Day 1 of JourKNOW! with the Bedan Roar: Exploring the Significance of Editorial Writing

Kiersten Dane Olivas

WEDNESDAY, December 1, 2021 - Fostering and nurturing campus journalists amidst the pandemic, The Bedan Roar - Alabang of San Beda College launched their first installment for the series of workshops entitled, "JourKnow!", aired via Zoom conference and Facebook live from 5 PM to 6:20 PM.

JourKnow! is a 4-day webinar series about the fundamentals of journalism. It also aims to generate newfound interest and reinforce existing interest in campus journalism to inspire journalists to write in service of the fierce and fearless truth.

The masters of the ceremony, Ms. Sofia and Mr. Yuri, greeted the Zoom and Facebook live participants. They started the program with a homely ice-breaker called "4 Pics One Word". This was followed by the opening remarks led by TBR's Editor in Chief, Mr. Luis Licas, highlighting that the pandemic may have brought obstacles to campus journalism. Still, the pen will always write and fight in service of the fierce and fearless truth.

The emcees then warmly greeted the speaker, Ms. Rachel Baxal, a BS Accountancy student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Maragondon and a Campus Journalist Awardee from 2015 to 2020 on Editorial Writing.

She started her discussion by asking the participants what comes to mind when they hear the word "editorial," which was done via Menti. “Kasi kahit gaano ka pa kagaling, if you forget the basics, hindi mo magagawa (editorial) ng maayos,” emphasized Ms. Rachel.

She continued to explain what an editorial article is, what it should include, and why it is known as the newspaper's soul. “At some point, reader’s will analyze the news, iniisip nila ano bang pakinabang nito sa akin? Bakit to ginagawa? Bakit ganito? Bakit ganyan? And they cannot see that perspective in the news alone. Kaya kailangan ng editorial page, kasi doon nila makikita iyong mga paliwanag, mga interpretation,” she expounded.

Moreover, she presented the basic structure of an editorial known as SPECS: Statement of the problem, Position on the issue, Evidence, Conclusion, and Solution.

She also discussed the parts and different types of Editorial, citing examples from various publications to explain each further. In addition, Ms. Rachel emphasized the journalist's creed, the principles of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness, and public accountability.

Wrapping up her discussion, she quoted: "We attack the action, not the person."

Mr. Matthew Cabural then granted the certificate of recognition, followed by the closing remarks of Mr. Nikko Endiafe, TBR's moderator, and a photo opportunity, successfully concluding the first day of JourKNOW!

• ABM Students partake in the Career Path: Guide to your future path Webinar

• Letran launched the "Ligtas Letran Vaccination Program."

• Women's Month 2021: Juana Kumusta ka sa Gitna ng Pandemya webinar

• Make Manila Plastic-Free Movement front a Plastic Pandemic Webinar

• WELLbinar Series: Letran SHS Creative Hub holds the Blind Spot Webinar