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Journalism educators confer highest honor on ‘Father of Barefoot Journalism’

The Journalism Studies Association of the Philippines (JSAP) conferred its highest distinction on veteran journalism educator Ben Domingo Jr. during the JSAP National Conference 2025, held on Dec. 9 at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Manila.

In his honorary membership citation, Domingo was recognized for his exemplary contributions to journalism education and community-based media practice. A former chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education’s Technical Committee for Journalism, he helped shape national standards and quality assurance frameworks for journalism programs nationwide from 2011 to 2017.

Domingo has taught journalism, communication, and development communication at PUP, the University of the Philippines Diliman, and Central Luzon State University. Domingo is acknowledged as the “Father of Barefoot Journalism” (“Peryodistang Yapak”) for pioneering a grassroots-oriented, community-based approach to journalism education and practice.

Beyond academia, Domingo has also built a distinguished career in sports and sports media, becoming the first Filipino Accredited International Referee of the International Badminton Federation (now the Badminton World Federation) in 1997 and the first Filipino Certified International Referee of the Asian Badminton Confederation in 2004. His media work includes serving as a feature writer for World Badminton Magazine (London), a long-time sports columnist, a sportscaster for PTV4/RPN9/IBC13, and director for media relations of the Philippine Badminton Association.

Previous recipients of the award were communication scholar Dr. Crispin Maslog (2022) and Dr. Georgina Encanto (2023), former dean of the UP College of Mass Communication.

This year’s JSAP conference, themed “Journalism for a Sustainable Future: Reporting the SDGs, Uncovering the Challenges,” gathered 500 journalism educators, student-researchers, and media practitioners for plenary discussions, parallel paper presentations, and breakout sessions on journalism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), community storytelling, A.I. and newsroom ethics, democracy and disinformation, environmental reporting, and digital disruptions affecting news production and trust.

The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (PCP) held a special breakout session—Parallel Session on Photo Essays, with the theme “Visualizing the SDGs: Perspectives of Student Journalists in Photo Essays.” The special session featured Jimmy Domingo, JSAP trustee and safety officer; AC Dimatatac, photojournalist, lecturer, and visual storyteller; and Ramon Jose, PCP Safety Expert. In its own breakout session, PressOne.PH tackled the growing threat of digital manipulation and foreign influence operations in the special breakout session on digital investigation.

JSAP President Felipe Salvosa II announced that the University of the Philippines Diliman will host the JSAP National Conference 2026, underscoring the university’s longstanding leadership in communication scholarship and journalism education in the country.

UP College of Media and Communication Associate Dean Lucia Tangi formally accepted the hosting of the 2026 conference during the closing rites at PUP Bulwagang Balagtas.

#JSAPNationalConference2025 #PUP #BenDomingoJr #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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JSAP National Conference 2025 Set to Spotlight Journalism’s Role in Advancing the SDGs

Mark your calendars as the Journalism Studies Association of the Philippines (JSAP) National Conference 2025 gathers the country’s brightest young journalists, scholars, and media practitioners for a landmark event dedicated to exploring journalism’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Happening on December 9, 2025, at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Bulwagang Balagtas, this year’s conference carries the theme: “Journalism for a Sustainable Future: Reporting the SDGs, Uncovering the Challenges.”

The conference offers a full day of reflection, exchange, and inspiration, highlighting how journalism can drive accountability, awareness, and meaningful action toward sustainable development. Student journalists, educators, and communication professionals nationwide are set to participate in plenary sessions, research presentations, and discussions on the nation’s most urgent issues.

Exceptional Keynote and Plenary Speakers

JSAP 2025 will feature a distinguished roster of speakers addressing critical issues in journalism and sustainable development. This year’s event will be gracefully led by keynote speaker Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez, who will set the tone for discussions on the media’s role in nation-building and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As for the plenary speakers, Dr. Roland Tolentino, fictionist, cultural critic, and former UP CMC Dean; Ms. Joyce Pañares, managing editor of the Manila Standard and UPCMC Glory Awardee; Mr. Jiggy Manicad, award-winning broadcast journalist and documentarist; and Ms. Pia Ranada, Rappler senior reporter, McLuhan Fellow, and investigative journalist.

Collectively, their discussions will traverse the SDGs, investigative journalism, corruption, climate and health challenges, disaster communication, and global influence operations. Through their combined expertise, JSAP 2025 aims to empower young journalists to report with integrity, depth, and a renewed commitment to sustainable and responsible storytelling.

Parallel Sessions: Student Research Presentations

This year’s conference features student-researchers from across the country presenting groundbreaking studies on Philippine journalism’s current landscape from disinformation and ideological battles to environmental crises and geopolitical tensions.

Bringing together student-researchers from across the nation as they spotlight timely, forward-looking studies on the evolving landscape of Philippine journalism — from community engagement and environmental accountability to journalist safety, media literacy, and ethics — all aimed at shaping sustainable, resilient, and future-ready newsrooms.

