By Leonard T. Pineda I
The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Western Visayas held this year’s College Press Conference (COPRE) and Awards by utilizing the virtual platforms to recognize the performance of school publications and the individual writers in the field of development communication.
Jemin B. Guillermo, PIA-6 OIC-Regional Head, said that COPRE is one of the trademarks of PIA6 where students gather for a year-end fellowship, writing contests, and awarding ceremonies. But because of certain restrictions on mass gatherings, the event was held virtually.
“For this year, COPRE underscores a key message on the essence of campus journalism despite the strike of the coronavirus disease. In its deep sense, it enables writers to realize and integrate core messages of the government and the citizen’s critical role and unified efforts in battling the dreaded pandemic,” she said.
She said that PIA6 has continued to sustain its endeavors in promoting development communication which have nurtured the writing prowess of the region’s young writers.
Meanwhile, this year’s COPRE, which was held December 15-16, 2020 via Zoom and Facebook Live, was participated in by over 50 campus publications in Region 6.
The school papers competed in the various publication contests including this year’s major categories such as Best Magazine, Best Newspaper/Tabloid, Best Departmental Publication, and Best Online Newsletter.
Individual student writers also took part in the on-the-spot writing competitions which challenged their skills and tested their journalistic capabilities in various categories.
PIA-6 also recognized outstanding school paper advisers in Western Visayas and cited student writers who took part in the different writing challenges launched during the conduct of the PIA6 Campus Journ Convos webinar series held from September to November this year.
This year’s COPRE is anchored on the theme “Upholding Development Communication in Campus Journalism amid the Pandemic.” (PIA)
