Ferdinand Roy Lopez
About the Author: Ferdinand Roy Lopez, a third-year BS Information Technology
student, served as the two-term Editor-in-Chief of The Campus Access, the official
student publication of the BISU Balilihan campus. Before being entrusted with the
highest position in the publication, he began as a layout artist, hoping to learn and
develop his creative skills, and was later appointed Creative Director. Ferdinand also
served as a former senator in the Supreme Student Government and remains active
in youth organizations outside the academe, including the Knights of the Altar and
the Parish Youth Ministry of Songculan Parish. He strives to inspire leadership,
responsible journalism, and service among the youth.
TCA Illuminates 4th HAYAG, Bringing In Respected Resource Speakers of the Province
by Ferdinand Roy L. Lopez, Editor-in-Chief of The Campus Access
BALILIHAN, Bohol – November 26, 2025, marked one of the most illuminating days for The Campus Access (TCA), the official student publication of Bohol Island State University (BISU) – Balilihan Campus, as it successfully brought together not only campus journalists but also student leaders of the university for HAYAG 2025: Student Leaders’ Journalism Symposium, a celebration of truth and responsible campus journalism, held at the Bohol First Congressional District Library.
Anchored on the theme, “Voices of Truth and Change: Shaping the Youth Toward Responsible Journalism,” the event was graced by three prominent and veteran figures from the province who served as resource speakers, generating excitement among the students.
Serving as the Guest of Honor and the 1st Plenary Session Speaker, Atty. Edgar M. Chatto inspired the students during his session “Defending Press Freedom Through Leadership” held at the library. As the session unfolded, it underscored a powerful reality: journalism is not a profession reserved only for writers, editors, or broadcasters—its values are essential even in leadership. Student leaders, like campus journalists, are tasked with shaping narratives, communicating decisions, and representing the voices of their peers.
In this sense, their roles intersect with journalism’s core principles of truth, transparency, accountability, and responsible communication. “Spread para wala nay media nga nagpa-media-media lang,” Atty. Chatto urged the students to uphold the principles of meaningful and responsible journalism
“Leadership is a gift from God for man to develop and share it with others,” said Atty. Chatto. With this, he reminded the students that leadership grounded in integrity and guided by truth becomes a powerful instrument in protecting press freedom and strengthening democratic participation on campus.
Following Atty. Chatto’s session, the second plenary was led by Ms. Leah Marchil Sumampong, former staff writer of Atty. Chatto, who discussed “Compelling, Fact-Based News Articles.” Before she began, she jokingly said, “If kahibaw pa ko nga akong kauban kay akong boss, nibalibad siguro ko as resource speaker,” expressing playful hesitation about speaking alongside her former boss.
Ms. Sumampong shared her extensive experience and practical expertise in journalism writing as a long-time writer at the Provincial Capitol. Her session resonated with the participants, especially emerging campus journalists eager to refine their craft. “Always put the heart when you write,” she reminded them.
The symposium continued in the afternoon, beginning with the oath-taking of the Editorial Board of The Campus Access, led by their Editor-in-Chief, Ferdinand Roy L. Lopez, and administered by Dr. Jocelyn P. Lumactud, Student Development Services Director of BISU Balilihan, as the new editors pledged to faithfully uphold their duties and responsibilities as campus journalists.
Following this ceremonial start, the program proceeded with an enlightening session on
Truth on Air; Ethics and Essential of Responsible Broadcasting led by Ms. Ardy Araneta-Batoy, Managing Editor of The Bohol Tribune, who guided participants through the ethics and truths of radio broadcasting.
The participants were actively engaged in Ms. Ardy Araneta-Batoy’s session, which pushed them to step into the shoes of radio broadcasters. She taught proper speaking techniques, stressing the avoidance of filler words and unnecessary repetition. The session also featured interactive exercises that challenged students to think critically about press statements and communicate with clarity. Ms. Batoy emphasized the importance of versatility in media, showing that creativity and confidence are key skills. Students practiced creatively interpreting music and presenting themselves with poise, turning the exercises into a fun yet instructive showcase of broadcasting talent.
“The first thing a media person has to exhibit is his or her smile,” said Ms. Batoy, emphasizing the importance of a smile as a criterion in becoming a media professional. Another key takeaway from her session was the value of time in broadcasting, underscoring that a media person should be time-oriented, as time is gold.
Ms. Ardy’s session was more than just a lecture; it awakened the passion and interest of many participants to continue pursuing journalism and encouraged them to join Kabataan for Change, inspiring active engagement and advocacy among the youth.
HAYAG 2025, the annual event of TCA, truly unfolded successfully; however, like any great achievement, it required overcoming countless challenges and struggles. Jaqueline Nicole Baquero, one of the head committee members for this 4th campus-based press conference, shared some of the difficulties they encountered in planning and preparing for the event: “Struggles siguro akong na-encounter is kanang the time and limited nato na preparation, didto ko na-pressure,” she admitted.
The event was originally supposed to be held in September in line with English Month, but due to various campus activities, it was delayed. Days before the rescheduled event, preparation was further hampered by a school suspension, leaving the TCA staff with significant challenges to overcome.
Despite it all, the TCA staff remained resilient and dedicated, ensuring that HAYAG 2025 went on as planned and became a meaningful and inspiring experience for all participants. “Very fulfilling and heartwarming jud ako ma describe uy,” Ms. Baquero said on the successful HAYAG 2025.
