<em>Speech of Ms. Ana-Sol B. Reyes for Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC, Secretary, Department of Education in the launching of the print edition of Campus Paper on August 14, 2012 at iAcademy, PhilFirst Bldg., 6764 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.</em>

On behalf of Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC, Secretary of the Department of Education, let me thank you for inviting us to partake in the celebration of the launching of the print edition of Campus Paper.

We also congratulate the team headed by Publisher and Executive Editor Lloyd  A. Luna, for taking campus journalism to a higher level by providing students from different schools a platform to collaborate.  

Furthermore, we commend you for helping DepED fulfill its  mandate to uphold and protect the freedom of the press even at the campus level and to promote the development and growth of campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical and creative thinking, and developing moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth as stipulated in Republic Act No. 7079  (referred to as the “Campus Journalism Act of 1991”). 

With this, let me share with you the two programs that DepED has been conducting and implementing through the years not just to promote campus journalism but more so to mould individuals who value truth, justice and democracy.

First is the annual conduct of the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) that serves as a  venue for elementary and secondary students to demonstrate and eventually  enhance their competence in journalism through healthy and friendly competitions.

Activities include the Awarding of the  Outstanding School Paper Advisers and  Campus Journalists, concurrent sessions on various journalism-related  topics including the use of online platforms and the search for the Outstanding School Papers, Individual Campus Journalists, Scriptwriters and Radio Broadcasters.

This year, to balance the very stiff competitive spirit among the participants, we introduced the Collaborative Publishing Contest where the regional contestants as one team produced a  tabloid on the spot. 

Second is the pilot implementation of the  Special Program in Journalism in sixteen public secondary schools to encourage students to pursue further studies or careers in journalism.  It is designed to develop the learner’s skills in mass communication (print, online and broadcast media). The graduates are tasked to contribute to the common good, national unity and progress and ensure commitment and shared responsibility. 

With the advent of K to 12, we are continuously aligning the program standards to meet the demands of the 21st Century specifically on the aspect of media literacy. We acknowledge the importance of social media as a powerful tool in disseminating information but would like to transcend it as a vehicle in raising national and global consciousness and more so in mobilizing public support.

Finally, we hope that DepEd and Campus Paper can forge a stronger partnership to further promote a more relevant, meaningful, democratic yet responsible campus journalism. 

A blessed evening to all.
