ORMOC CITY, PHILIPPINES—Nine members of Amaranth, the official student media organization of Visayas State University (VSU), convened at ACLC College of Ormoc City on March 9 for a day dedicated to sharing their expertise with aspiring student journalists.
The workshop, organized by Janice D. Aya-ay, advisor to The Marquee, ACLC-Ormoc City's official student publication, aimed to prepare participants for the upcoming city-wide press conference scheduled for March 19.
Over 30 students from The Marquee publication attended the workshop, eager to enhance their skills in campus journalism. Xavier Villaruel, Amaranth's editorial consultant, began the session with an overview of Campus Journalism 101, covering essential topics such as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 and journalistic ethics.
Following Villaruel's presentation, Jerry Yubal, Amaranth's Executive Editor, and Ryan Spencer Secadron, Business Manager, provided insights into Feature writing and Copyreading and Headline writing, respectively. Separate breakout sessions focused on various journalism categories:
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Sports Writing: Hans Tumarao, Sports Editor
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Editorial Writing: Cyril Bocar, Managing Editor
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Column Writing: Khietanya De la Corta, Opinion Editor
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Editorial Cartooning: Andrei Carbonilla, Cartoonist/Illustrator
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News Writing: Miguel Bebita, News Editor
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Photojournalism and Video Editing: Shamel Tejones, Senior Video Editor
Participants then applied their newfound knowledge in a simultaneous writeshop, followed by constructive feedback from the Amaranth team. Reflecting on the day's events, Jerry Yubal, the organization’s Executive Editor, emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent.
"Many of us in Amaranth began as budding campus journalists during our high school years. It's inspiring to see The Marquee actively enriching the skills of these young ACLCians. One day, they'll be the ones guiding aspiring journalists," Yubal said.
Khietanya De la Corta, Amaranth's Opinion Editor and ACLC Ormoc alumna, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to return to her alma mater.
"Returning to my alma mater, not just as an alumna but as a journalist from Amaranth, brings me joy. Journalism goes beyond awards—it's about serving a deeper purpose, delivering the truth to the community. Today, I see the future of journalism, and it fills me with hope", De la Corta exclaims.
In October 2023, Amaranth also participated in a school-based journalism workshop at Hilongos Vocational School, organized by the VSU Development Communicators' Society (DecSo). These initiatives reflect Amaranth's commitment to educating and inspiring young journalists to pursue truth through campus journalism.