1

Chapter I

THE PROBLEM

Introduction

The media is the most powerful tool in disseminating information, in shaping the

society’s opinion, and in moving it into action. It has the muscles to inform a large group

about significant and timely issues all at the same time through print issues, wallnews,

or through online contents.

The newspaper is one of the most basic forms of media, and for much of its

history, newsprint has been an essential source through which literate people learn

what is happening in the world. For centuries, especially since the Enlightenment Period

in the eighteenth century, newspapers have been the primary vessels for the spread of

information and ideas, chronicling the constantly unfolding developments in an ever-

changing world. Newspapers have long been considered essential tools for citizens of

democratic societies to make informed decisions about public affairs. Alexis de

Tocqueville thus declared that newspapers not only guarantee liberty, but also “maintain

civilization”.¹ Today, journalists are struggling to maintain those very newspapers.

In the campus setting, campus journalists have the prearranged responsibility to

enlighten their fellow students on campus issues, community issues, and national

issues, while publishing opinions that should help the campus community. Because of

this, the campus journalists carry the heaviest responsibilities amongst the students

inside the campus to understand and to make the campus public cognizant of the

education issues and to make a significant development within.

2

Dewey defines education as the means through which the aims and habits of a

group of people live on from one generation to the next.² He says that education is one

of the ways which could allow the expansion of culture in the society. Education allows

the growth of people and gives them the concept of living with the knowledge that

accompanies education. He further stated that Journalism along with other forms of

communication would not produce a static outcome that detailed what already

happened but is a continuous evolution as the public added value for greater

knowledge.

A campus newspaper is a school periodical on folded sheets that contains news

and articles and sometimes advertisements.³In the Philippines, and the rest of the world

where campus journalists have the same freedom that we have, the campus newspaper

is a good alternative to the mainstream media when it comes to tackling issues.

Whether it’s educational inequality, bullying and racism in school, youth activism,

the lack of textbooks and supplies, violence, sexual harassment, bias in education,

elitism, or the Budget Cut, college publications have been putting pressure on the

supposed to be free education. Over and over again, the quality of education,

affordability of education, budget of the government for our education, and education

mismatch are the favorite topics when tackling education problems in the campus

newspaper.

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines, the oldest and broadest

intercollegiate student alliance of student newspapers in the Asia-Pacific, encourages

3

its members to, along with itself; remain steadfast in its commitment to uphold press

freedom of expression, press freedom, and students’ democratic rights.4

Since the major stakeholders of the campus newspapers are the students – they

are the ones paying for the publication of the paper – campus journalists must serve

them by covering not only local and university news, but also any national or world news

that may affect education and “their” education as a whole. Normally, these campus

journalists favor the student body since student papers are made by, made for, and

made up of students from the school.

Reporting education issues in the campus newspaper has become an advocacy

to some youth journalists. Being the vessel of information for the student body, campus

journalists take it in their hands to further the means of giving the students the

knowledge on education issues through print issues and wallnews.

Undoubtedly, the campus newspapers have affected the way students view their

education. It is a fact in everyone’s mind that newspapers deal far more than poems

and stories of fiction. School papers give the students an overview of the entirety of the

current situation, be it the society or the school. Thus, the problems that the students

faced, presently facing or soon-to-be faced are being brought out in the open by the

campus journalists.

Through this research, students will have a deeper understanding of the role of

the school newspapers. This way, the editorial board and staff will be able to use its full

potential in disseminating education issues.

4

Statement of the Problem

The study aimed to analyze the education issues published by university and

college publications from selected universities namely: The Façade of Unibersidad de

Sta. Isabel (Camarines Sur), The Mentor of Bicol University College of Education

(Albay), The Breakthrough of Camarines Norte State College (Camarines Norte), CSC

Statesman of Catanduanes State College (Catanduanes), The MC Ink Gazette of

Masbate Colleges (Masbate) and The Law Enforcer of Sorsogon College of Criminology

Inc. (Sorsogon) during the A.Y. 2010-2011.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:

1. What type of articles were used most in tackling education issues?

a. Opinion

b. Editorial

c. News

d. Feature

e. Lampoon

f. Essay

2. What are the education issues published by the selected university and

college publications during the academic year 2010-2011 based on the

following categories:

A According to approach:

I. Assertive

II. Passive

5

B Topics:

I. Administrative

II. Faculty

III. Curriculum

IV. Facility

3. What is the level of importance given to educational issues in terms of layout?

I. Font Size

II. Page placement

4. What role do the university and college publications play in tackling education

issues?

