Telco boosts online journalism

SMART Communications Inc. gave online journalism a push at this year’s National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) held April 9 at the Ormoc Superdome in Leyte.

The telecommunications company was invited for the second time to give a lecture on online journalism during the NSPC’s plenary session attended by close to 300 high school and elementary students and teachers.

“Smart is constantly looking at Internet-based technology solutions as a way to enhance learning among students. Our Online Journalism program aims not only to solve the perennial lack of funds for publishing school papers via traditional media but also provide the students a platform on which to develop their online skills,” said Ramon Isberto, Smart Public Affairs Group head.

Smart invited journalists to speak on various topics.

Christian Esguerra who is an assistant professor in the University of Santo Tomas and a senior reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer talked on “Print Media versus New Media,” while Max Limpag, who is business editor of Sun Star Cebu and co-founder of InnoPub Media, gave “Tips on Online Publishing.”

Monica Belle Tejada, Smart Public Affairs officer, discussed Smart’s Journ.ph, which provides schools with an online alternative to the traditional printed school paper.

“In the coming years, DepEd is looking at holding online journalism contests as part of the NSPC given the increasing popularity and pervasiveness of new media. We want our student journalists to be exposed not only in the traditional print media but also online so we can take advantage of new Internet technologies that are already being made more affordable by companies like Smart,” said Eldy Onas, national coordinator for NSPC 2013.