Written by Katrina Nicole Vallesteros, Ace Martin, & Jhezereel Bangaoet
When the doors of Centennial Hall opened, one thing became clear: news never sleeps, and neither does the passion of those who choose to tell it.
On February 19, 2026, the University of Baguio became a training ground for future storytellers during Presspective: Shaping the Future press, a seminar organized by the second-year BA Communication students. The event gathered communication students from different year levels who shared a common goal of learning journalism beyond classroom discussion and gaining insights from industry experience.
Veteran media practitioner, Mr. Eddie Carta, graced the seminar as guest speaker, bringing with him more than three decades of experience in the media industry.
“Ang pinaka-basic pa rin sa journalism ay code of ethics
(The most basic thing in journalism is a code of ethics),”
he reminded the audience, underscoring that the craft of reporting must always be anchored on strong foundations. Carta emphasized that beyond skill and speed, it is ethics, accuracy, and professionalism that sustain the credibility of journalism.
He stressed that ethics, accuracy, and professionalism remain the pillars of credible reporting in an industry where information can easily be distorted.
In an era where news spreads instantly through social media and digital platforms, verification of facts remains more valuable than being first to publish. For him, journalism is less about urgency and more about responsibility to the public who consumes information every day.
The seminar gave students a glimpse of the realities awaiting future media practitioners. Mr. Carta encouraged future journalists to build discipline in their craft, stay humble despite achievements, and continue improving through experience and mentorship from industry practitioners. It also aimed to highlight how journalism helps maintain transparency, promote accountability, and strengthen public awareness.
For BA Communication students, the event served as both motivation and preparation. Many of them aspire to work in print, broadcast, and digital media fields in the future. Hence, the seminar instilled the idea that journalism is not only a profession but also a commitment to society, where every story shared has the power to shape public understanding.
As the session drew to a close, one idea stayed with the students. Perspective shapes everything. It reminded future media practitioners that journalism goes beyond reporting events. It is about carrying the vision of the press with responsibility, honesty, and the courage to present stories that matter.
With the Journalism Principles and Practices seminar concluded, a new generation of truth seekers stands ready. Not just to write, not just to report, but to preserve integrity and give voice to stories that deserve to be heard.
