By Eman D. Pangcatan
MSU Intern
THE 13th edition of SIBYA 2025, an annual student-led, nonprofit convention for aspiring journalists and communicators, opened Tuesday, June 10, at Cinema 3 of Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro City.
With the theme “Stories of the South: Defying Conflict with Grounded Sensitivity,” the event brought together students, educators, and media professionals to examine the power of ethical storytelling in shaping Mindanao's narratives.
Organized by Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan’s Crusaders’ Publication, and supported by Gold Star Daily, Nature Springs, Legacy Print, and Seven Seas, the convention featured a series of discussions on conflict-sensitive journalism, media responsibility, and the emotional toll of news reporting.
Framing peace through journalism
Marco Aguja, president of the Media Educators of Mindanao, opened the forum by challenging traditional approaches to journalism.
“Journalism is too theoretical; we tend to forget to frame peace,” Aguja said, urging the audience to adopt Conflict-Sensitive Journalism and Communication (CSJC) practices. He emphasized that journalists must be aware of the nine stages of conflict and aim to prevent escalation through responsible reporting.
He added: “Our voice is sensitive to the conflict, as our aim is to tell the truth.”
Journalism's role in combating disinformation
Ryan Rosauro, chief of the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Mindanao Bureau, spoke about the media's influence in shaping national narratives and public perception.
“The stories we tell influence how people understand issues — whether it’s war, politics, or social justice,” he said. Rosauro warned of the growing threat of disinformation, calling for rigorous fact-checking and a commitment to media literacy.
“We are plagued by false narratives, and it is our duty to counter them with verified truths,” he added.
Journalism’s emotional toll
Chino Gaston, broadcast journalist for GMA News, offered a more personal take on the profession.
“Let me tell you my secret: when you work full-time, it doesn’t feel like work — if you love it,” Gaston said. However, he cautioned attendees against glamorizing the field, citing the risks and emotional trauma journalists face.
“People think journalists are used to danger, but we’re human too. PTSD is real in our field,” he said, sharing experiences that underscored the need for mental health support in journalism.
Celebrating stories and culture
The event concluded with a cultural performance by Xavier University’s Cultural Troop, celebrating Mindanao’s diverse heritage. Winners of the essay writing and photography competitions were also announced, with Mindanao State University – Marawi City taking top honors in both college-level contests.
As Sibya 2025 came to a close, a powerful message echoed through the crowd: "We must tell stories with empathy and care, for our voices carry not only our own but also the many."
For the young communicators present, it was more than a conference — it was a call to action: to report with integrity, to humanize conflict, and to amplify the voices of the South.
