UPang masscomm attends nat'l confab

News

COMGUILD Center for Journalism awarded media practitioners at Crossroad 77 in Quezon City on Aug. 4, 2012. This year's hall of fame awardee is Jiggy Manicad of GMA7. (Photo by Altheo Araquel)

By Joy Rica Sevilla

Mass Communication students of the University of Pangasinan-PHINMA Education Network (UPang-PHINMA) participated in the 7^th Annual Conference for Journalism and Mass Communication Students of the Philippines on August 4 held at Crossroads 77 in Quezon City.

Anchored on the theme “Media and Community: Frontliners of Truth, Justice and Integrity,” the seminar was spearheaded by Jennifer Cruz, president of the COMGUILD Center for Journalism. Its goal is to nurture the minds and empower the skills of Filipino students to be catalysts of change.

This year, four speakers graced the event.

Marissa Flores, senior vice president for GMA News and Public Affairs, emphasized how she made it big in the media from starting from a humble job in a shoe shop and becoming a transcriber of movies.

“Walang maliit na trabaho,” she said.

The atmosphere turned into cheers as Ramon “Mon” Tulfo Jr., anchor and host of  "Isumbong Mo Kay Tulfo" on DWIZ, came up the stage. He explained that being a media practitioner is not a career that delivers riches, but a profession that brings service to the people.

Carl Balita, Host of Thumbs Up in Studio 23, explained the meaning of communication and the significance of positive news.

Chief executive officer and executive editor of Rappler Incorporated, Maria Ressa, tackled the importance and role of social networking sites and citizen journalists at present. 

On the second part of the event, awards were given to deserving news anchor and TV stations who manifested fairness, accuracy and effectiveness in interpreting and reporting news. With the yelling of the throng of people for their bets, the following gleaned the awards: Kara Patria David, Best Female Field Reporter; Alvin Elchico, Best Male Field Reporter; Mel Tiangco, Best Entertainment Talk show host; Jessica Soho, Most Outstanding Female News Presenter; Ted Failon, Most Outstanding Male News Presenter; 24 Oras of GMA 7, Best News Program; and Jiggy Manicad became a Hall of Famer for Best Field Reporter.