Amidst excitement and anticipation, the UP Open University (UPOU) brazenly forays into a new era of student journalism with the culmination of the Digital Media Lab (DML) last 15 July 2023 at the Student Union Building in UP Diliman. DML is a project led by the UPOU University Student Council (USC).
Digital Media Lab Closing Program. Image by Adrian Zapico & Russell Fernandez
DML breathes life into the university’s decades-long journey of establishing a student publication. This is led by the USC’s Treasurer and Head of the Committee of Finance, Madellaine Ortea, in collaboration with the UP Diliman’s Philippine Collegian and UP Solidaridad.
“We are online natives, so we should avoid the traditional discrimination on students who can join a Student Publication,” Project Head Ortea said.
Madellaine Ortea, the Digital Media Lab Project Head, presenting the objectives of the projects. Image by Adrian Zapico & Russell Fernandez
The five-week intensive journalism workshop started on 26 May 2023 and is open to UPOU students from all degree programs. Each week is divided into two parts – synchronous sessions and asynchronous assignments – where all DML fellows are free to participate at their own pace.
With an emphasis on multimedia journalism, students gain fluency in diverse platforms to effectively communicate with their audience. Mentoring the aspiring student journalists during the weekly synchronous sessions are esteemed professionals hailing from renowned media organizations such as Inquirer, Malaya, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Rappler, Union Journalists of the Philippines – Diliman (UJP-Diliman), UP Photography Society (UP OPTICS), and User Experience Philippines (UXPH).
Digital Media Lab Fellows with Editorial Writing Speaker Gabriela Baron. Image by UPOU USC
Their expertise and wisdom cover an array of essential topics for journalism, such as editorial, feature, news, and headline writing; audio & video production; photojournalism; graphic design; and web & layout design. These learnings are imperative, especially for those who will be selected to become members of the Provisional Editorial Board (ProvBoard).
After careful evaluation and consideration, DML’s Selection Board has presented a lineup of nominees for the ProvBoard who shall embody the spirit of UPOU’s diverse and dynamic community, ready to champion the voices of fellow students. The Selection Board consists of Andrea Dasoy, Former Managing Editor of Philippine Normal University’s The Torch Publications; Raymond Tribdino, Information Technology Editor of Malaya Business Insight; Marianne De Jesus and Mark Famatigan from UP Solidaridad; and Lianne Angelico Depante, UPOU faculty member.
Among the nominees are Sabrina Kate Mendigoria, Jeneen Antoinette Louise Puda, Faye Anjeli Lopez, Evie Crisel Oxales, Elisah Marie Dacuma, and Bea Lou Marie Jarabe. Each of these talented individuals brings a unique flair and passion for journalism, promising to deliver insightful and compelling stories to the UPOU community.
USC Chairperson Isaiah Crisanto presenting the programs’s closing remarks. Image by Adrian Zapico & Russell Fernandez
“If you want to hold those in power accountable, join the Student Publication,” USC Chairperson Isaiah Crisanto stated on the formation of the ProvBoard.
As the Digital Media Lab concludes, it marks the beginning of a groundbreaking journey for these aspiring journalists and the entire UPOU community. With the Prov Board at the helm, UPOU students await the birth of a student publication that will reflect the community of UPOU’s e-skolars.
Contributed by UPOU USC ♦ Written by Shaine Tabuquilde and Raine Tuason ♦ Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Cañas-Llamas
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