RTSPC 2024 kicks off at VSU; Fosters Intellectual Exchange on Campus Journalism AI, & Community Reporting
by Jonalyn Eman, Rodelyn Petere
The bustling halls of Visayas State University (VSU) Baybay, City Leyte was abuzz on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, as public and private tertiary institutions from across the region convened for the highly anticipated comeback of the Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference-Eastern Visayas.
Anchored on the theme, “The School Press on A.I. World”, the event marked a significant milestone in promoting intellectual exchange on campus journalism , artificial intelligence and community reporting among student journalists and advisers alike.
Dubbed as the biggest convergence of campus journalists in Eastern Visayas, the event drew participation of around 400 astounding participants from 30 registered schools.
On this note, Abuyog Community College’s delegation, The Honeycomb had 15 student writers and 3 advisers who actively engaged in the various plenary talks and engaging activities.
In her welcome message, Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, President of the Visayas State University, emphasized the importance of RTSPC in cultivating a strong alliance with other campus journalists from other schools.
“Finally, let me remind you that this RTSPC is not just about winning, kasi may mga competitions I guess, but also about learning and establishing worthwhile connections, making friends, renewing friendships among peers and from other SUC’s and other private HEIs in Region 8,” remarked Dr. Yepes , setting an inspiring tone for the day ahead.
In a heartfelt video message, the First Filipino Nobel Prize Laureate, Maria Ressa, warmly welcomed campus journalists of Eastern Visayas during the opening program. She also expressed the crucial role campus journalists play in keeping our society informed and empowered.
“What you do today matters a lot. It shapes not just how journalism will be in the future, but also our democracy.” Maria Ressa said.
As the event continues, esteemed plenary speakers from Rappler’s MovePH, Don Kevin Hapal, Head of Data and Pia Ranada, Community Lead, captivated the audience with their thought-provoking insights on the role of campus journalism in shaping the future landscape of society especially in the age of artificial intelligence.
Don Kevin Hapal eloquently articulated the threats and opportunities of artificial intelligence, while Pia Ranada delved into the use of artificial intelligence in addressing the complex challenges of our time through community building.
As the day unfolded, participants engaged in meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas through the second set of plenary talks on mobile journalism and community reporting.
Mr. Voltaire Tupaz, Co-founder of Fyt Media navigated the talk on “Bridging Media and Communities through Mobile Journalism”, while Retired Professor from Central Luzon State University and University of the Philippines Diliman, Prof. Ben Domingo Jr. guided the talk on “A Brand New Take in Development Reporting”.
Amidst the picturesque landscapes of the very scenic university, attendees had the opportunity to connect and link with other campus journalists through a lively networking dinner, further enriching the tapestry of the conference experience.
The RTSPC 8 not only served as a forum for intellectual discourse on the evolving landscape of campus journalism but also as a catalyst for building lasting connections and forging partnerships that transcend institutional boundaries.
The said event will run until April 6, 2024 with the lineup of insightful parallel campus journalism workshops and contests .