ISAT U LC Students Partake in Department of Agriculture’s Training
To further hone their editorial prowess and uphold the ethical standards of reporting and content creation, the media team of the Public Information and Communication Office, together with The Green Thumb staffers, joined the Capacity Enhancement Training and Collaboration centered on the theme, “Agriculture Stories for the Next Generation: Campus Agricultural Reporters Training on Responsible, Creative, and Ethical Communication,” organized by Department of Agriculture- Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (DA-RAFIS), held on August 20, 2026, at Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City.
Mr. James Earl Ogatis, Regional Information Officer of the Department of Agriculture Western Visayas, centered his welcome remarks on the reasons behind the initiation of the activity. He recalled a past encounter in which he asked someone to identify a certain crop, but the person was unable to name it correctly. This prompted him to realize the lack of awareness and knowledge among some people regarding the field of agriculture. He acknowledged the fast-moving world of modernization, emphasizing that agriculture should not be exempted from this progress but should instead be ready to adapt. He placed his trust in the younger generation and the agricultural reporters present at the event to help spread awareness of the significance and value of the industry.
The event also featured a resource speaker, Mr. Kenneth Lerona, Founder and President of Cornelius Magnate Engagement and Consulting, who adeptly discussed several key topics, including Why Agricultural Communication Matters to the Youth; Understanding the Audience: Critical Thinking and Design Thinking for Agri-Communication; Creative Executive: News Writing, Photo Stories, Broadcast Scripts, Vlogging, Social Media, and AI-Supported Content Development; and Professional, Ethical, and Responsible Agricultural Communication.
Drawing from his experience working both in the field with farmers and in government, Mr. Lerona highlighted the significance of storytelling and writing based on facts and reality. He emphasized that journalists should not portray farmers from a purely pitiful perspective, as agriculture is far more than the facade of hardship they are painted in. Instead, he stressed that farming is a viable and income-generating industry that deserves to be presented with accuracy.
Furthermore, the training was honored with the presence of Mr. Dennis Arpia, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office VI (DA-RFO VI), where he left an important message for the students to remember: not to politicize the poverty of farmers, and that the baseline of journalism should be the truth. He, as well, encouraged the participants to be the carriers of information and drivers of justice.
Written by: The Green Thumb Publication
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