Contributed by: Levina Eunice Palarca and Hyacinth Premacio
Photos by: Pao Francisco, Catherine Naldoza, Jivi Rizaldo, and Kenneth Sanchez
The Crusader Publication commenced the 10th edition of SIBYA: The Northern Mindanao Student Communicators Congress at the XU Little Theater. This year’s edition is the congress’ first re-installment after being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SIBYA is an annual student-run, non-profit communication congress that attracts audiences from Northern Mindanao through invitations and independent promotions. Themed “Defending Democracy from Disinformation,” the congress tackled one of the most pervasive issues of the last decade—the severity of disinformation and its impacts to our democratic society.
Over 300 virtual and on-site audiences across different universities witnessed the live discussion with the guest speakers composed of Rappler Journalist Rambo Talabong, CNN Philippines Chief Correspondent Pia Hontiveros, and AirAsia Philippines Spokesperson and former GMA News Anchor Steve Dailisan. The congress aimed to raise interest in journalism and communication, provide a forum for intellectual debate, and present current communication trends and issues.
Following the talks, an open forum took place that brought up discourse on relevant topics especially in giving vloggers access to Malacañang press coverages, bias, and fake news.
The congress concluded with the awarding ceremony for both Photojournalism and Essay Writing Contests. #SIBYA10