I. Reporter Function

II. Interpreter Function

III. Presenter of Consequences Function

Scope of the Study

The study was delimited on the content analysis of the educational issues

published by the 6 University and College publications in Bicol region namely: The

Façade of Universidad de Sta. Isabel (Cam Sur), The Mentor of Bicol University College

6

of Education (Albay), The Breakthrough of Camarines Norte State College (Cam Norte),

CSC Statesman of Catanduanes State College (Catanduanes), The MC Ink Gazette of

Masbate Colleges (Masbate) and The Law Enforcer of Sorsogon College of Criminology

Inc. (Sorsogon) during 2010-2011.

The study was delimited on the content analysis of the education issues by

published campus papers, representing each province namely: Albay, Camarines Norte,

Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon. The researchers will

concentrate on the analysis of the education issues that are published by the selected

publications, their categories, page placement and the type of story.

The priority of the study were education issues to attest the realization of campus

papers’ duty in promoting awareness and tackling information to expose certain issues

on education concerning not only the students but also the educators. It was also the

focus of the student.

The study was also delimited to print issues which included tabloids,

broadsheets, newsletters and magazines. The researchers did not include special

editions such as wallnews, bulletins, literary folios and online contents. Furthermore, the

researchers did not include other publications from other universities from and around

Albay. Other issues were not included as well.

Significance of the Study

The data that are included in this study are important to the following:

7

Bicolano student writers. This study would firmly remind the writers that

information dissemination in its very essence is important to everyone. This study will

help the public be aware of how campus journalism affects the embodiment of the

student and the country as a whole. This study will show how student journalists is

tackling education issues, therefore, these writers may maintain or improve their way or

reporting or handling articles. Through this study, campus journalists will be able to

know how much they affect the community within the school. The data that will be inside

this study will also be crucial for their respected papers. This will also guide them to

become more effective in their role as information disseminators. This will also help

them realize that along with the power of influence are their duties to their fellow

students.

Students of the selected colleges and universities . This study will help the

students know how campus papers deal with the educational problems that continually

plague the system. In knowing that, henceforth, students will know how to deal with and

counteract these problems.

School administrators of the selected colleges and universities . This study

will allow the school administrators in knowing the problems that afflict the student body

and the university, thus allowing them to know how to handle the things that affect their

duty.

The Commission on Higher Education. This study will give an overview on how

student discern education issues. This will therefore give the Commission on Higher

Education the chance to know how important it is for the students to tackle such issues

8

and move CHED to make the necessary changes for the satisfaction of the Bikolano

students.

Parents . This study will give the parents an overview as to how much society

needs the writers. With the information from this study, the parents will understand how

their children and the student administrators contend with the issues.

Future Campus Journalists . This study will serve as a preview for the future

journalists of their obligations and privileges in dealing with public knowledge.

Future Researchers . The study will serve as a guide for future researchers

who will also delve on media research and journalism. This will also add to the bulk of

knowledge for humanity.

9

NOTES

1 Tocqueville, Alexisde. Democracy in America. Edited and abridged by Richard

D. Heffner. New York: Penguin Books, 1956.

2 Dewey, Johh, Democracy and Education. The Free Press,1916. P1.

3School

Newspaper

<http://www.encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/dict.aspx?word=scho

ol+newspaper>( 29 January 2012).

4Student Press in the Philippines

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student_newspaper#Student_press_in_the_P

hilippines>(29 January 2012)

10

Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

In the previous chapter, the researchers outlined a research area that led to an

overall purpose, landing in four questions. In this chapter, an overview of previous

studies related to the research was presented. This chapter will review related literature

and studies to our first research question regarding the category of the campus

newspaper articles. Finally, a conceptual framework based on theory is displayed.

Related Literature

Malinao1 says that the press has to report, without fear or favor, the shenanigans

in the government: abuses or malpractices of public officials and how funds are being

spent. This does not only talk about professional journalists but the campus journalists

as well.

Pangalinan² explains that “the importance of news cannot be overrated because

the success of a newspaper depends on the adequate coverage of the quality of its

writing. Although basically news writing involves getting the facts and transmitting these

to the reader, in actual practice, it undergoes a three part process before reaching the

reader: coverage, interpretation and play.”

Pangalinan3 furthers that news are based on facts, interests and readers. Facts

that may hold little interest for most readers in place A, she said, might be of paramount

interest to place B readers. Thus, world-shaking events are seldom played up in school

papers, if they are mentioned at all in the news.

