ESSENCE OF JOURNALISM TO EDUCATION

NARDA T. AGUILAR

How important is journalism to education?

The purpose of education is to make our young citizens better people. We bring out the best in them.

So how do we do that?

We teach them to be empathetic, to listen and understand how to communicate to others. We teach them to be ethical in their actions. We teach them to consider both sides of an argument. We teach themto adapt to the changing world around them. We teach them to view the world through a different lens. And so we teach them… Journalism.

As stated on Republic Act No. 7079 or known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, the State shall promote the development and growth of campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical and creative thinking, and developing moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth. In furtherance of this policy, the State shall undertake various programs and projects aimed at improving the journalistic skills of students concerned and promoting responsible and free journalism.

As per Section 8 of the R.A., the Department of Education shall sponsor periodic competitions, press conferences and training seminars in which student-editors/ writers and teacher-adviser of student publications in the elementary, secondary and tertiary levels shall participate. Such competitions, conferences and seminars shall be held at the institutional, divisional and regional levels, culminating with the holding of the annual national elementary, secondary or tertiary School Press Conference in places of historical and/or cultural interest in the country.

Journalism is not only about upholding and protecting the freedom of the press but most importantly for Filipino youth, it promotes development and growth of campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical thinking, and developing moral character and personal discipline.

Thus, every student in all academic levels shall be grateful for the provisions set forth in R.A. 7079 or known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991.

— oOo—

The author is Teacher III at Sampaga Elementary School