"The best way to kill the lie is to tell the truth."
MORE than a job, more than the title, being a media practitioner and a member of the Fourth Estate is a responsibility.
It was one of the major lessons learned by participants in the recent 5th Binan Youth Journalism Summit held at People's Center Auditorium.
The event was organized by Binan City Youth and Sports Development Office (YASDO) headed by Alfred Benedict Suarez.
With the theme of "Youth Empowerment through Community Journalism", the two-day event became the way for YASDO to empower and encourage youth to engage themselves in community journalism, and be responsible citizens in their community.
"We view Journalism as a means of empowering the youth and amplify their voices. In a time like this (pandemic), making them active citizens through journalism will allow them to maximize their potential while at home," according to Mc Larnel Aliluran, Youth Development Officer III.
The 5th Binan Youth Journalism Summit was attended by 60 campus journalists from Junior and Senior high school and college students in Binan who voluntarily joined during the online registration.
On the first day, July 09, 2021, Christopher Alba, the station manager of Radyo Binan, April Joy Catanghal of City Information Office, and Atty. Violet Najarro Jr. of Serbisyong Arman were the resource speakers.
The discussion covered Community Journalism, Citizen Journalism and Social Media, and Media Literacy: The Journalist Guide to Media Law.
While on the second day, July 10, 2021, OpinYon Laguna's Local Editor, Catherine Go discussed "Be on Air: The Old and The New Radio Culture Meets in Digital Era."
"Media plays an important role as an informative bridge between governing bodies and the general public," said Go.
Go focused on the evolution of radio culture in the Philippines and gave emphasis on being a media practitioner is a responsibility in serving the public.
She explained that the media as the 4th Estate must exhibit a sense of responsibility while enjoying freedom.
While Ray Junia, the owner, and publisher of OpinYon Media Advocacies Inc., the second guest speaker shared more inspirational and experiential talk on his experiences in the industry for the past 50 years.
In relation to this, Junia was asked by participants, "Does being a journalist can sustain a family?"
"Yes, it can as long as your dedication and passion are there. The fact is it can actually sustain families," Junia answered.
"The best way to kill the lie is to tell the truth," Junia said on how fake news can be stopped during this digital age.
Lastly, R.A Maico, a GMA 7 News Stringer shared his knowledge and experiences on Mobile Journalism (MOJO), and on how to take advantage of it.
YASDO is thankful that they were able to gather young and talented campus journalists and encourage them to become citizen journalists.
"The City Government of Binan is at your back: providing youth with opportunities and training, creating avenues and networks to practice their interests, and giving them the platform to showcase and enabled involved and patriotic Binanense Youth," message from Aliluran.
The 5th Binan Youth Journalism Summit was made possible by Binan Youth Journalist Club in partnership with Radyo Binan 87.9 FM and OpinYon Laguna.
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