Written by Rizalina Castillo and Cesar Liwanag (STELA)
In today’s fast-paced media landscape, the institution understands that classroom instruction alone is insufficient to equip students for the hurdles and prospects they will face in the workplace. Although theories, principles, and concepts form the foundation, the real test and challenge of communication abilities is in practice in the community, the newsroom, the studio, and the field. The University has established close relationships with reputable communication media organizations in television, radio, print, and communication media agencies – private and government – to overcome this divide. These partnerships include television training with PTV Cordillera, PIO Baguio, and RNG Luzon; radio coverage with 95.1 Love Radio and 95.9 BigSound FM; and for digital and print journalism with PIO Baguio, Amianan Balita Ngayon and RNG Luzon.
These alliances are not merely paper agreements; they are vibrant, dynamic partnerships that give students genuine chances to learn, participate, and develop. Students gain first-hand experience in how information is made, transmitted, utilized and shared by entering the world of professional media via practicum placements acquiring the values of correctness, morality, social accountability, and adherence to the industry’s code of ethics.
University Impact
Over 200 communication students have benefited from the program since these partnerships were formed. They have all had the opportunity to use their academic understanding in real-world industry settings where they are encouraged to excel, adjust, and come up with new ideas. The practicum experience proved to be a pivotal moment in many people’s academic careers, as it allowed them to identify their talents, perfect their skills, and expand their professional goals.
The success stories of students who went from trainees to contributors or personnel at partner schools are among the most remarkable outcomes of these partnerships. The news articles of numerous students have been printed in regional newspapers, and their reports have been broadcast on television and radio. Others were tasked with aiding in live coverage of significant events, while others were lauded for their inventiveness in creating social media material and content. The fact that media partners have such faith in the students’ abilities is demonstrated by these accomplishments.
The collaborations have also had a ripple effect throughout the community. By their outputs, students help educate the public, elevate community voices, and encourage civic participation. This way, the beneficiaries include not only students but also those who get timely and pertinent information via the students’ efforts.
Ongoing Activities
The practicum curriculum is packed with activities that aim to expose students to the entire range of media employment. Additionally, practicum students are given vast opportunities for connections and collaborations that explore their innovativeness and creativity in conducting communication media-related activities and events. One of the latest partnerships is with RNG-Luzon’s Morning Balitaktakan segment, Gen Sees, of which the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was inked this February 2025.
In television practicum, students work with PTV Cordillera, PIO Baguio, and RNG Luzon, assuming roles such as news gathering, studio production, editing, and on-field reporting. They learn to function under pressure, particularly in situations where deadlines are tight or live broadcasts require immediate and accurate action. Additionally, they improve their understanding of the media’s function in public service by helping with community-oriented projects that tackle neighborhood challenges.
Students at 95.1 Love Radio and 95.9 BigSound FM receive training in radio practicum to strike a balance between innovation and rigor. They help with radio announcing, scriptwriting, and program hosting, but they also take care of behind-the-scenes tasks including technical operations and promotions. Many students are enthusiastic about their participation in community outreach events and public service initiatives, where they observe how radio is still a potent medium for establishing contact with folks at the grassroots level.
Students assigned to Amianan Balita Ngayon, RNG Luzon, and PIO Baguio hone their writing and editorial abilities in print practicum. Their work includes layouts, digital content for online platforms, news stories, features, and opinion pieces. They learn the importance of balance, accuracy, and clarity in reporting via these assignments. Additionally, they witness the transformation of traditional print into digital and multiplatform journalism, which gives them a leg up in adjusting to the hybrid media landscape of today.
Together, these activities instill in students the principles of accountability, collaboration, flexibility, and service, all of which are essential qualities for anyone working in the communication media industry, in addition to improving their technical and digital skills.
Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The University’s practicum partnerships are strongly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating how industry and education cooperation fosters regional and global growth.
SDG 4: Quality Education is promoted by providing students with hands-on experience that supplements classroom instruction, ensuring that education is not just theoretical but also practical and industry-relevant.
By providing students with skills that improve their employability and enable them to contribute to the economy as future communication professionals, SDG 8 addresses decent work and economic growth.
In collaborations with government communication offices such as PIO Baguio and PTV Cordillera, where students can learn about peace, justice, and strong institutions, SDG 16 is particularly relevant. gain knowledge of how to promote openness, responsibility, and public access to information.
The cornerstone of the program is SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as shown by the cooperation between the University and media organizations of cooperating in the fields of education, community service, and social development to achieve shared objectives.
The program guarantees that its impact extends beyond academic success and makes a significant contribution to sustainable and inclusive development by addressing these SDGs.
Paving the way for future Media Practitioners
These outstanding collaborations, which have turned the practicum program into a potent instrument for experiential learning and professional advancement, are a source of pride for the University. Communication media partners, whether in TV, radio, print, or government communication media outfits, have helped students use their work to become not just learners but also members of society.
The BA Communication Program plans to broaden the scope of these collaborations in the future to include up-and-coming industries like data journalism, multimedia storytelling, podcasting, and digital broadcasting. Moreover, partnerships with the corporate communication media industry is on deck. There are plans to extend the number of recipients so that more students may have the opportunity to participate in industry training. Maintaining these relationships requires maintaining opportunities for growth and improvement, not just for students but also for the communities that profit from their outcomes.
In essence, these collaborations serve as proof of the University’s continued goal of producing knowledgeable, ethical, and socially conscious communication professionals who are ready for the job to have an impact on the international scene. The University and its partners will continue to improve education, strengthen institutions, and empower communities for years to come with ongoing support and a shared dedication.
Sincere to the University of Baguio’s mission of educating individuals [students] to be empowered professionals in a global community, the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Practicum Program continuously provides its students an avenue in preparation for the enormous challenges that await them after their university days.
