By Kryzette Papagayo
The future of print journalism is bright as student journalists continue to see the power and value of the print medium in the digital age.
In a bid to promote print journalism, the first Youth Print Media Congress (YPMC), organized by United Print Media Group (UPMG), gathered student journalists, media professionals and print enthusiasts recently.
“The first Youth Print Media Congress is a pioneering effort that encourages the habit of reading and writing,” said UPMG president Barbie Atienza. “United Print Media Group strives to gather the youth to express their interest and skill in Journalism.”
Despite them being part of the social media generation, these six campus journalists believe that print media remains vital in today’s fast-paced digital age.
Mikaela Canto, Editor-in-Chief Miriam College
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always believed that print media, especially newspapers, have utilized the power of words in a compelling way. I’ve always had a passion for self-expression and the best medium for me is writing. I would always have a higher appreciation for the printed word.”
Bryle Suralta, Editor-in-Chief Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba
“Print is still the most influential medium aside from television. It shapes not only public opinion but also how people look at things because it’s more solid. It represents traditional journalism, credibility and validation.”
John Poliquit, Managing Editor Lyceum University of the Philippines
“Newspapers can still have the advantage if they use creativity to glue the readers’s eyes into the story. But of course it’s not only the artwork or the layout, it also depends on the content. You should pull the reader in from start to finish. It’s the combination of both.”
Apec Sta. Ana, Associate Editor Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila
“Print is growing as we speak. It’s evolving. And social media has become an aid to print. I think it’s not a factor whether your means of reading is on print or online. When it comes to convenience, sa online ‘yan. But we still rely on print media for facts.”
Jye Alexander Ramirez, Bulacan State University
“Print caters to a different audience. Although sa generation namin we really depend on technology, may mga bagay pa rin na we prefer printed. Ang bilis kasi ng pagbabago ng technology. It’s inevitable. We need the right mind to converge new media and print.”
Nathaniel Mariano, News Editor Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila
“With the emergence of social media, mas lalo kong na-appreciate ang print because of its importance. Mas lalo akong na-inspire mag-work sa aming publication because of this event. When it comes to print media, lahat doon accurate kasi dumaan sa process, proofreading and fact checking.”
Meanwhile, in his keynote address, Senator Sonny Angara impressed upon the 500 delegates from 12 schools the importance of having reliable media institutions. “Many observers say we live in a post-truth era. An independent and trustworthy media is needed now more than ever,” he emphasized.
The first Student Journalism Awards of Gawad Inkstitusyon awarded the following campus journalists and campus papers during the congress: Best News Story to Robbin M. Dagle and Liam C. Lu of Ateneo de Manila University; Best Feature Story to JC A. Beltran and Miguel N. Sevidal of Ateneo de Manila University; Best Editor-in-Chief to Bryle Suralta of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila; Best Photo for Sports to Ateneo de Manila University; Best Photo for News, Best Photo for Feature, and Best Masthead to Colegio de San Juan de Letran; Best Layout to Miriam College; and Best Campus Paper to Lyceum of the Philippines University.