By: Ray Jerald Dieta, The Advocate
The University of the Cordilleras-Arts and Sciences students made a strong showing in the recent Philippine Media Advocacy Conference (PMAC) held at the University of Santo Tomas, with the team taking home the Overall Championship (School of the Year Award) on May 14, 2024.
Shiela Henry Buan’s impressive Extemporaneous Teleprompter Category performance earned her a gold spot and the Viewer’s Choice Award for her entry, “Salamin: Reflect, Fact-Check!”. Rey Jerald Dieta and Jenelyn Kyla Daquigan emerged as the champions for the Public Service Announcement category, impressing judges with their entry, “Tinig na Pilit Tinatanggalan ng Imik.” The university also joined the radio drama category with their entry, “PePE Power.” The team, composed of Kyra Pagalilauan, Gerardette Julio, Cristine Aromin, John Larry “Lala” Agtarap, Cristian Canina, and Rey Jerald Dieta, was led by story writer Yvonne Adrianne Dumsang. All the entries submitted were edited by Martin Louis Labitoria. The achieving students are accompanied by Prof. Patrick Santiago and Prof. Katrina Mamaril, Communication Professors at the University of the Cordilleras.
Students from 7 universities across Luzon participated in the said event, including the University of Santo Tomas, the University of the Philippines—Diliman, Cavite State University, Far Eastern University, the Lyceum of the Philippines University—Manila, Adamson University, and the University of the Cordilleras. The PMAC 2024 competitions included a total of 6 entries in the extemporaneous teleprompter category, 13 public service announcement entries, and 2 radio drama stories.
PMAC 2024 was facilitated and judged by Mr. Ian Dela Cruz of MBC Media Group, and Mr. Robster Evangelista, a singer-songwriter, music producer, PBA Game Announcer, and 93.9 iFM Manila Station Manager.
The University of Santo Tomas Communication Arts Students Association and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), the organizers of the event, aim to promote public awareness and service through media advocacy in the Philippines.
