfect field and training ground for them to hone their critical thinking skills, express and explore different point of views and participate in public discourse. Campus Journalism not only benefits young individuals but also the society they live in because with the knowledge and values they have been equipped, they become assets of the society promoting social change and empowerment. The MATATAG curriculum is an educational framework focusing on necessary skills such as literacy and right conduct to name a few. The curriculum plays a rudimentary role in creating the prospect of campus journalism by equipping students with foundational skills and competence to actively take part on shared responsibilities in an early age.
Likewise, Campus Journalism is a bridge to breaking down barriers and fostering diversity and inclusivity in gender, race, ethnicity, and perceptions. It involves ensuring that diverse opinions are presented in the stories being told. By using journalism to share stories and experiences, students contribute to a collective narrative that binds people together, developing unity among them. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), inclusivity and diversity in newsrooms are important in that they play a significant role and necessitate strategies for objective and effective reporting. By using journalism to share stories and experiences, students contribute to a collective narrative that binds people together, developing unity among them.
Additionally, collaboration serves as a stepping stone for journalistic success and quality. As stated by a Campus Journalism study implemented under the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 (R.A 7079), the significance of collaboration among student journalists is highly emphasized. Campus journalists must forge alliances, nurture partnerships to cultivate a supportive environment that empowers mentorship and camaraderie to ensure future generations’ success. This collaboration not only enhances the quality of journalism, but also promotes excellence in journalistic integrity.
Furthermore, excellence is not just an aspiration but a commitment to accuracy, integrity, and moral informing. Excellence in campus journalism goes beyond simply aiming for high quality; it requires a strong dedication to these principles. Journalists have a core responsibility to ensure that the information they share with the public is factual and presented in a way that respects different viewpoints and experiences. By following these principles, campus journalism transcends barriers and creates a platform that centers truth and integrity at all times.
In conclusion, as we embark on this journey through the MATATAG Era, let us acknowledge our dedication to the principles of inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence. Campus Journalism stands at the forefront of this transformative era, poised to break down barriers, build up support networks, and advocate a new wave of journalistic integrity. Supporting student engagement involves embracing the MATATAG curriculum to enhance beneficial life skills. By aligning education with the needs of society and the marketplace, this curriculum reinforces the vital role of campus journalism in shaping minds, challenging norms, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence.
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