WAMY - Philippines

By Widad T. Usman

Cognizance of the vital role of Mass Media in our society, a Whole-day Seminar-Workshop on Journalism with the theme “Equipping Muslim Students-Writer with the Basics of Journalism” was conducted at Mamitua Saber Research and Technology Center, Mindanao State University, Marawi City on July 18, 2010.

The World Assembly of Muslim Youth in the Philippines has successfully carried out the Seminar-Workshop on Journalism as part of its vital programs that contributes into the realization of its visions and mission. It was primarily organized to develop in the young Muslim Writers the Basic Principles and Ethics of Journalism and some important skills necessary for them to acquire as Muslim writers. The program was participated in and attended by almost forty (40) students, who were mostly student writers and editors-in chief of different Colleges and Universities in Marawi City and Iligan City like Mindanao State University Main Campus, Philippine Muslim Teachers’ College Foundation, MSU Iligan Institute of Technology and LaSalle Academy.

The program was formally opened by WAMY-Philippines vibrant organizers like Warda D. Guimba as Master of Ceremony, Dr. Ibrahim Mangondato of College of Education, Mindanao State University gave welcome address and Dr. Ali Panda of MSU, King Faisal Center for Arabic and Asian Studies gave the Opening Remarks. After that, Dr. Camar Umpa, the former president of Mindanao State University System and current president of Al-Khwarizmi International College delivered his informative message. Later, proper lecture began and delivered by Prof. Sorhaila Latip Yusop. Her lecture emphasized on the Nature and Scope of Journalism, Ethics and Responsibilities of the Press, its limitations and the Modern Journalism. The lecture was delivered in a lively and impressive manner. Proper workshop followed with the assistance of the secretariat. Participants were grouped into five and each group was tasked to write a News Lead: Who, When, Where and How lead. While groups were working on their assigned tasks, lunch was served at the same time, and then a short break for prayer followed.

In the afternoon session, the program started with an Inspirational Message by Elin Anisah C. Guro, the director of MSU, Press and Information Office. Later, Atty. Samina Macabando -Usman of the Department of Justice, Cagayan de Oro City gave her lecture on the Legal Aspect of Journalism. Participants amazed with her remarkable jokes relevant to the lecture.

Giving of certificates and plaques for the speakers and lecturers was given by Alim Monib M. Sarangani, the director of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth in the Philippine with the assistance of the Master of Ceremony and Closing Remarks followed by Alim Moctar Bato, the Chairman, Education Department of WAMY-Phil., then group picture taking followed and everyone posed with smile and confidence.

The Seminar-Workshop was successfully held. All participants enjoyed with no sign of boredom. All topics discussed were fun and interesting.

Prepared by: Widad T. Usman
In-Charge, Women’s Department, Wamy-Philippines
Bangon, Marawi City.