Lasallian journos gather for a 3-day campus press conference
AMID rampant proliferation of fake news, De La Salle University (DLSU) - Manila hosts 13th Lasallian Schools Press Conference (LSPCon) last May 16-18 to take a stand against disinformation, stressing that accuracy and fairness must be upheld in reporting at all times.
With the theme “Lasallian Journalists: Guardians of Truth, Unmasking Disinformation in the 21st Century,” the press conference enlightened the student journalists on issues relating to the role of social media in the widespread of false information.
The event aimed to “empower our campus journalists and media practitioners to be responsive on social issues especially in today’s digital age where news is easily accessed online,” Student Media Lasallian student journalists hailing from different campuses nationwide pose for a group photo to conclude the 3- day event
Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, serving as plenary speaker, talked about role of social media in information dissemination and the danger that comes along with it. Although it is an effective medium, she stressed that internet trolls have the ability to manipulate audience to believing false data.
Ressa reminded the participants to be careful with what they post on social media network sites, especially that they are public platforms. “Don’t do or say anything in social media that you would not do in public,” she said.
Ressa also noted that netizens, including student journalists, should always be responsible when sharing pieces of information, ensuring that they are factual, fair, and accurate.
Meanwhile, GMA Network broadcast journalist Pia Arcangel discussed how to differentiate fake news from real ones so as not to consume false information.
Rod Cornejo, a member of GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Board of Directors, was also in attendance and served as plenary speaker at the latter portion of the conference.
Other speakers who shared their expertise were CNN Philippines contributor Miguel Ortega, Rocketship Design Lab Managing Director Robert Soliman, freelance food writer and researcher Michelle Ayuyao, DLSU Filipino professor Dr. Dolores Taylan, SportsCenter PH lead anchor Aaron Atayde, Inquirer.net publisher Abelardo Ulanday, Palanca awardee Conchitina Cruz, Magic 89.9 broadcaster Tony Bueno, Manila-based journalist Anna Loraine BalitaCenteno and many more.
hoped that the participants were able to gain knowledge helpful to their publication’s operations. “Being an alliance of Lasallian campus journalists and advisers, we aspire to be excellent by forming our students to become responsible and well-trained individuals,” he said.
Besides the seminars, the student journalists were given time to socialize and create camaraderie through team-building activities and panel discussions. “There is unity in diversity. The team building activities allowed the delegates from the different La Salle schools to know each other more,” Diego shared.
LSPCon is an annual journalism workshop being participated by different La Salle schools in the country. It is being arranged by the Alliance of Lasallian Campus Journalists and Advisers, with the chosen host school primarily incharge of the event.
The following schools were in attendance: DLSU - Manila, DLSU
of St. Benilde, La Salle College Antipolo, De La Salle Lipa, and De La Salle Araneta University. Television newscaster Pia Arcangel discusses how to identify fake news so as not to fall victim of false information Student Media Office Director David Leaño addresses the opening remarks