For the whole month of February, join the University of the Philippines’ Journalism Club (UPJC) as they celebrate their 67th anniversary through a campaign that advocates critical and responsible journalism amid the pandemic. With the theme “Banaag,” the celebration focuses on the importance of journalism especially with the May election.

Inspired with the Hiligaynon word “banaag,” which means daybreak, to shed light on, or to be enlightened, the series of events aims to call on journalists in stepping up to “ignite to write; write to ignite” critically, ethically, and responsibly on and off the ground towards the truth.

Furthermore, it is in the organization’s recognition that the internet becomes a haven for political propaganda and disinformation; the Philippines is still suffering the onslaught of the pandemic, and; this election season can change the course of the country’s future, hence it must be fully guided by the free press in the service of the masses to make sure they stray away from distorted truths.

Here is the line-up of activities to be expected together with its specifics within the whole month of February:

• Online Kick-Off [February 5; Open to the public]

To officially launch the event, a kick-off will be done through the release of online publicity materials detailing the organization, its projects, and its members carrying out their advocacies to introduce their activities to the public.

• Fundraising [Whole month of February; Open to the public]

Support the organization and its initiatives by purchasing UPJC and/or journalism-related merchandise that will be sold to raise funds for the organization's chosen beneficiaries.

• Forum [Within the third week of February; Open to the public]

A virtual forum will be launched to primarily target the general audience, especially registered voters, to enhance voter’s participation. Invited speakers from the field of media will discuss the internet and social media’s relevance in elections and how Filipinos can be responsible media users and consumers amid the rise of disinformation in the election season.

• Alumni Homecoming [Within the fourth week of February; For UPJC alumni and resident members only]

With the objective of bringing together UPJC's alumni and resident members in a night of celebration, the internal annual event also serves as one of the biggest avenues for members to announce updates, activities, and other matters to alumni.

• Joint Editorial: Antabay [February 28]

“Antabay” is a joint editorial that will be released to conclude the month. It aims to call the members of the press to exercise their roles as the nation's watchdogs in the upcoming national elections and be unyielding in their mandate in serving the people and defending the integrity of the truth for the country’s future.

Founded in 1954, UPJC is a nonprofit, university-wide, and academic organization based at the College of Mass Communication at the UP Diliman, consisting of an ever-growing pool of young journalists-in-training who strive to be in the service of the college, the university, and the Filipino through the organization's tradition of critical thought and action.