Written by Frances Ocba | Photo by Megan Estillore
Veteran journalist and i-Witness host Howie Severino shared his experiences during the Martial Law period and discussed the role of the media in preserving the truth during the Kapuso Campus Talks on September 21 at the University of the Philippines Cebu Performing Arts Hall.
Severino highlighted his documentary Litrato, in which he recounted being arrested for taking a photograph of a student activist during a protest. Years later, he reconnected with the activist and reflected on how the photograph helped preserve a memory of the experience.
Drawing from the story, Severino encouraged students, who he called “digital natives”, to use technology to strengthen connections and contribute to democracy.
“If you open up lines of communication with people who are not as savvy about the Internet, then you will be able to tell them what is going on on the Internet, what is right, what is wrong, what is true, what is not true,” Severino said.
The discussion was followed by a performance from UP Cebu’s student-led dance organization, SAYAWE, and a question-and-answer session with Severino.
Students from different schools across Cebu attended the event, including Cebu Normal University, University of San Carlos, University of the Visayas, University of San Jose-Recoletos, and Southwestern University.
Hosted by Balitang Bisdak anchor Lou-Anne Mae Rondina, Kapuso Campus Talks is an initiative of GMA Regional TV that brings media professionals to students to discuss current issues and media-related topics.
The event was part of the activities for the 34th Cebu Press Freedom Week, which opened on September 20 and will culminate on September 26.