Written by Kenzo Klein Maglaqui & Steve Emanuel Coyugan
In a world where information travels at lightning speed and truth is often buried under the weight of convenience, the University of Baguio’s BA Communication program forged both character and integrity in instilling not only the University’s vision and mission but also that of the universal goals of the different SDGs. Two distinct yet interconnected seminars held on February 19 at the UB Centennial Hall challenged a new generation of students to look beyond the surface of their crafts.
The morning kicked off with “PressPective,” a journalism seminar which was dedicated to instill impartiality, objectivity, and fairness among the new line of communicators, through content-rich discussion, presentations, and a Q&A forum. Veteran journalist Mr. Eddie ‘Tatang Edong’ Carta
set the seminar’s tone with a compelling keynote address on the lasting importance of ethical reporting. He passionately asserted that the core of the journalistic profession goes far beyond simply stating facts, emphasizing instead an unwavering commitment to presenting information impartially, protecting the vulnerable by exposing injustice, and relentlessly pursuing the truth above all else. Through this powerful session, Carta reminded everyone of the sacred trust held by journalists and highlighted the critical need for accuracy, independence, and accountability. For first-year Communication student Janzen Omo, the seminar offered a distinct experience.
“My experience in yesterday’s seminar was something that is unique and odd (in a good way) if I would compare it to other seminars that I’ve attended po. Given that we are BA COMM students, still, the seminar wasn’t boring. Overall, Presspective is one of the greatest seminars I’ve attended! I believe that it was managed well.” Omo stated.
As the morning’s call-to-action settled, the focus shifted toward the silent architecture of information: research. The afternoon session, “Beyond Methods: Why Ethics Matter in Research”, reinforced the idea that good research is not just about intelligence, but about the moral framework that supports it. Ms. Roverlyn Sumeg-ang (MaEd) outlined several points of ethical research, namely – trust, credibility, and integrity – noting that participants are only truly willing to cooperate when their dignity and privacy are respected. By upholding integrity, researchers guard themselves against the temptations of plagiarism, data manipulation, and fabrication, which can instantly dismantle rapport and professionalism.
The day concluded with a sombering reminder of what happens when one tries to cut corners. Whether it is a biased news report or a fabricated data set, the consequences for such actions can be catastrophic to one’s integrity and career. More importantly, the seminar highlighted a massive societal cost; misinformation in both journalism and research distorts public opinion and weakens the very foundations of the democratic process.
As the students left the hall, each and everyone one of them carried a renewed sense of purpose, recognizing that their roles as researchers, preservers, and bearers of truth require a balance of intelligence and character to truly serve society with integrity.
