Written by: Norman D. Patiang | Photos by: Norman D. Patiang, Mr. Fred Florenz O. Abastillas, Dr. Veronica Bito, and Staff of Division Office
On January 27, 2026, the conference hall of the Baguio Division Office served as a vibrant venue for professional growth as Campus Journalism Advisers from Cluster 1 (Districts 1 and 2) participated in the targeted training workshop entitled “Campus Journalism in the Age of Digital Media and AI.”
The program was initiated through an invitation from the Baguio Division Office, channeled via partner school Kias Elementary School and its coordinator, Ms. Caryl Makie, to the University of Baguio – School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (UB-STELA). In a strong demonstration of internal university collaboration, UB-STELA partnered with the UB-Science High School (SHS) to provide expert-led sessions as part of its ongoing extension service to public schools.
The workshop featured two respected journalism mentors from UB:
Dr. Veronica M. Bito, Journalism Adviser and Subject Head of English
Mr. Fred Florenz O. Abastillas, Faculty member and Gazette Adviser
Their presentations, delivered from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, delivered timely, hands-on guidance on adapting to the rapidly evolving media landscape. Key discussions covered the responsible use of artificial intelligence in news research and content creation, strategies for combating misinformation, ethical digital storytelling, sustaining high-quality school publications, and strengthening media and information literacy among student journalists.
The sessions directly addressed the practical realities and emerging demands that advisers face in guiding campus publications amid technological disruption, information overload, and shifting audience behaviors. Participants engaged actively, exchanging insights and acquiring concrete approaches to improve the credibility, impact, and relevance of their school papers.
Advisers from Cluster 1 conveyed deep appreciation to UB-STELA and UB-SHS for delivering a highly relevant and well-tailored professional development activity. Many emphasized that the workshop provided them with updated tools, renewed motivation, and greater confidence to effectively mentor the next wave of campus journalists.
This joint extension effort reflects the continuous support and close coordination between Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag, Dean of UB-STELA, and Dr. Thea P. Suaco, Principal of UB-Science High School, whose collaborative leadership has enabled meaningful inter-unit initiatives that extend the university’s reach and impact to the wider educational community.
The activity directly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by advancing media and information literacy, cultivating essential 21st-century competencies, and promoting continuous professional learning for educators and learners alike. It also aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through effective collaboration among university units, the Department of Education – Baguio Division, and public schools to strengthen institutional capacity and deliver inclusive, equitable quality education.
UB-STELA remains firmly committed to supporting teachers and school leaders through relevant, forward-looking professional development opportunities. Following the success of this workshop, the School intends to maintain and expand similar programs in the years ahead, extending outreach to additional clusters, incorporating new developments in digital ethics and AI-supported journalism, and ensuring that campus journalism advisers throughout Baguio remain well-equipped to nurture strong, responsible student voices in today’s complex media environment.
The commitment endures one trained adviser, one stronger publication, and one more informed community at a time.
