A nation of readers and leaders: The Philippine STAR brings back love of the printed word among Journ teachers, students

MANILA, Philippines – Twelve years ago, I fell in love with writing. To be able to chronicle history, or just plainly express your thoughts through the printed word made me realize that it is possible to be a catalyst of change. I was young back then, but I already knew that my paper and pen had the power to spark a change, to create and impact, and to make things matter.

It was a dream I shelved in the closet for more than four years to pursue other goals, only that the deep passion for writing always brought me back to where I belonged.

And here I am now, working for a major daily, and regularly contributing positive stories in this section.

PhilSTAR Journhub workshops expose students to the rudiments of journalism.

As a public school-educated millennial, I saw how campus journalism tried to better itself at a time when it wasn’t yet highly recognized. Campus paper advisers yearned for training and capability to further their knowledge regarding the field, while students hoped they could gain access to hands-on development.

STAR reporters and photojournalists shared their knowledge and expertise to public school teachers and students during PhilSTAR JournHub’s training sessions. In photos are beat reporter Janvic Mateo (above photo), photojournalist Walter Bollozos (upper right), and sports reporter Joey Villar (right).

Fast forward to a time when easy access to information, thanks to the Internet and social media, have made the youth vulnerable. Some believe that everything they read in the Internet is real. If online information is all they consume, reading may become a mindless passion – simply a means to entertain and a source of fascination.

These are issues we dealt with in the past four months in our goal to equip and educate public schools with the right tools and knowledge needed to deliver responsible, fair, and relevant news.

School paper adviser Tess Alabastro shares her insights on the campus journalism landscape during a training in the city of Manila.

On The Philippine STAR’s 30th anniversary last July, the paper launched the PhilSTAR Journalism Hub, a space we call “centers for journalism development”. We wanted teachers and students to become more informed about journalism and its practice. We wanted to create a space where campus journalists can develop their love for the printed word.

The PhilStar Journalism Hub initially opened its doors to three cities, namely: Marikina, Manila, and Navotas. The program transformed regular newsrooms into more efficient journalism hubs equipped with campus paper essentials: large-format printers that can print a regular-sized broadsheet, a desktop computer with editing and layouting softwares, LCD projectors and screen, down to collaborative tables and chairs, and even good ventilation.

In October until early November 2016, The STAR also rolled out a training program designed to educate teachers of journalism. STAR reporters and photojournalists, as well as editors of various campus publications, were invited to draw from their rich experience to share about the journalism practice. More than 300 campus paper advisers and 150 campus journalists benefited from the trainings and workshops.

In line with the vision to educate and create a better, informed nation of readers and leaders – of transforming campus journalism, especially in public schools, The STAR is even more committed to connect the academe and industry in more ways possible.

The journey has just begun.