Anyone can be a journalist but you (sic) should have the right discipline.”

These were the words of GMA news reporter Bam Alegre during the opening ceremony of the 39^th Pasay City Schools Press Conference and Contests 2018 held on August 30, 2018 at Timoteo T. Paez Elementary School.

Alegre said, “The pressure is very great but you have to try your best to give an accurate news.” He emphasized how big the responsibility of a reporter is saying that if a reporter made a mistake in broadcasting he/she could affect billions of people.

The broadcaster challenged the student-journalists “if you want a challenging work then this job is just for you.” Bam claimed that being a journalist may sound easy but in reality it is not. He explained that some events could lead a broadcaster to panic and trouble or worst, to death.

The speaker also inspired the young journalist. “I used to be a student-journalist like

you.” He told the participants that they could already help others be informed through the use of social media. He also wished the students good luck while stressing that when one wins his/her responsibility becomes bigger. Finally, Mr. Alegre reminded the young scribes, “Take the opportunity and get to know the other contestants. You might meet them sometimes.”

Present in the event are Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Evangeline P. Ladines, Education Program Supervisors Dr. Imelda V. Boquiren (English) and Dr. Eduardo V. Wong (Filipino), TPES Principal Mrs. Glenda D. Tabaqirao, school paper advisers, and student-journalists from Pasay City schools.

Mrs. Celeste Makawile, president of Pasay City Elementary School Paper Advisers introduced Bam Alegre. After Alegre’s talk, Dr. Ladines gave her inspirational message.

Themed Fostering 21st Century Skills and Character Based Education thru Campus Journalism the event features individual and group contests in campus journalism. Emcees of the event are Miss Quennie C. Galnag and Miss Erica Angela M. Puno. Mrs. Tabaquirao gave the welcome remarks before Mrs. Daisy M. Gonatise; school paper adviser of ACES introduced the participants, school heads and school paper advisers. Dwigth Belcena Ciervo, participant from PCWHS led the journalist’s creed while Mrs. Teresita F. Bucao, TPES school paper adviser gave the room assignments. TPES Teachers Chorale led the entrance of colors, the singing of the National Anthem, Doxology and Pasay City Hymn. Selected TPES teachers and pupils gave a couple of dance numbers.

Results of the confab was announced during the closing program on August 31 in the same school. PCWHS campus journalists grabbed 10 awards. To wit: Dwight Belcena Ciervo,1st place Column Writing (English); Mayumi Madulid, 2nd place Editorial Cartooning (English); Aira Pulongbarit, 2nd place Photojournalist (English); Faithan Jin Divinagracia, 2nd place Sports Writing (English); Sophia Terencio, 4th place Feature Writing (English); Christian Pascua, 2nd place Pagsulat ng Balitang Sports; Kim Teopiz, 3rd place Pagsulat ng Lathalain; Alliena Marie Tenderilla, 3rd place Pagwawasto at Pag-uulo ng Balita; Samantha Nollora, 4th place Editorial Cartooning (Filipino); and Stephanie Salve T. Jacob, 4th place, Pagkuha ng Larawan,