The University Digest, the official student publication of WMSU, proudly showcased their journalistic excellence at the National Conference on Campus Journalism and 19th Writing Competition, held from March 13 to 15, 2025, at Crown Legacy Hotel in Baguio City. The event was organized by the Organization of Student Services Educators, Inc. (OSSEI) and featured a lineup of distinguished speakers who tackled crucial topics in journalism.
Competing against 26 higher education institutions (HEIs) nationwide, WMSU’s delegates demonstrated their skills and dedication, securing multiple awards across different categories.
The University Digest’s representatives earned prestigious placements in four out of six categories they participated in:
• Arsahaf D. Kadiri (BSN 4) – 1st Place, Page Layout and Design
• Alhamier D. Daganio (BSN 4) – 1st Place, Editorial Cartooning & 3rd Place, Page Layout and Design
• Remleh Grace M. Falcatan (BS Psych 4) & Thea Sophia C. Bueno (BS Chemistry 2) – 3rd Place, Feature Writing (Group Category)
• Remleh Grace M. Falcatan (BS Psych 4) – 4th Place, Development Reporting
Additionally, Sheydimier K. Japalali (BSN 4) and Ben Arsad D. Jajimin (BS Bio 4) represented WMSU in Multimedia Journalism. Their participation highlights the university’s commitment to nurturing young journalists and media practitioners. Guided by Dr. Lea E. Usman as the Technical Adviser and Ms. Liezel M. Parreño of the Public Affairs Office, the team gained valuable mentorship that helped them excel at the national level.
Experts in the Field: Insights from the OSSEI National Conference on Campus Journalism
The conference gathered a distinguished panel of seasoned journalists, media educators, and industry professionals, providing invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of journalism.
The conference commenced with an inspiring welcome from Dr. Ligaya S. de Guzman, OSSEI Auditor, followed by Ms. Maricel Rodriguez, OSSEI Board Member, who set the stage by introducing the participants and house rules.
The first major topic, Disinformation and Its Threats to Institutions, was presented by Ms. Jamela Alindogan of Bilyonaryo News Channel. As a broadcast journalist and foreign affairs editor, she underscored the dangers of fake news, propaganda, and manipulation in the digital age. She emphasized the role of campus journalists in fact-checking and upholding journalistic integrity, urging them to be vigilant in combating false information.
Cybersecurity took center stage with Dir. Alexander K. Ramos, Executive Director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC). In his session on Cybercrimes and Cybersecurity Reporting, he detailed the growing threats posed by online fraud, hacking, and digital surveillance. He encouraged young journalists to develop digital safety practices and recognize the importance of secure communication when handling sensitive information.
Another critical aspect of journalism is Development Reporting which was discussed by Prof. Ben Domingo, Jr., a member of the CHED Technical Committee in Journalism. He redefined the role of journalists in covering issues of progress, social change, and community development, emphasizing solutions-based reporting to inspire action rather than just presenting problems.
Apart from tackling societal issues, the conference provided specialized training in journalistic techniques. Mr. Melvin Gascon, a veteran journalist from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, conducted a session on Raising the Bar in News Reporting, guiding students on writing with accuracy, depth, and ethical responsibility.
The fundamentals of editorial writing were tackled by Dr. Danilo Arao from the College of Mass Communication, UP Diliman. His session equipped participants with the skills to craft compelling and persuasive editorials, a crucial component of any student publication.
Multimedia journalism is now a critical part of the industry, and Mr. Jimmy A. Domingo, a freelance visual journalist and lecturer at PUP, emphasized its importance. In his session on Multimedia Journalism, he discussed how visual storytelling through photography, video, and digital media enhances reporting, making news more engaging and accessible.
Dr. Reigor Gaboy from Far Eastern University took on Page Design and Layout, offering essential insights into the visual aspects of journalism. He taught student journalists how to create eye-catching, reader-friendly layouts that improve the presentation of news articles and features.
For those with a passion for feature writing, Prof. Linda M. Barro delivered a session that explored creative storytelling, human-interest narratives, and in-depth reporting techniques.
Lastly, Mr. Ever M. Sansom, a seasoned school paper adviser and winning coach in editorial cartooning from Cabanatuan City, mentored aspiring cartoonists, demonstrating how visual satire and political cartoons serve as powerful tools in media and advocacy.
The Role of Student Journalism in Today’s Society
In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, student journalism serves as a pillar of truth, media literacy, and civic engagement. Through publications like The University Digest, aspiring journalists gain hands-on experience in reporting, investigative writing, editorial design, and multimedia storytelling. These student journalists become voices of their generation, addressing social, political, and cultural issues that affect their campuses and beyond.
Moreover, student journalism fosters critical thinking and responsible discourse, empowering students to become active participants in democracy. By covering campus events, student concerns, and national issues, they contribute to shaping an informed and engaged citizenry.
The success of The University Digest’s journalists at the OSSEI National Conference reaffirms the university’s commitment to honing the next generation of truth-seekers, storytellers, and media professionals. Their recent achievements bring pride to WMSU and reaffirm the significant role of student journalism in shaping a more informed and responsible society. With their passion and dedication, these student journalists continue to uphold the ideals of truth, integrity, and journalistic excellence, embodying WMSU’s mission to molding the youth into world-class professionals who champion sustainable development and peace.