The conference will also feature parallel sessions exploring diverse aspects of journalism. Parallel Session A – Democracy, Conflict, and Disinformation examines the frames and ideologies shaping Philippine journalism, including territorial sovereignty and global influence operations in political and humanitarian crises. Parallel Session B – Community, Environment, and Ethical Practice highlights efforts toward sustainable and safe newsrooms. Parallel Session C – Digital Disruptions and the Future of News focuses on AI, social media algorithms, virality, and audience trust.

Featured Organizations: Photographers’ Center of the Philippines (PCP) and PressOne.Ph

The Photographers’ Center of the Philippines (PCP) takes an important role in shaping young visual journalists through its special breakout session—Parallel Session on Photo Essays, with the theme “Visualizing the SDGs: Perspectives of Student Journalists in Photo Essays”. This special session features AC Dimatatac, photojournalist, lecturer, and visual storyteller. She will lead an in-depth discussion on how photo essays can champion SDG issues, strengthen community storytelling, and challenge visual narratives in the age of misinformation. Dimatatac will also share techniques on ethical documentation, human-centered storytelling, and the impact of photojournalism in shaping public consciousness.

In partnership with PressOne.PH, another key breakout session will tackle the growing threat of digital manipulation and foreign influence operations—Parallel session on Digital Investigation. With the theme “Battles Beyond the Sea: Investigating Influence Operations and Digital Warfare in the Philippines”, the session will be headed by Nikko A. Balbedina III, John Hurt Allauigan, and Leigh Jenessen San Diego.

This session will decode the unseen battles taking place in the digital sphere—how influence networks are engineered, how narratives are weaponized, and how journalists guard the truth with courage and clarity. The discussion emphasizes the urgent role of young journalists in countering digital deception and safeguarding democratic discourse.

A National Gathering of Impactful Journalism

The JSAP National Conference 2025 reinvites the community of journalists, storytellers, and media scholars to reflect on the past, engage with the present, and envision a sustainable future. Participants can expect a day of insightful discussions, compelling research, and powerful calls to action—redefining what it means to report for impact, relevance, and transformation.

See you on December 9 at the PUP Bulwagang Balagtas!

Together, we shape a sustainable, inclusive, and accountable future for Philippine journalism.

For full details on these sessions and the complete event program, visit the PUP Journalism Guild Social Media accounts, PUP Website, and you can email the Department of Journalism office through:

PUP Journalism Guild Social Media accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pupjournguild/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pupjournguild/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/pupjournguild

PUP Website: https://www.pup.edu.ph/

PUP COC – Department of Journalism Office: pupcoc.doj@gmail.com

#JSAP2025 #SolidoJourno #PUP #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Landco Pacific Corporation Unveils New Student Lounge at Asian Institute of Management, Strengthening Partnership for Future Leaders

The Asian Institute of Management and Landco Pacific Corporation officially unveiled the Landco Pacific Student Lounge at the AIM campus in Makati City. The ceremonial event was led by Dr. Jikyeong Kang, President and Dean of AIM, and Erickson Y. Manzano, President and CEO of Landco Pacific Corporation.

“We are thrilled and grateful for the donation of Landco Pacific in providing a space designed to enable our students to connect and engage in meaningful discussions and strengthen their bonds,” said Dr. Kang, President and Dean of AIM.

Manzano highlighted the support of Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of Landco Pacific Corporation and its parent company Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), in making the student lounge a reality. “This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and support of Mr. Pangilinan. Our donation of the new student lounge reflects our commitment to education as a vehicle for progress and aims to enhance the learning experience for AIM students, helping them become the next generation of innovative leaders.”

The collaboration between AIM and Landco Pacific further reinforces both institutions’ shared vision of fostering the growth of future leaders who will drive sustainable change in Asia and beyond. AIM continues to be a pioneer in management education, committed to producing transformative leaders who are equipped to thrive in a dynamic and rapidly evolving world.

As one of the premier business schools in Southeast Asia, AIM has maintained its reputation as a leading institution for business and management education. Its MBA program is internationally recognized, and its alumni network spans across the most influential sectors in Asia.

Landco Pacific Student Lounge unveiled at AIM. Mr. Erickson Y. Manzano, President and CEO, Landco Pacific Corporation and Dr. Jikyeong Kang, President and Dean, Asian Institute of Management led the ceremonial unveiling of the new student lounge.

“My time at AIM played a crucial role in shaping my leadership abilities. The case study-based learning approach and real-world problem-solving experience provided me with invaluable skills that I still apply in my career today. I hope that with our donation of the lounge, AIM students will appreciate its value as a platform for exchanging ideas, sparking creativity and forging lifelong friendships,” Manzano shared as an alumnus of AIM.

