Shekinah Jedidiah M. Alima

Veteran broadcast journalist Jessica Soho called on  campus journalists to fight sensationalism amid digital age in her keynote speech at the opening ceremonies of the 2025 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) and National Festival of Talents (NFOT)  in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Photo Courtesy of Daiven Monforte/Explained PH.

Soho reminded campus journalists that they should not resort to sensationalism or exaggerating the way they present their contents just to gain a wider audience or to stand out in social media. 

“Your story or content should standout and matter in a good way. ‘Wag naman ‘yung unnecessary o buwis-buhay stunt o pranks you see online - you also need to guard against sensationalism or tabloid journalism,” Soho stated during her speech.

She also explained that the real impact of their stories lie with the emotions their audience can feel and not with social media popularity.

“How do you know that your story has made an impact? If it elicits a strong reaction or emotion,” Soho added.

Moreover, the award-winning journalist recognized the role of the younger generation in facilitating online discourse across social media about pressing societal issues that require attention.

“You are the generation of driving or starting online debates, hindi lang kayo passive observers of content - kayo rin ang nanghahamon sa matagal nang kaugalian ng mga naunang henerasyon,” she reiterated in her address. 

She also asked the young scribes to use the privileges they gain from social media accessibility to tackle social issues.

“May I please urge you to use technology for good? I-focus niyo rin ang inyong mga camera sa mga isyu sa komunidad o lipunan,” Soho stated. 

Soho’s speech revolved around the seven lessons she wanted to instill on the campus journalists: accuracy, impact, content, fairness, reading, balance, and ‘be good, do good.’

A total of 18 regions across the Philippines sent their delegates, with Negros Island Region joining the highly-anticipated event NSPC for the first time since its establishment last year.

Participating regions are National Capital Region (NCR); Ilocos Region (Region I); Cagayan Valley (Region II); Central Luzon (Region III); CALABARZON (Region IV-A); MIMAROPA Region (Region IV-B); Bicol Region (Region V); Western Visayas (Region VI); Central Visayas (Region VII); Eastern Visayas (Region VIII); Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX); Northern Mindanao (Region X); Davao; Region (Region XI); SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII); Caraga Region (Region XIII); Bangsamoro; Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM); Cordillera Administrative; Region (CAR) and Negros Island Region (NIR).

Prior to NSPC and NFOT, competitions were held from the district, division, up to the regional level of each region. 

Last year, Carcar City, Cebu hosted the NSPC and NFOT featuring Vice President and former Education Secretary Sara Duterte as the keynote speaker.