The Oracle engages in discussions with industry experts at PressPlay 2025

Report by Ellyza Jane Gutierrez | Photos by Angilene Dableo, Joaquin Umali, Reyn Cruz and Publication Adviser, Assoc. Prof. Jazzel Llaneli M. Manabat

The Oracle, along with 30 other campus publications from across the country, participated in PressPlay 2025, an event focused on "Rebuilding the Truth of Our Nation," held at De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila on March 1, 2025.

Organized by The Lasallian of DLSU and The GUIDON of Ateneo de Manila University, PressPlay 2025 aimed to equip student journalists with the skills to navigate the country's online landscape amidst the critical issue of public deception, especially during the election season.

The conference began with a plenary session led by Rappler reporter and communications professor Bea Cupin, who addressed the severity of the information crisis in the Philippines.

Additionally, she underscored the crucial role of campus journalists in guiding the public towards truth, particularly given the vulnerability of online media users to disinformation and misinformation.

"Being adept at using the platform doesn't mean you're adept to the manipulation of the platform," she cautioned.

"As the world burns, it's not our job to panic. It's also not our job necessarily to put out the fire. But our job is, ideally, it's our burden to see and hear through the noise of the information ecosystem. Our job is to help them navigate through the quagmire that is our information ecosystem," Cupin further stressed.

Participants then engaged in breakout sessions with experts in specialized journalistic fields. Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Michael Ubac led a session on opinion writing, political cartoonist Iam StephB conducted a workshop on cartooning, while DLSU lecturer Juniesy Estanislao facilitated a talk on election and political awareness.

A panel discussion followed, featuring renowned journalist Atom Araullo, reporter Job Manahan, and professor Estanislao, where they explored how ethical and impactful journalism can thrive in the digitalization of new media.

"The landscape is rapidly changing. I think, if we focus on the forms, the channels, and the medium itself, it's a futile effort to try to grapple with the beasts, to characterize social media,“ Araullo stated.

"Kung hindi natin babalikan yung fundamentals of what journalism is all about, why the truth matters, and what is our job as journalists in uncovering the truth and standing by the truth based on how we go ourselves and based on common principles, then we will lose our way," he added.

Following the insightful discussions, The Oracle's delegation, comprising Editor-in-Chief Angilene Dableo, News and Desk Editor Ellyza Gutierrez, Development Communication Editor Mandie Asejo, and Science and Technology Editor Joaquin Umali, under the guidance of their adviser, Assoc. Prof. Jazzel Manabat, participated in a collaborative editorial competition with other attending publications.

PressPlay 2025 served as a valuable platform for campus journalists to learn from industry experts, collaborate with fellow publication members, and reaffirm their commitment to truthful journalism in the face of persistent and widespread misinformation in the country.