PAG(M)ULAT 2026 Highlights the Role of Responsibility in Modern Campus Journalism
By IVY BETALMOS
In an era defined by rapid information exchange and digital immediacy, the responsibility of journalists, particularly student journalists, has never been more critical.
PAG(M)ULAT 2026, a campus-based press conference organized by The Senior Craftsmen’s Voice (SCV) at the Bohol Island State University (BISU) Main Campus, addressed this challenge by emphasizing ethical awareness, accountability, and relevance in contemporary journalism.
Derived from the Filipino word pagmulat, meaning “awakening,” PAG(M)ULAT 2026 served as a timely reminder that journalism extends beyond speed and reach. It calls for discernment, context, and responsibility, especially in a digital landscape where misinformation can spread as quickly as verified facts.
The program opened with messages from Dr. Zina D. Sayson, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services; Dr. Samuel J. Gulayan, BISU Main Campus Director; and Dr. Maria Nemia Malate-Rimando, Director of Student Development Services and outgoing adviser of SCV. University officials underscored the role of campus journalism as a public service, emphasizing that student publications must remain grounded in truth, empathy, and integrity.
A key highlight of the event was the formal welcoming of Mrs. Jasmin L. Abdulhamid, MAEng, as the new adviser of The Senior Craftsmen’s Voice. Her appointment marked a new chapter for the official student publication, reinforcing its commitment to responsible reporting and professional standards.
Anchored on the theme “Optimizing Reach, Upholding Responsibility, and Sustaining Relevance Across Pages and Platforms,” PAG(M)ULAT 2026 confronted the realities of modern media consumption. Students were encouraged to recognize their evolving role, not merely as recipients of information, but as active contributors who shape narratives through writing, broadcasting, and digital engagement.
SCV Editor-in-Chief Jan Vinch Ingking highlighted that while technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, have transformed content production, ethical judgment remains uniquely human. He stressed that credibility is built through careful decision-making, context, and sensitivity to the potential impact of published content.
The conference featured competitions and capacity-building workshops in news writing, feature writing, radio broadcasting, and photojournalism. Beyond technical instruction, these activities emphasized the ethical dimensions of journalism. Participants were reminded that every headline, image, and broadcast has the power to influence public perception and discourse.
During the Radio Broadcasting Workshop, Carl Jones Hinlo, Anchorman of KFC (Kabataan for Change), emphasized the importance of accuracy and intentionality over speed, particularly in audio journalism where words carry immediate and lasting impact.
“Radio does not allow you to hide behind visuals or edits,” Hinlo said. “When you speak on air, your voice becomes the message. That is why every word must be truthful, every pause intentional, and every broadcast grounded in responsibility. Being heard is a privilege, and it demands accountability.”
He further noted that responsible broadcasting begins with listening, urging student broadcasters to prioritize understanding over instant reaction in an increasingly fast-paced media environment.
PAG(M)ULAT 2026 reinforced the idea that academic institutions serve as microcosms of society, where student journalists play a crucial role in shaping awareness and understanding. The stories they choose to cover or omit carry real consequences, making ethical responsibility a practical, not theoretical, concern.
As the program concluded, participants left with a heightened sense of awareness rather than celebration. PAG(M)ULAT 2026 did not offer definitive answers but instead challenged students to reflect on their role in an information-driven society.
At a time when access to information is unprecedented, the event underscored that responsible journalism begins with conscious engagement. As the youth continue to dominate digital spaces and influence public discourse, the question remains: Will young communicators merely amplify what is trending, or will they choose to be awake—critical, ethical, and accountable in shaping the narratives of their generation? PAG(M)ULAT 2026 affirmed that journalism is not solely about publishing content, but about making informed and responsible choices before doing so.