The Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) brought its “Rights in Focus: The Human Rights for Campus Journalism Lecture Series Caravan” to De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), in partnership with the Benildean Press Corps (BPC) and Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Philippines today, April 15, at the UN Simulation Room, The Atrium Campus.
The program was moderated by Atty. Jeris Bangan. It opened with welcoming remarks from the Student Publications Unit Head, Ms. Dayanara Cudal. This was followed by an introduction to the caravan, which explained the purpose of the lecture series, led by Mr. Reyjohn Mark Sangcap, Rights in Focus Project Proponent and AHRC Communications Director.
The Campus Journalism Act (CJA) of 1991 was brought into the discussion by the first speaker, Atty. Paula “Peewee” Estrella, Program Director of the Center. The CJA serves as protection for the right enshrined in the Constitution pertaining to the freedom of expression. Atty. Estrella further explained the CJA through an analysis of the Miriam College Foundation v. Court of Appeals, as well as the proposed House Bill 1155 in the 19th Congress.
Atty. Estrella mentioned that in holding oppressors accountable, journalism should always go back to the law. “On top of the Constitution, we go back to the laws,” she mentioned.
She also highlighted the power of campus journalists to question decisions made by others that would constitute oppression and to rely on the power of networks when put in such situations.
The talk was followed by a message from Ms. Yanyan Arana, Project Manager of FNF Philippines. The opening message highlighted the persisting challenges faced by media practitioners, and the third phase of the Human Rights Lens project by the AHRC which provides lectures on how to address these challenges.
“Campus journalists are very eager to report issues in the present,” Ms. Arana stated. With the knowledge from the caravan, she encouraged the audience to become more equipped to navigate the law and with organizations within and outside of their institutions.
The second discussion featured a practical discussion on campus publication management by Mr. Daniel Daiz, former Philippine Collegian Editor in Chief. He opened his talk by sharing his campus journalism experience following the pandemic in 2022. This was followed by a more detailed conversation on the autonomy of a student publication.
Presswork and fiscal management were also tackled by Mr. Daiz as a part of his discussion. The contrast between work operations and systems of the Philippine Collegian and BPC provided an opportunity for the participants to gain new insights on what best practices could be applied in campus publication management.
The event concluded with the closing remarks delivered by BPC Editor in Chief Ryzza Ann Gadiano. She highlighted the importance of the work of campus journalists and the significance of these publications to persist amid numerous challenges.
“Journalism is not merely a service we render for others, but a commitment and a practice we continuously cultivate and live by.”
The lecture caravan aims to help strengthen writing through the human rights lens in campus press by providing targeted human rights education in the context of journalism. Other partner organizations and legs of the lecture series included the Philippine Collegian of the University of the Philippines Diliman and The Advocate of Far Eastern University Manila.
For more information about AHRC and their work, visit their official social media accounts.
