Written by Mr. Jan Rae Manuel- UBHS Faculty Member
September 30, 2026 | Baguio City — The community of young journalists from the University of Baguio High School (UBHS) and Gumatdang Integrated School, came together for Pen and Purpose Two 2026: Journalism and Broadcasting Training, an initiative that strengthened the school’s commitment to quality and inclusive education. Held under the theme “Write the Truth, Shape the Future: Empowering Young Journalists in the Digital Age,” the activity provided learners with opportunities to develop their journalistic skills, learn from media professionals, and discover the power of responsible storytelling.
The enhancement training brought together 96 student journalists from UBHS and Gumatdang Integrated School– the adopted community of UBHS, giving learners the opportunity to sharpen their skills in journalism and broadcasting while learning directly from practicing journalists and media professionals. More than a skills-training activity, the event extended professional learning opportunities beyond the UBHS community and strengthened the school’s outreach efforts.
The activity advanced Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, while also contributing to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through accessible learning, responsible communication and cooperation among schools, professionals, alumni and student organizations.
At the center of event was the recognition that journalism carries influence, particularly in today’s fast-moving digital environment. With information easily produced and shared, young journalists need the skills to gather, verify, interpret and communicate information clearly and ethically. Encouraging participants to see journalism not simply as a school activity, but as a means of informing and engaging their communities.
Empowering the Community Through Expert-Led Journalism Workshops
The seminar-workshops were facilitated by journalists with expertise across different areas of the field. Journalist Lisa Agoot handled English news and feature writing, while Journalist Harley Palangchao guided participants in the workshop. Journalist Victor Pasagoy led the sportswriting session and Journalist Hannah Lacsamana facilitated Filipino news and feature writing. Journalist Lita Jane Cadalig handled editorial and column writing in Filipino and English, while UBHS alumna and journalist Nicole Cortez guided participants in photojournalism.
The broadcasting sessions were led by UBHS alumnus and journalist Ralph Raposa, UBHS alumnus Jaime Bugaoan, and UBHS alumna and faculty member Dy-Ann Rodriguez, who also serves as adviser of the UBHS Broadcasting Team. Their participation, together with Cortez’s role in photojournalism, highlighted the contribution of alumni who return to share their professional knowledge with current learners.
Their involvement reflected a continuing cycle of learning and service: students become graduates, graduates become professionals and professionals return to help prepare the next generation. UB Senior High School Alumnus and Licensed Professional Teacher, Darthon Ventura, who served as the event’s energetic emcee, likewise contributed his time and talent to the activity.
Students from both schools shared the same learning environment, gained access to professional mentors, and exchanged ideas and experiences as young journalists. The training provided practical competencies that can be applied to their respective school publications and broadcasting activities.
The activity was made possible through the efforts of the University of Baguio High School paper SINAG and NEWSLITE, the UBHS Radio Broadcasting Team, the YES-O Club, the UBHS Girl Scout, and the UBHS Student Government. Their involvement provided the organizational support needed to bring together the different components of the training.
Campus journalism and broadcasting give students opportunities to observe their communities, ask questions, develop stories, and communicate information. In an era where young people are increasingly both consumers and producers of digital content, these experiences help them become more thoughtful and informed communicators.
For UBHS, the activity demonstrated the value of connecting classroom learning with professional experience, alumni engagement, and community outreach. Practicing journalists brought industry perspectives, alumni provided a bridge between student experience and professional practice and the participation of Gumatdang Integrated School widened access to the learning opportunity.
Pen and Purpose Two 2026 ultimately gave young journalists a stronger foundation in the craft while encouraging them to recognize the impact of the stories they create. Their words can inform, their images can document, and their broadcasts can connect communities.
In the spirit of “Write the Truth, Shape the Future,” the activity affirmed that education continues beyond the classroom and beyond graduation. It lives on when professionals share their knowledge, alumni return to mentor younger learners, schools extend opportunities to partner communities and students are empowered to use their voices with purpose. Through Pen and Purpose Two 2026, UBHS continues to cultivate young communicators equipped to tell stories accurately, creatively and with purpose, and to use their voices in helping shape a more informed future.
