Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its Strategic Communications Office (StratComm), has successfully kicked off the two-day Media Interaction and Capacity-Building Program on News Writing, Radio Journalism, and Digital Media Innovation on April 22 at the university's HyFlex Audio-Visual Center (HAV-C).

In partnership with Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders (EVMWB) and Taklub Digital News (TDN), said activity under the theme "Journalism Across Platforms and Public Information Systems" gathered BiPSU’s media personnel, schools’ media and information coordinators, and communication students for a series of lectures and workshops aimed at enhancing media competencies amid the evolving information landscape.

“In this time of infodemic era, where everyone is claiming to be a ‘media’ on their shared contents and information, it is vital that true media emerge,” [Lilitaw ang totoong media,] said University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr.

He called to uphold truth and responsibility in media practice as the bedrock of public discourse, emphasizing the institution's commitment to developing critical and ethical communicators. Further, he underscored the relevance of this initiative to bridge the gap between academic theory and the evolving realities of the media industry.

EVMWB President Miriam Desacada shared the challenges faced by media practitioners in Eastern Visayas, particularly in relation to the growing threats of misinformation, and how the participants can serve their campus, communities, the region and the country.

During his talk on “The Battle for Truth: Government vs. the Infodemic,”  Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Director Reyan Arinto discussed the issues that are blocking the quality of information received by the public posed by the modern information landscape. This includes misinformation, delayed information, information overload, lack of access, misinterpretation, trust issues, and digital divide.

Mr. Arinto also suggested strategies for improved communication, reinforcing the importance of credible information dissemination in the digital age, such as the prevalence of artificial intelligence.

Moreover, the first day showcased training on news and feature writing, facilitated by media practitioners Joyce Kahano and Elmer Recuerdo, respectively. Attendees were immersed with the foundations of news and feature articles, the core principles and elements, structural components, and writing techniques.

“Always remember to write what is right,” said Ms. Kahano who brought the impact of news to the lives of the citizens.

Said program will continue tomorrow, April 23, with workshop sessions on radio journalism and broadcast writing and on podcasting and digital audio production.

This capacity-building event reflects BiPSU’s sustained efforts to empower campus media and future journalists with relevant and practical skills, strengthening its role as a weaver of responsible and forward-looking communication in the region.

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