Former Ignite EIC challenges campus journos: Go beyond the classroom in serving the public

| Jihanna Rose Javier

Former Ignite Editor-in-Chief and National Press Conference winner Lourence Angelo Marcellana dared campus journalists in his inspirational speech at the recent District 3 Division Enhancement and Press Conference 2025 to not settle for recognition in competitions, but rather to be the public servants society needs.

Marcellana, who was also invited as a judge in Sports Writing, shared insights on the vital role journalists play as the “watchdogs of those in power.”

During his speech, he emphasized that there is more to journalism than just competitions, training, and medals—it is about shaping public opinion.

“Through the information we report, we educate the masses in making well-informed decisions. Without journalism, we wouldn’t know what is happening to the cities affected by the recent earthquake. Without journalism, we wouldn’t know how many billions of pesos are stolen from our taxpayers.”

He also stressed that society will crumble in the absence of journalism.

Marcellana, who’s taking up a degree in journalism at the Polytechnic University in the Philippines, also called for campus journalists not to let the results of the competition define their excellence, as true success is outside the school and “in the heart of communities.”

“True success is outside this school; it is in the heart of the community. Let us not allow falsehood to win in this time of truth crisis. As journalists, we are the defenders of democracy, the light that will conquer the darkness of trials,” Marcellana pointed out.

“In every word we write, in every truth we expose, let us remember: We do not report for ourselves, but for the people,” he added.

He concluded his speech by urging young journalists to stand firm and continue to fight “one truth at a time,” inspiring each participant and motivating them for the competition ahead.

Marcellana, a two-time RSSPC qualifier, continues to give back by training and mentoring aspiring student writers across various press conferences.


Layout by Elijah Miguel Jardinez