[M]ULAT: Mag-ulat at Magmulat returns for its third year, promising deep discussions of current sociopolitical issues in light of recent controversies surrounding government agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This year’s forum will focus on what the Filipino people have been asking of their government: transparency and accountability. THE BEDAN HERALD’s third installment of [M]ulat will be held this Friday, Nov. 7, at the Manny Reyes Hall.

[M]ulat is held annually as an opportunity for students to engage with nationwide issues firsthand, and this year’s forum focuses on the role of campus journalists as a catalyst for accountability. As campus journalism grows more and more prominent, students are given chances to let their voices be heard and play a larger role in society.

Its goal is “to amplify the voice of the people and bring forward the stories and issues that matter,” said Isabel Daenah Manzanero (IV-BSLM), [M]ulat’s project head and TBH’s Associate Editor. Giving students this opportunity allows them to understand the gravity of these issues while giving them the platform to speak and advocate.

With this goal in mind, [M]ulat mainly focuses on concerns that are pressing and current. Particularly with the recent DPWH scandal, anomalies with government funding and spending, and allegations of select journalists being paid off. These issues will be discussed in-depth, with scrutiny, and will be a reflection of Filipinos’ voices finally being heard amidst a time when they’ve been largely ignored.

“This forum will remind us of our noble integrity, teach us industry standards in investigative and ethical journalism, and strengthen its importance,” Manzanero said, speaking on the importance of integrity amongst journalists in the digital age, where disinformation and half-truths are commonplace and integrity is second thought. 

This forum features prominent guest speakers in the field of journalism, each bringing their unique perspectives and values, serving to deepen the discussions to be held.

Firstly,  JC Gotinga, a senior producer and reporter for Rappler, has also previously worked with other news organizations such as CNN Philippines, Al Jazeera English, Deutsche Welle (DW), TRT News, News5, and Probe. Joining him is Martha Teodoro, a media and marketing manager, the vice chairperson of the Metro Manila Chapter, and currently managing the digital and content strategy for International Care Ministries (ICM). She is also known as a major researcher and training officer at the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ).

Also speaking is Felipe F. Salvosa II, a journalism professor at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) and is a researcher for its Research Center for Culture, Arts, and the Humanities (RCCAH); he also serves as an editor for PressOne.PH and is a member of the PCIJ. The last guest speaker is Jairo Bolledo, now a multimedia reporter for Rappler, who worked for GMA News and Public Affairs beforehand, working on programs such as 24 Oras Weekend, Investigative Documentaries, Bawal ang Pasaway kay Mareng Winnie, and The Atom Aurelio Specials.

“From the past and even in recent times, a collective action among the people has shown an impact on how the government treats its constituents and the problems of the country. As journalists, we amplify this already loud voice and continue to bring these relevant issues to the forefront of these people holding public office,” Manzanero concluded. 

This year’s [M]ulat is a must-attend event for not only campus journalists, but also all students, as it sheds light on current issues like the recent DPWH scandals, calls for accountability and transparency from the government, and integrity amongst journalists in the digital age. This [M]ulat gives students an opportunity to learn and let their voices be heard through open discussions.