OPERATION DAMAYAN: New witnesses of time
The walls of the renovated classrooms are in bright yellow and blue. Old and new books are stacked on the pristine shelves at the back of the room while new tables and chairs line in rows. In a corner, a new computer unit stands together with a projector and a printer large enough to print broadsheet-sized paper. For three consecutive sunny afternoons, these refurbished classrooms — to be called Journalism Hubs — were turned over to the school principals with a promise of a better learning experience for students with passion for journalism. Operation Damayan, the corporate social responsibility ( CSR) arm of The
Philippine STAR, turned over three Journalism Hubs to three public schools: Marikina Elementary School, Kaunlaran High School in Navotas and Manuel A. Roxas High School in Manila.
Annually, Operation Damayan conducts an Adopt- a- School program where new classrooms are donated together with new facilities and learning equipment. Mostly concentrating in the provinces, this year, The STAR operates closer to home beginning with public schools in the NCR. Journalism Hub is part of the company’s celebration of its 30th anniversary.
The Journalism Hubs aim to provide better access to facilities as well as learning materials for student journalists in public schools. There will also be student conferences facilitated by The STAR’s editors and reporters where the students will learn the fundamentals of journalism from practicing journalists themselves. Teachers and school paper advisers will likewise receive such trainings to better guide students. The project aims to help students unleash their potentials, hone their skills in writing and enkindle in them their passion for journalism.
IGNITING THE PASSION
Each year, the Department of Education conducts the National Schools Press Conference ( NSPC) where the bestofthe- best student journalists in the elementary and secondary level compete in newswriting, editorial cartooning, photojournalism and other aspects of school newspaper writing. Representatives from public and private schools take to heart this national competition as winning a title or even placing a spot brings honor to their respective schools.
The NSPC is the culminating activity pursuant of Republic Act No. 7079 or the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 that advocates responsible journalism at the school level. Hence, this annual competition enkindles in the young generation the passion for journalism, hones their skills in writing, develops their critical thinking while also upholding ethical values and discipline. Many students in public schools have promising skills and undeniable passion for journalism. But because of lack of access to facilities and learning materials, not all make it to the top. As one of the leading newspapers in the country,
The Philippine STAR responded to the call, hence the Journalism Hub was developed.
The future of the country lies in today’s young generation who are growing up in a digital world of information and access. In the advent of technology, the iGeneration is more aware of social issues both on the national and global scales. Many young students take interest in the storytelling process that is why they need guidance that will lead them to the Truth.