UJP’s DYARYOLOGUE 2021 concludes with Sports and Science and Technology Writing discussion

Kiersten Dane Olivas

SATURDAY, September 25, 2021 - To conclude the celebration of their 33rd year anniversary, the Union of Journalists of the University of the Philippines (UJP-UP) ended the last part of Dyaryologue 2021: Journalism Summit with Sports and Science and Technology Writing which took place via Zoom meeting and Facebook Livestream.

The event kicked-off with the opening remarks led by Ms. Pauline Alverez, the Chairperson of UJP-UP. She stated that it is not only the pandemic people are suffering from today, but also the infodemic. Emphasizing the importance of campus journalists providing factual information to the public.

After the opening remarks, Ms. Gail Daniel, the host, introduced the first speaker, Ms. Luisa Morales, a sports writer from Philippine Star and a graduate of BA Journalism in University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD). They started with “Sports Writing 101”, a lecture about writing an effective sports story.

“Kasi in sports writing, there is really only 1 goal, it's to make the reader “see” the game,” Ms. Luisa said. Moreover, they discussed the different types of sports articles, and why a journalist should focus on the ‘how’ and not the ‘who’.

According to them, writers must also familiarize themselves with sports jargon but not use it often in articles for the readers to understand it clearly and easily.

Ms. Luisa also highlighted that there is much more to sports writing than just a straight lead. “Being able to tell these stories (sports feature/athlete profiles) to your audience gives the subject a multidimensional look,” they said.

Before finishing their discussion, they mentioned that one can’t help having biases but a writer should not let that affect their stories. To wrap things up, the host then gave the audience an opportunity to ask them questions regarding the topic.

Afterwards, the Vice Chairperson for Education, Ms. Noelle Meija presented the speaker a certificate of appreciation.

Carrying on to the second part of the event, Ms. Lia, the host, introduced the second speaker, Ms. Mavic Conde, an Environmental Journalist who worked for Rappler and won “Best Online Agriculture Story” in 2018.

She started her discussion with the fundamentals of Science Writing where she went over the terminologies used, citing examples for each one. Ms. Mavic also emphasized equity, where she questioned whether specific technology should exist, and elaborated that, “These are invented for regular people and not for those who are marginalized.”

Furthermore, she gave tips on how to write an effective Science story, to which the use of jargon was also highlighted. She also discussed the usage of sensory details, fact checking, embracing uncertainty and keeping the culture and tradition of a place in mind.

Before ending the discussion, the host gave the audience a chance to ask the speaker questions which was followed by a photo opportunity.

To formally conclude the event, Ms. Noelle once again presented the speaker with a certificate of appreciation, followed by her closing remarks.

• 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