CLOSE to 300 participants joined the elementary and high school edition of The Capiz Times Journalism Workshop in Roxas City. Publisher Mark Anthony G. Ortiz was overwhelmed by the participation of almost 240 students and almost 50 advisers from 16 public and private schools across the province. The February 8-9, 2024 workshop was held in two locations: a gym at the headquarters of the Capiz Provincial Police Office and the Hall of Governors at the Capiz Provincial Capitol. With the theme “Tools and Skills for Responsible Journalism in the Post-Pandemic Era”, the workshop was the first conducted after the COVID-19 pandemic and was part of the activities for the 42nd founding anniversary of The Capiz Times, the longest existing newspaper in the province. Among the resource speakers were editor Edith Colmo for ethical practices in journalism; editor emeritus Niño Saavedra Manaog for editorial writing, copyediting,
and headline writing; former associate editor Virgilio “Gil” Clavel for feature writing; cartoonist Leo Gali for editorial cartooning; Tara Yap of Manila Bulletin for newswriting and photojournalism; Christian George Acevedo for ethics and practices of social media; and former Capiz Provincial Press Bureau chief Eduardo Basilonia for sports writing and trivia. The two-day workshop was also graced by the presence of Terry Beldia, one of the early writers for The Capiz Times, and Juan “Johnny” Dayang, the chairman emeritus of the Publishers’ Association of the Philippines Inc. (PAPI). The workshop was held in partnership with the Capiz Provincial Government under Governor Fredenil “Oto” Castro, the Capiz Provincial Police Office, SM City Roxas, Pueblo de Panay Inc., and Plantanan Park. Among the participating schools were Tapaz National High School; Ivisan National High School; Inzo Arnaldo Village Integrated School; Panitan National High School; Florentina Degala Memorial National High School; Don Ynocencio A. Del Rosario National High School; Filamer Christian University – The Hillside Echo Senior; Hercor College – High School; Saint Mary’s Academy of Capiz; Sapian National High School; Plaridel West Elementary School; St. Pius X Seminary; Concepcion Castro Garcia National High School; Our Lady of Grace Academy; Child’s Academy; and Jamindan National High School.