Paracelis holds journalism seminar; winners known

By Ma. Marissa A. Balao-as

PARACELIS, Mountain Province – The Paracelis Technical and Vocational High School hosted District Campus Journalism Training Workshop here in coordination with the Office of the Municipal Mayor.

Jan. 11-12 wherein winners in different categories were announced.

Mayor Gavino L. Bucok said the Paracelis local government unit was supporting journalism activities and upgrade the National Achievement Test of the elementary and secondary level of the district.

Bucok and organizers said the seminar aimed to promote understanding among campus writers the importance of journalism by expressing it through journalistic endeavors, sustain social advocacy on social awareness and provide a venue for enriching learning experiences of pupils and students who are interested in promoting responsible journalism.

Organizers said the seminar also aimed to enhance journalistic competence through friendly and healthy competition among participants.

Lucio B, Banggollay, PTVHS principal said the activity was in preparation for the K-12 program of the government.

Exactly 107 participants from seven secondary schools in the district participated: Paracelis National High School, San Rafael National High School, Butigue National High School, Palitud National High School, Anonat National Agricultural School, Bacarri National Trade-Agricultural School, and PTVHS. Only Buringal National High School didn’t join.

Participating elementary schools were Paracelis Central School, Labay Elementary School, Dalanao Elementary School and Kalaw Elementary School.

Participants included advisers, facilitators, and local government unit representatives.

Secretary to the mayor FredericoDalayday delivered opening remarks for Bucok since the mayor had to leave the night before due to emergency travel.

Alfred Dizon, editor and publisher of the Northern Philippine Times gave lectures on news, feature and editorial writing among other topics.

Alfred “Jay” Dizon Jr. assisted by AmerAquisan, both taking up law at the University of the Cordilleras lectured on the technical aspect of laying out the newspaper using the Pagemaker program.

To encourage active participation among student and pupil participants, five best writers for each category were chosen.

For news writing were Jeminah Ferrer, Siren Baguingan, Franklin Guilay, Tzethel Biangalen and Shane Baguingan.

For editorial writing were Jason Bacani, Sieren Baguingan, ZyraMandoza, Tzethel Biangalen, and Maureen Banggollay.

For feature writing were Sieren Baguinga, Elizabeth Kitlangao, Jeminah Ferrer, Floriza Sacyabao and Marivic Todco.

Pagemaker and lay-outing awardeea were Shedney Lynne Balansi, Samantha Nicole Bello, Einstein Lee Basungit, Zay A. Balao-as and Jaya Shri Aquino.

A short meeting of the advisers with the mayor was held later wherein teachers presented concerns on campus journalism wherein Bucok said he was supportive of such urging teachers to approach him on such matters.

The Paracelis LGU funded the seminar with local businessmen and folks chipping in.