West Visayas State University is currently holding a forum titled “Perspectives from the Ground: Building Resilience, Positive Responses through Responsible Reporting” at the WVSU Board Room today, April 30, 2025.
Organized by the International and Local Linkages Office, in partnership with the third-year Bachelor of Arts in Journalism students of the College of Communication (COC) and the Center for Peace Education, the forum features speakers from diverse fields sharing real-world experiences and insights on ethical journalism, peacebuilding, and community resilience.
Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office and a professor of Peace Journalism, welcomed the participants by highlighting the crucial role of media in shaping public perception and advancing peace, especially in times of crisis. She stressed the need for future journalists to ground their reporting in empathy, accuracy, and social responsibility.
“In a world increasingly marked by conflict, division, and misinformation, the role of peace journalism has never been more critical. This approach challenges us to go beyond headlines, to explore the deeper causes of conflict, and to give voice to those often left unheard. It reminds us that journalism is not just about reporting events—it is also about how we report them, and the impact our words have on peace, understanding, and unity”, she said.
The forum features a diverse panel of speakers with expertise grounded in real-world experience. Among them are Ms. Alexia Galera, a Bachelor of Secondary Education student from WVSU-Janiuay Campus; Atty. Ariel I. Ballega, Information Technology Officer I at the Department of Education in Negros Occidental; PMAJ Shiela Mae A. Sangrines, spokesperson for the Iloilo City Police Office; and Mr. Moshe Jobel Aranas, a videographer, editor, and documentarist.
An open floor discussion provides participants the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, deepening the conversation on the role of journalism in addressing conflict, promoting understanding, and responding to crises with accuracy and empathy. Mr. Ramon Belleno III, faculty member of WVSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, and Mr. Gierson Bordon, BAJ Student, serves as the reactor for the event, offering reflections and insights on the themes discussed.
The forum underscores WVSU’s continued commitment to peace education and journalistic integrity, empowering future communicators to become responsible storytellers and agents of positive change.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
