The Oracle participates in 26th Inkblots at University of Santo Tomas

Inked for Truth. The Oracle representatives, stand proud as the sole participants from Tarlac during the 26th Inkblots Convention at the University of Santo Tomas. Carrying the banner of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, they joined nearly 300 campus journalists nationwide in championing truth and integrity in journalism ahead of the 2025 elections.

Report by Leean Margarette Magat | Photo by Angilene Dableo and Leean Margarette Magat

The Oracle, the official student publication of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, marked another milestone by successfully participating in the 26th Inkblots held on January 11-12, 2024, at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building, University of Santo Tomas (UST).

Organized by The Varsitarian, the official student publication of UST, the event themed, “Campus Press as Catalyst for Truth in the 2025 Elections,” covered perceptive discussions on campus journalism as a tool to combat false media as election campaigning proceeds.

The Oracle, the official publication of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, served as the lone representative of Tarlac in the nation-wide convention as they were the only publication to attend from the province.

Student-journalists from other regions also took part in the two-day event, with the registration recording almost 300 attendees from 40 publications.

Political journalist and Inkblots founder, Asst. Prof. Christian Esguerra, opened the event by highlighting political dynasty as one of the incessant issues the Philippine has been facing for decades.

“Political dynasties are scourged in Philippine politics […] these dynasties are getting fatter and fatter. If you look at the previous study by Ateneo, lumalabas dun na merong direct relations ang laki ng political dynasty at yung level ng kahirapan sa isang lugar. Mas mataba yung political dynasty, mas mahirap yung lugar,” Asst. Prof. Esguerra shared.

Furthermore, Chairperson of the 26th Inkblots, Ms. Karis Tsang, shared wisdom, empowering campus press as means of truthful journalism in the critical elections.

“As to the journalists, you’re not just reporters, you are the guardians of truth. You have the responsibility to ask the tough questions, seek out the facts, and present these through an engaging manner, especially as we head towards the democracy’s most fundamental exercise, the elections,” Ms. Tsang voiced.

The two-day convention composed of multiple discussion series tackling critical points of the different fields of journalism with some of the prominent veterans in the field.

Discussion on day one was spearheaded by Philstar Editor Camille Diola, Rappler’s Columnist and Editorial Consultant John Nery, and Manila Bulletin’s Entertainment Columnist Nestor Cuartero.

Moreover, Rappler’s Senior Investigative Reporter Lian Buan and Senior Multimedia Reporter Paterno Esmaquel II, Philippine Daily Inquirer Sports Journalist Francis Ochoa, and Former ABS-CBN Deputy Editor Fernando “Jun” Garcia Sepe Jr. led the seminar on day two.

Actor Kokoy de Santos also made an appearance during the event, conducting a mock press conference where the participants had the chance to ask questions about his experience in the industry.

In addition, Band Any Name’s Okay unveiled a dynamic performance, supplying the attendees with soulful ambiance, performing their hits Clouds, Yugto, Vivid, and Tabing-dagat.

The Oracle reps Editor-in-chief Angilene Dableo, Development Communication Editor Mandie Asejo, and Correspondent Leean Margarette Magat received certificates for their participation during the fellowship night.

Meanwhile, the awarding ceremony for the anticipated 10th UST National Campus Journalism Awards (UNCJA) was also held during the fellowship night.

Along with The Oracle’s entries, 400 entries from over 70 publications nationwide were judged by UST’s Department of Journalism. Winners received trophies, certificates and a Php. 20,000 cash prize, while Special Jury Citations received certificates and a Php. 10,000 cash prize.

The Oracle’s participation in the event highlights its dedication to promoting truthful journalism and fostering excellence in campus media.