CASS journalists bag awards, alumnus earns nomination at 4th YJPFC

Report by Ma. Kazzandra Melegrito | Photo by Joaquin Umali

Tarlac State University (TSU) hosted the 4th Young Journalists Press Freedom Congress (YJPFC) on Friday, August 29, at Priscilla Hall, TSU Hotel – Lucinda Campus, where student journalists and an alumnus from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) received awards and a nomination.

The YJPFC, organized by the Association of Tertiary School Paper Advisers of Region III Inc. (ATSPAR), carried the theme “Burning Ink: Young Journalists as Torchbearers of Truth.” The event gathered 390 delegates from 37 publications across Central Luzon.

Psychology graduate Ernest Samuel Lorenzo was nominated for the Outstanding Campus Journalist Award in recognition of his four years of service as layout artist and multimedia editor of The Work, TSU’s official student publication.

In an interview, Lorenzo shared that he considers being a campus journalist an exceptional role.

“I don’t really know what to feel, since this isn’t something I aspired for in the first place… pero for me kasi, being a campus journalist in the service of others is already outstanding enough,” Lorenzo said.

He also urged fellow student journalists to use their voice despite fear.

“All throughout my journey as a campus journalist, I’ve faced my share of fears… It’s okay to feel fear, it’s part of being human… because bravery isn’t about not feeling fear, it’s about choosing to do what’s right despite it,” he added.

Meanwhile, Broadcast Director Roberto Luiz Macapagal, a second-year Communication student, was named 1st Best News Anchor and also secured 3rd place in the A-List Opinion Entry with The Work’s Desk Editor Patricia Lomboy.

“Once again honored to be named this year's Central Luzon Best News Anchor, but this time around, in my collegiate career,” Macapagal wrote in a Facebook post.

Additionally, Lee Olidar, a fourth-year Communication student, also made it to the winners’ list, placing 10th Best News Presenter in the same category as Macapagal.

Kleyn Abigail Fernandez, a fourth-year Psychology student and Editor-in-Chief of The Work, won 4th place in the recently added Journalistic Position Paper Writing – Filipino category, while Feature Editor Kate Aira Mendoza, a third-year Psychology student, placed 4th in the A-List Infographics Entry alongside other members of The Work.

The YJPFC is held annually to recognize the talent, dedication, and service of tertiary student journalists in Central Luzon.