IMELDA MAR, BUTUAN CITY – “Journalism is the first rough draft of history,” a famous quote by Philip Graham, served as the guiding principle for the Orientation on Journalism and Action Research Writing held at Imelda Mar Elementary School on November 14, 2024. The event, organized in collaboration with The WATCHGUILD Publication of PECIT, aimed to equip students and educators with fundamental skills in news and feature writing, article development, graphic design, editorial management, and action research methodologies. Leading the sessions was Editor-in-Chief Arnel Capenianes, alongside Managing Editor Marjezza Norberte and staff members Keith Johnson, John Lenuel Lubon, and Mane Talibong.
Their expertise in campus journalism provided attendees with hands-on training in storytelling, responsible reporting, and the visual aspects of publication design. Adding an academic perspective, Dr. Josephine U. Acha, PhD, Research Director and Extension Services Head, highlighted the critical role of research in journalism and its impact on education. Throughout the program, participants explored the ethics of reporting, investigative techniques, data-driven storytelling, and research integration in journalistic work. The interactive workshops fostered a deeper understanding of how journalism and academic research intersect to shape public discourse and institutional development.
Beyond skill-building, the orientation sought to inspire a new generation of student journalists and researchers—individuals who will serve as truth-seekers and analytical thinkers in their academic and professional pursuits. With initiatives like these, Imelda Mar Elementary School and PECIT’s WATCHGUILD Publication reaffirm their commitment to nurturing ethical, creative, and research-driven writers, ensuring that young minds are prepared to document history with accuracy, integrity, and purpose.
– Arnel Capenianes
