By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY –
In preparation for today’s (Jan. 28) Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC)
in Dao, Pagadian City, elementary and high school students here underwent a
journalism enhancement training last Jan. 24 at the Don
Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School this city.
The students, numbering to approximately 40 were the qualifiers
of Department of Education Zamboanga City Division for the regional journalism
contest. Those who will emerge as winners during the RSPC will be sent to
represent the region for the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) that will
be held sometime in April.
Delegates to the RSPC will vie for the different competitions
such as collaborative journalism and radio broadcasting.
To prepare for the event, a simulation drill was done with the
students, having them participate in an actual mini-press conference with Dr.
Hilda Frando, DepEd-Zamboanga City Division’s focal person for the RSPC.
Afterwards, they were given about four hours to write their news
and publish it on a newsletter through desktop publishing software. The
students were also given short re-orientation on desktop publishing and radio
broadcasting.
Dr. Frando encouraged the students to give their best during the
contest, as it will give recognition not only to themselves, but also to the
city, citing that Zamboanga City Division was the champion several times in the
past. “You have what it takes to win, and I encourage you to really practice
and give it your best shot,” Frando told the students.
Anna Nicole Enriquez, one of the elementary pupils participating
in the broadcasting contest is optimistic that they will be this year’s
winners. “We really want to win the contest, and I believe we can,” she said.
The conduct of the contest is pursuant to Republic Act 7079, the
Campus Journalism Act of 1991, which aims to demonstrate the understanding of
the importance of journalism, sustain an advocacy on social consciousness among
others.
