Writer: Norman D. Patiang | Photo Credit: Michelle P. Ranges
BAGUIO CITY, September 5, 2026 — In a meaningful collaboration that highlights the power of partnership in nurturing young minds, the University of Baguio School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (UB STELA) conducted a campus journalism training and workshop at Kias Elementary School on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The full-day activity brought together nine eager student participants from the host school and four dedicated trainers from UB STELA and partner institutions, creating a vibrant learning space where budding journalists discovered the craft of storytelling, critical thinking, and responsible communication.
The training reflected the shared commitment of UB STELA and Kias Elementary School to equip learners with essential modern skills beyond the regular classroom. By focusing on campus journalism, the initiative aimed to develop not only writing and creative competencies but also confidence, civic awareness, and a deeper appreciation for truth-telling among elementary pupils. This collaborative effort shows how higher education institutions and basic education schools can work hand in hand to strengthen media literacy at the grassroots level.
The morning session opened with a short program that warmly welcomed the trainers and clearly introduced the purpose of the workshop. The atmosphere was energetic yet focused as the nine student participants representing the young voices of Kias Elementary School listened attentively to the goals of the day: to learn the fundamentals of various journalistic forms and to practice producing their own pieces under expert guidance.
Following the program, three trainers delivered engaging lectures covering the core contents of campus journalism. Ms. Jamelle Frances A. Realin, a Campus Paper Adviser at University of Northern Philippines, City of Vigan, College of Teacher Education; Ms. Nathalia G. Arcano, a former Campus Paper Adviser at Divine Word College, Vigan and Ms. Jonel T. Bolor, an adviser of the newsletter The Dove and a special program for journalism coordinator at Ilocos Sur National High School, guided the participants through news writing, feature writing, literary writing, column writing, editorial writing, sports writing, and cartooning.
Each session balanced theory with practical examples tailored to the level of elementary learners, making complex concepts accessible and exciting. At the same time, individual training in photojournalism was conducted by Ms. Francel Ann A. Velasco, a second year BSEd English student of UB STELA, allowing selected participants to explore visual storytelling and discover how a well-composed photograph can capture moments, convey emotion, and complement written reports.
In the afternoon, Mr. Jonel T. Bolor took the lead in the workshop proper. She facilitated practical exercises where the nine students applied what they had learned in the morning, producing their own outputs across different journalistic forms. The session culminated in an assessment of the participants’ work, during which constructive feedback was given to help the young writers refine their skills and recognize their strengths. The assessment process itself became a valuable learning experience, teaching the students the importance of revision, accuracy, and clarity, the cornerstones of responsible journalism.
Kias Elementary School served not merely as the venue but as an active partner in the entire endeavor. The school’s openness to hosting the training and its support for the nine student participants demonstrated a strong institutional belief in holistic education. By providing its learners the opportunity to engage with experienced trainers in a structured yet nurturing environment, Kias Elementary School reaffirmed its dedication to developing well-rounded students who can express themselves thoughtfully and contribute meaningfully to their community.
The activity aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It advances SDG 4: Quality Education by expanding access to specialized learning experiences that build literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills among elementary students. It supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through the productive collaboration between UB STELA and Kias Elementary School, showing how academic institutions and basic education schools can join forces for shared educational impact. In addition, the training contributes to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by fostering early media literacy and ethical storytelling, essential foundations for informed citizenship and transparent communication in society.
Beyond the technical skills acquired, the campus journalism workshop cultivated a spirit of confidence, curiosity, and responsibility among the nine young participants. For the students of Kias Elementary School, the day offered a rare chance to see themselves as storytellers and observers of their own school community. For the trainers and organizers, it was an opportunity to put into practice the values of service, mentorship, and community engagement.
As UB STELA continues to strengthen its partnerships with schools such as Kias Elementary School, initiatives like this campus journalism training reaffirm the transformative potential of collaboration. By investing in the next generation of writers, thinkers, and communicators, both institutions contribute to a future in which young people are equipped not only with knowledge but with the ability to use their voices for the common good.