In recognition of his leadership and contributions, CEO Insights Asia Magazine named Manzano as one of the Top 10 Best Alumni Leaders of AIM in 2023. This prestigious recognition put into spotlight his outstanding achievements in the business and real estate sectors.

Landco Pacific Student Lounge enhances the learning experience at AIM – Mr. Erickson Y. Manzano, President and CEO, Landco Pacific Corporation (7th from left) and Dr. Jikyeong Kang, President and Dean, Asian Institute of Management (5th from right) together with AIM and Landco Pacific executives, and student representatives at the student lounge.

Landco Pacific is acclaimed for pioneering premium developments for more than 30 years, and has a long-established reputation for creating valuable developments, a legacy that continues to ring true since its first development, Punta Fuego in the 1990s.

Under Manzano’s leadership, Landco Pacific has been at the forefront of the development of innovative and sustainable Leisure Resort Estates – CaSoBe (Calatagan South Beach) and Club Laiya in Batangas and Costa Azalea in Samal Island, Davao; and The Residences at Terrazas de Punta Fuego, the luxury residential beachfront condominium as the last call to be part of the exclusive community of Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Batangas.  Landco BeachTowns are master planned and mixed-use developments featuring cutting-edge designed beachfront condominiums, sprawling estates and resort attractions in premier tourist and leisure destinations. These developments complement Landco Pacific’s premium residential and commercial communities in key locations across the country.

For more information about AIM and its programs, please visit https://aim.edu/. For information about Landco Pacific Corporation, please visit https://www.landco.ph/.

#Landco #AIM #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Muhi: ’PUP as Southeast Asia’s Top Polytechnic University’  

President Manuel M. Muhi, the 13th President of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), has affirmed his commitment to propel the University to excellence, aiming to establish the university as the top polytechnic institution in Southeast Asia.

In his address following his reappointment for a second term, President Muhi articulated his vision for PUP, pledging to fortify the university’s academic programs, modernize facilities, and cultivate a culture of excellence at par with global standards.

 “Sa loob ng mga nakaraang taon, naging karangalan ko ang paglingkuran ang Sintang Paaralan, at ngayong pumapasok na tayo sa ikalawang termino, may kaakibat na bigat ‘pag sinasabi ‘yung pangalawang termino – nais kong ipahayag ang ating pangako na patuloy na magsisilbi at magtutulak ng mga reporma upang mapalakas pa ang ating pamantasan,” President Muhi stated.

During Muhi’s first term, PUP was able to secure its spot for the third time as Jobstreet’s most preferred graduates by employers. QS Stars, a globally-recognized rating system that provides rating to universities and institutions, hailed PUP as second best State University in the Philippines.

(From left): VP for Student Affairs and Services Prof. Tom Testor, VP for Administration Prof. Adam Ramilo, VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Emanuel de Guzman, President Manuel Muhi, Executive VP Prof. Alberto Guillo, VP for Research Extension and Development Dr. Anna Ruby Gapasin, and VP for Campuses Prof. Lito Gatan.

“Sa ating ikalawang termino, nais nating maglaan ng mas malaking effort para ang Sintang Paaralan ay maipakilala at maging top polytechnic university sa Southeast Asia,” Muhi added.

Muhi, who has been serving as PUP’s president since 2020, acknowledged the difficulties faced during his first term, particularly navigating the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Hindi ho naging madali ang ating unang termino na magkakasama. Bukod sa kinaharap natin ang COVID-19, ay kinailangan nating dumaan sa accreditation, application ng COPC, licensure examinations, CAEPUP, enrollment at iba pa, pero hindi nyo ho ako binigo,” he stated in his speech.

President Muhi outlined key priorities for his second term, focusing on enhancing academic programs, upgrading facilities, and promoting innovation and inclusivity.

“Magfofocus tayo sa mga student-centered programs – palalakasin natin ang enrollment-to-employment program na sisiguruhin na ang bawat estudyante ay magkakaroon ng industry-ready skills. Palalawakin natin ang access ng ating Education On Wheels program para mas maraming estudyante pa ang makapagtapos ng pag-aaral ng walang pinoproblemang babaunin sa araw-araw,” President Muhi stated.

President Muhi rallied the PUP community to join him in his vision for the university’s future, “Uunahan ko na ho kayo, hindi ho magiging madali ang ating ikalawang termino. Marami ho tayong kailangan gawin at gustong gawin para makapagbigay ng kalidad na edukasyon sa mas marami pang kabataang Pilipino. Sa tulong ng bawat isa, kayang-kaya nating marating ang mas mataas pang antas ng tagumpay. Patuloy nating isulong ang dangal ng Sintang Paaralan. Kasama ko ho ba kayo sa layuning ito?” he added, encouraging the PUP community to stand ready to face the challenges ahead and work towards providing quality education to more Filipino youth.

A simple celebration followed his address bringing together faculty members, administrators, students, and distinguished guests.

#ManuelMuhi #PUPPresident #PUP #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph