By
Dave G. Malcampo
ZAMBOANGA
CITY – About a month ago, young students from local universities
here started their on-the-job training as communications practitioners in the Philippine
Information Agency (PIA) here. The 20-day exposure was part of a program by the
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Engage project in
partnership with the local government. It aimed to train selected students in
peace journalism.
Three
students were assigned at the PIA. At the start of their training, it was
evident that they had very little exposure in media activities, yet showed
dedication to learn.
Shiela
May Aquino, an incoming development communications major at the Zamboanga City
State Polytechnic College (ZCSPC) was observably very timid when she was first
given an assignment. Rylle Daryll Estrella, a mass communications major from
the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) joined in soon after Shiela. Rylle
seems to be an introvert – he seldom spoke out, and only talked when talked to.
Jericho Molde, also a development communications student from ZCSPC, only
arrived five days before the end of the summer journalism program.
On
June 8, three young communications students were recognized for being some of
the best youth journalists in the city. Rylle was awarded for having the best
peace journalism story, and Shiela as one of the most productive interns.
Jericho, who barely had any formal training in photography won the first and
third prizes for the best photo category.
The
three competed with students coming from WMSU, ZCSPC and the Ateneo de
Zamboanga University (ADZU).
During
the OJT, they were given assignments to cover events such as the information
caravans for the internally-displaced persons, following up leads on news
articles, interviewing government officials, and others. Though having little
exposure in the beginning, the three learned to take advantage of every
opportunity to learn.
“It
was a fun experience, but the most I got from the training was the learnings
and how to deal with people from different backgrounds,” said Shiela.
Rylle,
whose winning piece discussed the local tricycle issue said that he did not
expect to win, but was very proud after having won the over-all contest. “I
really did not expect it, but I just did my job and submitted my work,” he
said.
Their
stories were published in local newspapers and in online news sites.
