After the success of the Rights in Focus Summit last year, AHRC brought journalism and human rights to universities and colleges as the Rights in Focus: The Human Rights for Campus Journalism Lecture Series Caravan took place last April 8, 10, and 15.
First stop: University of the Philippines Diliman
AHRC Program Director Atty. Maria Paula Villarin commenced the caravan with a talk titled “Protection 101: Basics Against Red-Tagging and State-Level Threats,” grounding her discussion in the cases of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Aila Esperida, as well as the legal and constitutional remedies available to individuals who are targeted and arrested.
Rowena Paraan, Training Director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), discussed risk assessment, safety measures, and critical considerations for field and newsroom coverage through her lecture, “Safety Nets in Campus Journalism: Protecting the Press in the Age of Digital Attacks.” Participants also identified incidents in which campus journalists faced safety issues.
Second stop: Far Eastern University Manila
AHRC Executive Director Atty. Nicolene Arcaina put the spotlight on the concept of human rights and the lived realities of Filipinos from different communities through her talk, “Human Rights 101: Fundamentals of Human Rights Reporting.” Participants took part in an interactive discussion reflecting on when they first encountered the concept of human rights and exploring ways to make journalism more human-centered.
During the practical session titled, “Rights-based and Rights-sensitive Story Gathering Practices,” human rights journalist Carlos Conde emphasized the need for campus journalists to tackle stories with human rights approach by digging deeper into thematic issues, including LGBT rights, labor rights, the right to education, and other cross-cutting themes.
Third stop: De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
AHRC Program Director Atty. Paula Sophia Estrella presented the state of campus journalism before and after the implementation of the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 during her talk, “Navigating the Campus Journalism Act: Mapping the Legal Boundaries of a Campus Publication.” She also delved into the challenges faced by student journalists, as well as the proposed provisions under House Bill 1155, or the Campus Press Freedom Bill.
Former Philippine Collegian Editor-in-Chief and current AHRC Resident Intern Daniel Daiz shared his experience during the “Campus Publication Management” discussion. Daiz also offered practical insights on managing a student publication’s finances, operations, and overall well-being.
The caravan’s third leg was co-organized by official student publications of the respective colleges and universities, including The Philippine Collegian (UP Diliman); FEU Advocate (FEU); and The Benildean (De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde), with the steadfast support of FNF Philippines: It’s All About Freedom.
