Campus journalists urged to be like Del Pilar

Philippine News Agency

PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION. The Association of Philippine Journalists-Samahang Plaridel, led by president Evelyn Quiroz (5th from left), presents a plaque of appreciation to New Era High School principal Gina Obierna (4th from left) during the “Usapang Plaridel: Campus Journalism Lecture Series 2” in Quezon City on Feb. 20, 2026. Also in the photo are (from left) are Gina Mape, Nelly Lumbaca, Ed Andaya, Weng Ocfemia, Sherrie Ann Torres and Cristy Pisco. (Photo: PNA)

MANILA – Campus journalists can contribute to the fight against the proliferation of fake news in the age of social media by upholding responsible journalism at all times.

Veteran journalists Diego Cagahastian, Nestor Cuartero, Lito Cinco and Sherrie Ann Torres urged close to 80 participants to the “Usapang Plaridel: Campus Journalism Lecture Series 2″ at the New Era High School in Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City on Feb. 20 to bring the valuable lessons they learned from the classroom to the newsroom.

They should strive to become responsible journalists like Marcelo H. del Pilar, the “Father of Philippine journalism,” himself, and other respected newsmen who came after him.

The four Samahang Plaridel lecturers said the fight against fake news should start from these young and aspiring journalists, who will someday take their rightful places in the newsroom.

Cagahastian also talked about editorial/news writing, Cuartero discussed feature writing, Cinco tackled sportswriting, and Torres shared her knowledge in radio/TV broadcasting.

Jonathan Gesmundo of the Market Monitor also gave a lecture on the life of Del Pilar and his writings at La Solidaridad under the pen name Plaridel.

Samahang Plaridel president Evelyn Quiroz and New Era principal Gina Obierna agreed that the whole-day campus journalism lecture is a big help, especially to students aspiring to become journalists.

Quiroz later presented a plaque of appreciation to Obierna and New Era High School and certificates of participation to all student-journalists, assisted by Samahang Plaridel project director Ed Andaya of People’s Tonight and Weng Ocfemia.

The Usapang Plaridel Campus Journalism Lecture Series will continue at the J.P. Laurel High School in Gagalangin, Tondo on March 13.

Public and private high schools and universities interested to be a part of the Usapang Plaridel: Campus Journalism Lecture Series are advised to get in touch with Andaya or Nelly Lumbaca at the Samahang Plaridel office located at the 2/F, Royal Bay Terrace Condominium, UN Avenue corner Cortada Street, Ermita, Manila or call 835-40434 or email at apjsamahangplaridel@gmail.com.