In commemoration of National Campus Press Freedom Day on July 25, current and former members of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Student Publications Unit (SPU) reflected on their experiences as student journalists and the state of national press freedom, reaffirming the role of campus journalism in fostering informed and engaged communities within and outside the college.

The SPU oversees the official student media and publication bodies of the institution, comprising the Benildean Press Corps (BPC), the official student-journalists’ organization, and Ad Astra, the sole student organization tasked to create the College’s official yearbook.

A voice beyond the academic halls 

In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, current and former SPU members shared their insights about their most memorable moments with SPU and the significance of legal frameworks for campus journalism and defending press freedom.

BPC Editor in Chief Ryzza Ann Gadiano’s defining moment was the privilege to be included in an SPU Outreach Program in Brgy. Magsilay, Kalinga Province in February 2026 where members taught young students about the basics of journalism.

As for part-time lecturer and former BPC Managing Staffer Ms. Angelica Guardian, she recalled her unforgettable involvement in an onsite rally at Mendiola, which served as a constant reminder of how campus publications amplify voices and demand accountability. “I realized journalism is about documenting history as it happens, giving people a voice, and helping the public understand issues that matter.”

While Benilde Manila does not offer Journalism and Communication programs, SPU continues to shape well-rounded student journalists from different backgrounds and expertise with their responsibilities to openly report on and amplify on various events, people, and ideas. 

As current BPC News Editor Mikaela Amira Barrosa affirmed, “[Even though] we don't have a communications program, [there is] a very strong way that we practice journalism within, like the programs, the seminars that are offered within BPC, [you will learn step by step] that even though you don't have a background in journalism, you'll learn, and you'll be more immersed and interested in practicing journalism.”

Institutional protections for campus journalists

The Campus Journalism Act of 1991 serves as the framework of the standards and practices of campus journalism. 

According to SPU Publications Editor and former Ad Astra Editor in Chief Mr. Max Soliman, “Significant and foundational na meron tayong basis for the existence of campus publications in the Philippines, and that's precisely because of the establishment of RA 7079. [Kaya] importante [ito] even if personally I feel like it's a very outdated law at this point in time.”

When asked about possible improvements to strengthen House Bill No. 8718 or the Campus Press Freedom Act, all agreed that the proposed law is an improvement, but also unanimously suggested adding provisions on editorial independence for the reasons that publications experience funding constraints and interference in operations. 

Aside from these aspects, NBA Asia Social Media Manager and former BPC Ablaze Editor Ms. Nicole Ganglani wants stronger provisions for journalism welfare and development. 

Emphasizing training and enhancing offices and equipment to provide a conducive working environment for the student journalists, she stated “I'd like to see more financial sustainability. I'd also like to see [journalism] be more technology adaptive… More investment in digital platforms, especially multimedia journalism that's emerging right now and technologies that can help anchor that can help provide that.”

Simultaneously, Barrosa called for safeguards against online attacks. In the same light, Ms. Guardian recommended red-tagging and other state-backed threats against journalists to be “a serious criminal offense, which is backed by legal defense.” 

Furthermore, Mr. Soliman pointed to the mandatory funding provision of campus publications that “All [schools, whether elementary, tertiary, or secondary] should be given funding regardless of the capacity of that academic institution, there should also be support from the national government to subsidize whatever [cannot] be covered by the [academic] institution for campus publications.” 

CHED Project Technical Staff III and former BPC Karilyon Editor Ms. Chloe Mari Hufana also suggested these funds be invested in activities and training for far-flung areas and provinces, given that “A lot of [the] budget is concentrated in Luzon.”

Embracing the support Benilde provides for SPU in fostering the practice of journalism and defending press freedom, Gadiano and Barrosa respectively expressed how the institution welcomes new perspectives and having diversity among student journalists, alongside not imposing red tape and censorship.

Ms. Hufana also commended SPU for being a good example in championing press freedom for producing “relevant and striking stories,” but sees the need for “producing more critical or in-depth stories [...]  We should not be confined [to] the events [that we become a PR machine].”

Upholding the truth 

As a tribute and advice for current and aspiring student-journalists, each delivered their words of wisdom and encouragement. 

“At the end of the day, campus journalism isn't really just about the title… But it always starts with understanding our community and providing stories that matter talaga, and that we should always serve with integrity,” Gadiano emphasized.

Ms. Guardian highlighted being proactive in one’s journalistic duties, “Take every opportunity to learn. Attend workshops, ask questions, accept feedback, build a community, and continuously improve your writing, interviewing, and storytelling skills.”

Ms. Hufana encouraged, “As campus journalists, you have free reign on the type of hard-hitting stories that you produce and you're protected by the school,” when discussing dealing with backlash.

Mr. Soliman urged student journalists to have courage in combating the prevalence of information disorder amid the widespread use of social media and artificial intelligence in online and offline spaces.

As media landscapes continue to evolve with new challenges, defending campus press freedom remains essential for a community’s progression as student journalists democratically enlighten and empower the public—valuing the virtues and duties of the masses’ rights to information and freedom of expression.