Young Scribes Conclude RPW Year 3 with Power and Purpose by Rogie Beringuel
The Honeycomb (THC) staffers, budding campus journalists from elementary and secondary schools in Abuyog, and BSEd English students under the Campus Journalism course wrapped up the second and final day of Ready. Press. Write Year 3: Intensive Campus Journalism Workshop—a culminating celebration of youthful truth-telling, media literacy, and journalistic courage on May 3, 2025.
The morning kicked off with a virtual plenary talk via Zoom led by Mr. Voltaire Tupaz, Executive Director of FYT Media, titled “Mobile First: Journalism in Action,” where he urged young journalists to harness the power of mobile technology in shaping narratives that matter. “In the age of disinformation, your phone is not just a gadget—it’s your newsroom,” Tupaz said.
Participants then dispersed to their chosen specialized sessions, learning from respected media practitioners and campus press veterans. Dr. Dominador Pagliawan, columnist, and cartoonist of Leyte Samar Daily Express, delved deep into the nuances of editorial and column writing, while Merol Sandawa, former photojournalist of SPSPS Paulinian Scribe, captured the essence of storytelling through the lens in his photojournalism workshop. Former The Honeycomb editor-in-chief Jessica Alvero returned to guide aspiring feature writers in crafting human-interest stories that resonate.
In the afternoon, participants dove into more technical aspects of journalism with the parallel workshops on editorial cartooning led by Abe Efraim Villamor, former THC head cartoonist and now a renowned local tattoo artist, who showed how art can provoke thought and resistance. Viewpoint Printing Services owner Chris Johann Remandaban, mentored students on layout and page design. Meanwhile, a joint session on science and technology writing and development news writing was conducted by Jessica Alvero, former THC editor-in-chief and now working at the Department of Agriculture Region VIII as Information Officer II.
The event culminated in a meaningful closing program that underscored the spirit of campus journalism. New campus media caretakers of The Honeycomb were formally inducted by THC coordinator, Prof. Alvin V. Advincula, followed by a solemn Recitation of The Journalist’s Creed. The best outputs from each workshop were recognized, and all participants received certificates of participation.
In her closing remarks, THC Consultant Dr. Annabelle Dela Rama emphasized the responsibility that comes with wielding the pen: “Your enthusiasm, insights, and active participation have truly brought this theme to life. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.”
Ready. Press. Write Year 3 wasn’t just about writing—it was about igniting a passion for press freedom and empowering the next generation of campus journalists..