One of the important engagements I recently had in my passion as campus journalism mentor took place late last year – in Escalante City.
It was actually a long-delayed training as the invitation was extended early this school year yet by Escalante City Schools Supt. Peter Galimba. The hectic schedule of school activities, however, stalled the training implementation.
I had looked forward to the Escalante training for two reasons.
First, it gave me an opportunity to revisit the city for the first time in more than 20 years. I have passed by the city several times after that visit in my trips to San Carlos City but not lately since my Bacolod-San Carlos travels took the Don Salvador Benedicto route.
By coincidence, my trip to Escalante way back was for a related reason. I helped manage the Division of Negros Occidental Schools’ two Press Conferences which was held there twice in three years.
Secondly, the recent trip gave me an opportunity to renew ties with Sir Peter, who has been supportive of campus journalism programs having come from the ranks of the school paper adviser.
During his term as principal of Hinigaran National High School, he sought me out to conduct a training program for his school editors, who were under adviser Katrina Francisco-Selda, now the English program supervisor of the Division of Himamaylan City.
Sir Peter reminded me that I also helped train his editors – when he was still adviser of Tabao NHS publication – for the Copyreading and Headlining contest in the NSPC held in Koronadal City.
In the recent Escalante training, I also reconnected with Dr. Ma. Theresa Tabotabo, Escalante City English program supervisor, who was among our training clients during her school paper advisory days at Escalante National High School.
Ma’am Tabotabo coordinated with me in the preparatory activities for the recent training.
The rejuvenation of ties with Sir Peter and Ma’am Tess, indeed, validates the observation that the school paper advisers’ position is a tested-and-proven steppingstone to higher or senior positions in our educational system.
Also welcoming us during the training were Curriculum Implementation Division Chief Dr. Ivy Joy Torres; OIC ASDS Dr. Marites Capilitan, a fellow CPU alumnus, and Filipino EPS Perly Mapa.
More than 200 student writers and advisers participated in the training, which was held in preparation for their January Division Schools Press Conference and for the production of their respective school papers.
I could sense the genuine interest of school paper adviser in developing further their competencies as demonstrated during the consultation hour. I am thankful had the occasion to share with them whatever experience and knowledge I have.
Thanks Sir Peter, Doc Tess and company for the invitation and the memorable accommodation.
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Capping our trip that day was an unexpected detour to Barangay Vito in Sagay City, where my friend, tourism officer Helen Cutillar, arranged a post-birthday seafood dinner treat at the just-opened Pala-Pala sa Vito.
My colleagues – EAD, Atty. J., Keith, Franz – and I couldn’t have been fuller. We’re very grateful, Ms. Helen.
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Therefore encourage one another and build each other up… (I Thessalonians 5:11) | NWI
