Campus Patrol visits Southville International School and Colleges in Las Piñas. Screenshot source: ABS-CBN TV Patrol
Developing a generation of well-informed and discerning next generation of leaders means cultivating them to be able to evaluate sources, think for themselves, and discuss perspectives to avoid only becoming "echo chambers" of popular opinion.
This mission was taken on personally by ABS-CBN News through Campus Patrol. Recently, a team of experienced reporters and mentors in their field turned the Southville International School and Colleges in Las Piñas City into an interactive newsroom.
For ABS-CBN Integrated News Head Francis Toral, Campus Patrol builds early awareness and helps students navigate fast-moving digital space.
"Layunin ng ABS-CBN News through Campus Patrol na mas paigtingin pa 'yung pagnanasa ng mga estudyante at mga bata na matutuhan kung paano ba maging responsable at paano ba mag-share ng mga credible information. Lalo na ngayon na napakaraming mga false information, so we are hoping, through this advocacy, through this effort, we are empowering young students to know and embrace correct and truthful information always," shared Toral.
(It is the mission of ABS-CBN News through Campus Patrol to intensify the desire of students and the youth to learn how to be responsible and how to share credible information. Especially now that there is too much false information circulating. So, through this advocacy event, we are hoping that the effort empowers students to know and embrace correct and truthful information always).
Campus Patrollers and students host ABS-CBN News' Campus Patrol. Screenshot source: ABS-CBN TV Patrol
Campus Patrollers, reporters Michael Delizo and Andrea Taguines, with entertainment news reporter Ganiel Krishnan, joined by students Kurt Calpe, Francine Reynon, and Shine Gonzales hosted the event that focused on the fight against fake news, with four sessions led by experts and veteran journalists.
Other speakers including Erik Tenedero, Deputy Editor for Social Media and Engagement talked about Social Media 101, the challenge starts with everyday online habits. He said that social media should remain a fun space, but it also should not be a cause for personal harm on ourselves or others in the space.
While ABS-CBN anchor and reporter Zen Hernandez said everyone shares responsibility for online content. "We do not want to be part of the problem. Fighting disinformation and misinformation should be easy if everybody takes up that responsibility," said Hernandez.
Students experience professional technical operation of a broadcast. Screenshot source: ABS-CBN TV Patrol
Over 300 students, staff, and faculty joined the full-day event. Communication Arts and Multimedia Arts students were also assigned to production roles where they experienced how a live broadcast works, from floor directing, coordinating, checking the sequence guide, and learning the technical aspects of production with the help of the technical and production team of ABS-CBN News.
Jocelyn Tizon, president of Southville International School and Colleges, said the program connects classroom learning with real-world practice. "Campus Patrol allows our students to experience how it is to handle important information. To see what the truth is and to build critical thinking." Adding that working with industry leaders strengthens their students' confidence and skills.
Students also joined hands-on activities, including the Reporter's Challenge with a full live reporting setup. Performances added energy to the event. P-pop group 1621 with members JM, JC, Win, Migz, and DJ performing crowd favorites,"Bababa" and "O, ano?" while Idol Season 2 finalist Bryan Chong sang his version of "Tala" and "Eroplano."
The SISC Monarch Dance Troupe also delivered high-energy routines, and Monarch Hannah Co performed a song.
Beyond the campus: Engaging activities and live experiences
Sponsors and brands join the fun and excitement in Southville International School and Colleges. Photo source: ABS-CBN News
The day would not be complete without fun and games to match the energy of the students. Major partner EO Executive Optical tested students' eyesight using the "Spot the Difference" games. Winners faced a tougher challenge with a "Where's Wally" style poster, racing to find hidden EO logos. Free eye check-ups were also offered throughout the day at the EO booth, where sunglasses and summer eyewear were on display and available for purchase.
iWant and MYX also brought their own games.
Photo source: ABS-CBN News
iWant held a surprise pop quiz focused on its latest series, iWant Originals, and brand taglines. Last year, iWant launched the new look of the streaming platform to give the Filipino audience, especially our kababayans abroad, #homeoffilipinofeels.
Photo source: ABS-CBN News
MYX kept the energy going with music-related questions, including their latest show on YouTube (MYX Now) and their latest VJs.
All winners brought home a special prize.
As Campus Patrol continues its run across schools, Toral reminded those who will enter the profession one day. "Panindigan lang natin ang ating ginagawa. Mahalin natin ang ating trabaho at lagi lang tayong in the Service of the Filipino."
(Stand up for what we are doing. Love our joy and always be in the Service of the Filipino).