THC editorial board begins new chapter with courtesy call, renews commitment to ethical campus journalism
By Iris Ann Oliveron
The newly appointed The Honeycomb (THC) Editorial Board for Academic Year 2026–2027 formally introduced its new leaders and strengthened its partnership with the administration through a meaningful courtesy call with ACC College President Dr. Clemelle L. Montallana on Wednesday, July 15, at the President’s Office.
Led by THC Coordinator and Adviser Prof. Alvin V. Advincula, the delegation met with Dr. Montallana in an atmosphere marked by warmth, openness, and a shared commitment to advancing ethical campus journalism. Despite the formal nature of the meeting, Dr. Montallana welcomed the student journalists with enthusiasm, creating an avenue where the aspirations of the campus publication and the vision of the college administration converged.
The courtesy call became more than a ceremonial visit, it served as an opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss future initiatives, and reinforce a collaborative partnership that seeks to empower student journalists while serving the academic community through truthful and responsible reporting.
Leading the delegation was Editor-in-Chief Helbert Jaima, together with Associate Editor Dina Gien Sanchez, Managing Editor Iris Anne Oliveron, and members of the publication’s editorial, creative, and production teams. Joining the meeting were Princess Faith Grospe (Opinion Editor), Charlies Ortiz (Literary Editor), Fernando Manuel Cultura (Sports Editor), Angel Villamor (Feature Editor), and Justine Ayuda (News Editor).
Also introduced were the publication’s Editorial Staff composed of Niña Repolles (Head Staff Writer), Winston Niemes (Head Correspondent), and Gian Antoc (Head Layout Artist). Completing the delegation was the Creative Team, composed of Ivan Rodriguez (Multimedia Editor), Sheryl Yabut (Head Photojournalist), Peter Roa (Arts Director), Mc Lyndon Sombrio (Creative Director), and John Ric Escarilla (Social Media Editor), reflecting THC’s commitment to strengthening its multimedia presence and digital storytelling initiatives.
During the dialogue, members of the editorial board openly discussed the publication’s current challenges, particularly the limited availability of media equipment and gaps in production resources. Rather than becoming obstacles, these concerns became opportunities for collaborative planning as both parties explored ways to further strengthen the publication’s operations.
In his message, Dr. Montallana emphasized that the growth of The Honeycomb must always remain anchored on ethical journalism and meaningful community engagement.
“Ang pag-unlad ng publication ay nakasentro sa pakikipag-ugnayan at etikal na pamamahayag para sa kinabukasan. Hindi lang tayo isang college publication, kundi nakikipag-ugnayan din tayo sa komunidad,” Dr. Montallana said.
He likewise encouraged the student journalists to use their talents responsibly and reminded them that journalism is an investment that extends beyond their college years.
“Kapag nagsusulat kayo, siguraduhin na ang inyong angle ay patungo sa public good. Ang ginagawa ninyo bilang writers at journalists ay isang investment para sa inyong future. Good things happen to journalists,” he added.
For his part, Prof. Advincula shared The Honeycomb’s growing accomplishments and outlined its vision of elevating the publication’s performance in future Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference (RTSPC) and National Higher Education Press Conference (NHEPC) competitions.
He also expressed gratitude to the college administration for the newly turned-over resources, including a desktop computer, and printer which will significantly support the publication’s editorial operations and content production.
Representing the new leadership, Editor-in-Chief Helbert Jaima pledged to uphold humility, integrity, and servant leadership throughout his term.
“Nais kong manatiling humble at hindi makalimot kung sino ako noong nagsimula. Ipinapangako ko na mananatili akong isang journalist na humble at hindi mapagmataas. Ipapasa ko rin ang mga natutuhan ko sa aking staff at sa susunod na editorial staff upang maging mabuti at manatiling totoo sa kanilang sarili,” Jaima affirmed.
The meeting also concluded with plans to draft formal partnership letters to prospective collaborators, maximizing The Honeycomb’s expanding reach to promote information dissemination, campus initiatives, and community engagement.
Following the courtesy call, the newly appointed editorial board convened for its first bimonthly meeting, where members discussed upcoming publication plans, organizational priorities, and editorial activities for the academic year.
The gathering concluded on a warm and festive note as the team shared sweet treats generously sponsored by the ACC Planning and Development Office, headed by Dr. Jasper Dulosa, fostering camaraderie among the publication’s newest caretakers.
More than a formal introduction, the courtesy call symbolized the beginning of a stronger partnership between The Honeycomb and the college administration; one founded on mutual trust, shared aspirations, creative collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to ethical journalism, responsible storytelling, and service to the entire Abuyog Community College community.