WITH recent developments occurring throughout the globe, their effects have rippled not just in concerned nations but have also reached the households of every Filipino home. The intensifying disputes also place a burden on journalists and the ever-heavy responsibility of covering the truth, regardless of capability or circumstance. In light of this, THE BEDAN HERALD holds its annual journalism forum, [M]ulat, a second time for the academic year, prompting discourse on journalism in these trying times.

Now on its fourth installment, the journalism forum, titled “[M]ulat IV: Mag-ulat at Magmulat: Campus Journalism in Times of Crisis, Conflict, and Inequality,” aims to gather student journalists, media practitioners, and campus leaders in a timely discussion on the role of the press amid escalating global tensions and widening social divides.

“With the ongoing war in different parts of the world, continuous increase of daily goods, and persisting inequality, we felt the need, as Executive Editors of the publication, to hold a second journalism forum for the year,” said Juan Miguel Diaz (IV-BSLM), TBH Editor-in-Chief and Project Head of [M]ulat IV, when asked why the forum was held twice in a single academic year.

Set to be held this May, the forum tackles relevant topics such as reporting in times of crisis, the influence of narrative in divided societies, and shedding light on the stories of the marginalized and oppressed, among others. “As these issues continue to shape perception and public discourse, it makes the role of journalists, especially within the local campus press and community, more vital than ever,” Diaz said.

Understanding that journalists can become catalysts that drive meaningful change beginning from local contexts, [M]ulat IV seeks to examine how student publications can navigate such dilemmas while remaining steadfast in delivering truth-driven reporting, particularly in times when narratives are shaped by political, economic, and social instability.

The invited speakers include seasoned journalists and industry professionals who bring firsthand experience in covering crises and marginalized communities. Among them is Jamela Alindogan, an award-winning news correspondent for Al Jazeera English, known for her frontline coverage of armed conflict, human rights, and marginalized communities across Mindanao, especially during the Marawi Siege. 

Capping the day’s discussions, TBH will also launch the first-ever San Beda College Alabang Campus Press Awards, recognizing outstanding stories from student publications at the junior and senior high school levels. The awards aim to honor excellence in campus journalism, highlighting the published works across the participating publications. The competition categories shall revolve around Best Editorial Article, Best News Article, Best Feature Article, and Best News Photo.

The Editor-in-Chief believes that the works of campus journalists should be celebrated, every story and release should be given renown as they shed light “on the realities and challenges experienced by many people”.

Beyond recognition,  Diaz hopes that “high school and senior high school level student publications learn that journalism does not end in contests and competitions. Instead, they come to realize that as campus journalists, we have the platform and the power of the pen to write stories that can impact change, drive conversations, and give voice to the unheard.”