The Adamson Chronicle held its eighth, annual Plumang Bughaw, for the second time via Zoom online, upholding the context of “Confronting rampant misinformation currently surrounding journalism”.
Around fifty journalism majors from different universities attended to participate in the event, and the guest speakers that were invited have shared their knowledge and advice, prior to battling the misinformation, especially through digital journalism.
One of the guest speakers who attended was Anakbayan Partylist member and senatorial candidate, Bong Labo, shared his concerns about the proliferation of misinformation, especially about the alteration of Martial Law’s atrocities in social media, and the importance of journalists in terms of countering it.
“Kayo [journalists] ang may dala sa boses ng masa, at mahalaga ang ating paninindigan hinggil sa katotohanan, na kailangan mai-paabot sa ating mga kababayan.” he said.
(You [journalists] are the ones who carry the voice of the people, and our principles are important in regards to prevailing the truth that needs to be reached out amongst our fellow countrymen.)
Labog also provided his insights about the country’s current issues that needed to be addressed and resolved, such as the frequent COVID-19 lockdowns and oil price hikes, contractualizations, lack of development in the country’s agricultural sector, and the return of GMRC to the educational curriculum.
University of Santo Tomas professor, Dr. Joselito Delos Reyes, gave a lecture about the proponents of digital journalism and etiquette that must be observed as a media practitioner.
Rappler’s Senior Editor, Mr. Joel Salud, shared his personal experiences, the hardships journalists must be prepared to face, and realizations that one must come in terms with the line of job.
“Now, let me remind you: This [Journalism] is not your ticket to celebrity status. Ito’y isang trabaho, isang trabahong marangal. At pag ang trabaho ay marangal, ang nagtatrabaho ay kailangang marangal din.” Mr. Salud quoted.
(Now, let me remind you: This [Journalism] is not your ticket to celebrity status. This is a job, and it is an honorable job. And if a job’s honorable, the worker for it must also be an honorable person.)
Kabataan Partylist member, Sarah Jane Elago, discussed the roles public servants must do to counter misinformation, especially in the upcoming 2022 National Elections.
Congresswoman Elago primarily highlighted studies and statistics about the branching effects it is constantly bringing towards the society if left unattended and what can be done to fight against it.
“Kung gaano kabilis ang pagpapalaganap ng misinformation, ganun din naman kabagal pagdating sa mga fact checks. Kaya’t napakahalaga ng people’s movement at ng mga kabataan, pagdating sa mobilization laban dito.” she quoted.
(The virality of misinformation is in contrast to the movement of fact checks distribution. Therefore the people’s movement and the youth is vital in terms of the fight against it.)
After all the guest speakers had shared their insights, the event then proceeded to ‘The Roundtable’ segment, wherein all the speakers answered the questions and clarifications the attendees had garnered along with their guest speakers’ speeches.
The contexts of the questions mainly spanned on how to engage with people upholding beliefs formed from misinformation, how to effectively spread technical information across the Filipino masses, and such.
The event ended with the speakers receiving Certificate of Recognition and the Adamson Chronicle’s Editor-In-Chief, Aeron Pantig, expressing his gratitude to everyone who participated in the event.
“As the national election draws nearer, let us help our nation, and fellow countrymen by imparting what we have learned from this event.” Pantig quoted, giving the closing remarks for the event.
After the webinar, we asked one of the event’s hosts and The Chronicles’ member, Fitzgerald Belen, to share his thoughts on how the conference went.
“It was nerve-racking but with the help of the team, especially my co-host Rowe, it has eased the nerves and made the experience more light and fun,” he said.
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