Comm Guild forum spotlights investigative, community journalism

Report by Jayane Leslie Feliciano | Photo by Diya Nicole Gurung

Tarlac State University (TSU) Communication sophomores received direct insights from two veteran journalists on investigative and community-based reporting during a seminar-workshop held yesterday, December 9, at the Smith Hall Theatre Room.

The event, organized by the TSU Communicators’ Guild Journalism Team, was a seminar-workshop titled “The Courage to Look Closer: A Forum on Investigative and Community-Based Journalism,” which aimed to equip students with the foundational skills they need for their junior-year Investigative Journalism course.

Key speakers Ronald T. Dizon and Fredrick J. Farres—Executive Director and President of the Voice of Tarlac Organization, respectively—led the forum and interview session, answering questions on newsroom expectations, story accuracy, fact-checking practices, and the challenges faced by journalists on the ground.

Dizon emphasized that journalism demands lifelong learning and constant adaptation.

“Even 70 years old na you still try to learn… kahit na 20 years ka na sa journalism hindi ibig sabihin wala ka na matututunan,” he told the students during the Q&A.

Farres, the second speaker, underscored factual reporting as the non-negotiable core of journalism.

"You may have errors or mistakes in whatever grammar but what is important is you can connect to your audience and your market and deliver it as factually and truthfully as possible,” he said.

He also noted that Generation Z’s habit of checking sources before believing online content is a promising defense against misinformation.

Students raised questions on fieldwork, ethical challenges, and writing strategies, which the speakers addressed with practical tips drawn from their experience.

The program was hosted by Communication Department teaching staff Dale Calvin Castañeda, with opening remarks from CASS Associate Dean Raffy Aganon and closing remarks from TSU Communicators’ Guild Adviser Derich Bignot.

The forum concluded with actionable lessons meant to guide students as they move toward more advanced journalism training.