Smart intensifies online journalism campaign

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Communications, Inc. has intensified its campaign for online journalism during the recent National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) for 2013, considered as the biggest event for campus journalists organized by the Department of Education.

Held at the Ormoc Superdome in Leyte, Smart was invited for the second time to give a lecture on online journalism during the NSPC’s plenary session participated by almost 300 high school and elementary students including their teacher-advisors.

Ramon Isberto, Smart Public Affairs Group head, who is also a seasoned journalist, said Smart is constantly looking at Internet-based technology solutions as a way to enhance learning among students.

"Our Online Journalism program aims not only to solve the perennial lack of funds for publishing school papers via traditional media but also provide the students a platform on which to develop their online skills," Isberto said.

Experienced journalists, who served as speakers of the event, taught about "Print Media versus New Media," as well as "Tips on Online Publishing."

Monica Belle Tejada, Smart Public Affairs Officer, discussed the telco's own initiative dubbed "Journ.ph" that provides schools with an online alternative to the traditional printed school paper to address the perennial problem on lack of publishing funds.

Launched in 2009 as part of Smart’s “Internet for All” campaign, the program aims to spur campus journalism through the use of technology in collaboration with media, academe and journalism institutions.

According to Eldy Onas, National Coordinator for NSPC 2013 and chairperson for Individual Writing, Deped Bureau of Elementary Education, DepEd in the coming years is looking at holding online journalism contests as part of the NSPC given the increasing popularity and pervasiveness of new media.

"We want our student journalists to be exposed not only in the traditional print media but also online so we can take advantage of new Internet technologies that are already being made more affordable by companies like Smart," Onas said.