The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Mimaropa formalized partnership with the Palawan Daily News (PDN), launching the first-ever regional college press conference, in a recently concluded signing of memorandum of agreement at Puerto Princesa City last December 13.
They confirmed that the event is expected this coming February 20-21, 2020, to be held at Palawan State University Main Campus.
PIA Mimaropa Regional Director Dr. Jose Reuben Alagaran ll said, “The Mimaropa Regional College Press Conference (COPRE), to be organized by Palawan Daily News and our regional office, will give an opportunity for college editors in the region to showcase their talents and skills in journalism.”
Director Alagaran added that “[the Mimaropa COPRE 2020] will be a first of its kind press confab to feature the best and the brightest media practitioners in the region, interacting with campus journalists in college and learn from each other.”
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Mimaropa will also be part of the event, as well, as it will be giving awards to campus publications and editors that are actively promoting local and regional tourism.
The event will be hosted by the Palawan State University (PSU) Main Campus, Dr. Ramon M. Docto, PSU University President confirmed.
Expected participants include campus journalists, editors, photojournalists, and advisers who are coming from different provinces in the region.
Resource speakers will be coming from the PIA, CNN Philippines, PDN, and one of the well-known national TV journalists who will be revealed later once confirmed.
The event aims to revolutionize press freedom, promote social responsibility among college press writers who are engaged in their day to day journalism activities inside their schools and universities.
PDN publisher Kent Janaban said, “This will be a remarkable opportunity that we could continue with our mission in providing awareness, knowledge and skills on responsible journalism among aspiring media practitioners. We will continue to be doing this and partnering with major key institutions like PIA, DOT, CHED and many others.”
Furthermore, according to the co-organizer of the event, PDN editor in chief, Engr. Harthwell Capistrano, the objectives of this college press conference is to create a network of campus journalists where members can share and exchange information for continuous development of journalism skills set, participants to demonstrate professionalism and camaraderie, possessing the virtue of responsible journalists, and commit to ethical and responsible journalism.
“We are excited and elated with the progress of our partnership with Mimaropa as they have been very supportive in all of our projects and campaigns. This first-ever Regional College Press Conference is a huge milestone that we are proud of,” Capistrano said.
There will be individual writing competitions on news, features, editorial, including photojournalism and editorial cartooning, which will be held on the first day.
School publications can also compete in group awards where they can win best newspaper, best magazine, best in newspaper layout, best in magazine layout and best in community development communication. Participating school publications need to submit their printed tabloid and magazine to PIA office by January 30, 2020.
Awarding of winners will be on the second day of the event after series of technical talks by the resource speakers.
The event is endorsed by the Commission of Higher Education (CHED)-Mimaropa and is supported by various stakeholders including the City Government of Puerto Princesa and the Provincial Government of Palawan.
To register, interested individuals can email the organizer at info@pressconference.ph or visit the website at https://pressconference.ph. (Leila B. Dagot/PIAMIMAROPA-Palawan)
