6 hours Ago By SunStar Cebu
The recent move by the administration of the University of San Carlos (USC) Talamban Campus in northern Cebu City to evict the student publication Today’s Carolinian from its office has sparked a debate that goes beyond the immediate loss of a physical space. The USC administration’s decision can be interpreted as a critical commentary on the role of journalism in educational institutions and, by extension, in the broader context of Philippine society. Journalism, particularly at the campus level, serves as an invaluable crucible for nurturing critical thinking, accountability, and the democratic process.
The eviction of Today’s Carolinian from its office can alos be viewed as a symbolic silencing of a voice that has been pivotal in shaping informed, engaged students. Journalism on campus is a laboratory for democracy. It’s where students learn to hold institutions accountable, including their own universities.
By reporting on campus issues, from tuition fee increases to policy changes, student journalists provide a mirror to the community, reflecting not just its triumphs but also its challenges. This process is essential in teaching students to question, analyze, and understand the complexities of societal structures, which are often dominated by political dynasties in the Philippines. The Philippines, with its vibrant yet vulnerable democracy, stands at a crossroads where the youth’s critical engagement could either fortify or further destabilize the political landscape.
It is heartwarming to read in the news that there are still teenagers who are passionate about truth and journalism, which has been challenged misinformation and disinformation spread across social media platforms. Let’s digress a bit. Political dynasties, a common feature in Filipino politics, thrive on the lack of critical scrutiny.
They perpetuate a system where power and influence are inherited rather than earned through merit or public service. Here, journalism serves as a counterbalance, pushing for transparency, accountability, and change. By evicting a student publication, USC inadvertently sends a message that such critical voices are not only unwelcome but are also expendable, thereby stifling the very essence of democratic education.
The act of journalism at the university level is about more than just reporting; it’s about mentorship and the cultivation of future leaders who are not afraid to challenge the status quo. By losing its space, Today’s Carolinian scribes could be discouraged from practicing journalism. Cebu could also lose a generation of potential journalists who might otherwise have grown into media professionals capable of advocating for a more equitable society.
Institutions like USC carry a significant responsibility to foster environments where students can experiment with ideas, confront power, and learn the delicate dance of democracy..
