by Ma. Roxanne Fatima S. Rolle

“Napagtanto ko na ako ay kailangan para sa matalinong pagpili at sa malinis, mapayapa, at maayos na eleksyon”. This line echoed last April 18 in the lecture hall of the College of Development Communication (CDC) as 80 volunteers from Laguna pledged to help keep the May 2016 election secure and fair by proactively practicing citizen journalism.

This activity is part of the one-day Training-Workshop on Multi-media Reporting for the 2016 Election Coverage.  The workshop is under the umbrella of Bantay Halalan 2016, a collaborative project among schools, civil society organizations, and media organizations in Laguna.

Role of the youth and election reporters

Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., chair of the UPLB sa Halalan 2016 Committee, graced the opening program with an overview of UPLB’s election-related initiatives. Dr. Camacho urged the youth to be vigilant in keeping the elections credible, fair, and just. “Let us encourage our fellow students to take part in this 2016 elections. [Let us ask] what can we do to make this country one that we can be proud of”, he shared.

In her closing remarks, CDC Dean Dr. Ma. Theresa H. Velasco focused on the role of election reporters; to “(help) educate the voters so they can make informed choices on May 9”.

#BH2016 launch

Bantay Halalan 2016 Committee Chair, aProf. Lester P. Ordan, introduced the project to the volunteers. He also officially launched the partnership with the following units: Laguna University,  Malayan Colleges Laguna, San Pablo Colleges, University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta, UPLB College of Development Communication Alumni Association Inc., DZJV, DCG FM, Community Cable Vision Corp., DZLB Partners, and  Los Baños Times. Representatives from senior citizens’ organizations and interns from Laguna State  Polytechnic University (LSPU-Sta. Cruz)  also attended.

Meanwhile, aProf. Sherwin Felicidario and aProf. Winifredo B. Dagli discussed how the volunteers and partners can participate in the Bantay Halalan 2016’s menu of activities.

Voters’ education videos were also launched. This includes the AVP for the song Para sa Bayan, an original composition of BS Development Communication students, Caleb Gasilao and Jennifer Milante.

Sessions on multi-platform election reporting

During the morning session, Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-Los Baños Election Officer Randy P. Banzuela talked about the guidelines and tips on reporting before and during election period.

In the afternoon, the participants were divided into four parallel sessions. One session tackled News Reporting for Bantay Halalan 2016 which focused on writing techniques and story topics before and after the elections. This was handled by aProf. Pamela Joyce M. Eleazar of CDC’s Department of Development Journalism.

Another breakout session, Writing and Reporting for Radio, was facilitated by Daniel Castro, Head of the News and Public Affairs of DZJV.

Participants who were more inclined on Writing for TV and Audio-visual Production took the session of Dr. Mildred O. Moscoso of the Department of Educational Communication in CDC.

Those who wanted to leverage on social media to provide live updates during the day of the election took aProf. Elaine D. Llarena’s session entitled Election Reporting using Social Media. aProf. Llarena is from the Department of Science Communication in CDC.

Bantay Halalan 2016

Bantay Halalan 2016 is spearheaded by the UPLB College of Development Communication. It aims to develop media platforms for communicating issues and concerns in the community; promote voters’ education in Laguna;  form a network of community journalists/broadcasters in the province, and provide media coverage of the local election through cable TV , radio stations, community newspaper, website, and social media platforms.

For more information, you may reach us through:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: bantayhalalan.net
• Facebook: facebook.com/BantayHalalanLaguna
• Twitter: @BHLaguna2016
• Phone: (049) 536 2433