11

Seih4 asserts that the role of the journalist is awakening the public conscience.

This connotes that media people should bear in mind that what they write should move

its reader for the greater good. The media, this also includes the campus journalists, are

social influences.

Democracy5 became inevitable once writing was invented. Writing has become a

power of the people. The invention of the printing press marked the birth of the freedom

to know and to express whatever there is to be known and to be expressed. In their

book Four Theories of the Press, Seibert et al said that journalists have the

responsibility to raise conflict to discussion in the society. This is the Social

Responsibility Theory introduced by W. E. Hocking.

Journalists6 establish a common understanding in the society through informing

the public of national and local events by news articles. This is done by surveillance,7

one of the four general functions to be performed by mass media. The print media play

the surveillance function by reporting events related to education.

Without the mass media to play surveillance over its government, and without it

producing opinion to be fed to the public, no reform can be achieved. In other words,

only after an exposed wrong-doing will there be a call for modification.8

As a study of civic engagement put it, “To sustain itself, to meet challenges and

thrive, democracy demands much from its citizens.”9 The citizenry include brave citizens

such as the journalist who would fight for the right of the people to know.

Simbulan10 says that the mass media’s watchdog function is important since

politics is too big a matter to be left alone to only the politicians. Moreover, the

12

Philippine government is the people’s government, and not solely for and by the

politicians.

Pangalinan11 says that front page is the show window of the paper and that it

gives the reader his first impression to the paper. She also says that the important story

must be placed in the right hand corner to get local attention. Once a story in this right

corner is absorbed, the eye then swings easily around the page to other items

depending upon the effectiveness of the design.

Related Studies

Campus Papers are the primary sources in which students gain information and

awareness through written communication and published work and encourages

valuable feedback from its readers.

Publications in Campuses play a crucial part in providing students quick access

to information.

A study in New Zealand by Roulsto12, studied the educational trends as reported

in five major New Zealand daily newspapers from 1988-1999 when the New Zealand

education system underwent radical policy reforms. The key argument of the thesis was

that reporting on complex educational issues, which required time to investigate,

analyze, reflect and theories, were too difficult and therefore, were largely ignored. As a

result, the thesis found out that that articles about education, in the new global media

market with its focus on the commoditization of information, were superficial, narrow,

unquestioning and given low priority.

13

The study is related to the present study because it analyzed daily newspapers

handling of stories related to education issues and reforms.

In the study of Belen and Lopez13, they conclude that the majority of the readers

of the local newspapers in the province are college undergraduate.

This is related to the study because like the present research, Belen and Lopez

focused on one function of the local newspapers, which is the watchdog function. The

present study also would like to study the watchdog function of the campus

newspapers. The campus newspapers are the watchdogs of the school administration,

departments, student councils and other offices in the university or college.

The study of Joson and Mandreza14 conclude that selected residents of Legazpi

City believe that media is effective in harnessing environmental awareness and they are

also informed in some programs focused on the environment.

This is also related to the present study because Joson and Mandreza focus on

the information function of the newspapers. Campus newspapers are the ones who

inform the student body on any information that need to be relayed to them.

Bombita’s15 study on the students’ opinion on the columnists views on political

issues, it was revealed that many students have positive perception towards columnists

as being a good provider of information. However, some readers do not trust columnists

for they believe that these columnists have personal motives upon writing their column.

In their study Government Publications’ Developmental Messages in the

Promotion of Development in the Province of Albay, de Asis and Nidea aimed to probe

the promotion function of the local media in the province.

14

In Delvis and San Miguel’s16 study, it was found out that the society is reliant on

the media in opinion making. The study says that even when a person is not

knowledgeable on a subject after reading a newspaper article, he or she becomes

aware of the issue.

Both the studies are related to the present study because it deals with the

readers’ views on the newspapers and how they perceive the role of the newspapers

they read.

In the study conducted by Thakur and Trikha17, they tried to find out the pattern of

post-graduate research studies, the research design, the tools and the techniques

used,the geographical distribution and the contents of 26 post-graduate theses. Majority

of the theses in the study contained 101-150 pages and most of them used an original

scale.

The study above is related to the present study because it used content analysis

and is more specifically focused on development communication.

Kim18 find out in his study that the extent of newspaper coverage in five major

daily newspapers in Connecticut differed substantially in terms of quality and quantity

with much of the news about the education reforms focusing on financing public

schools, and was event-orientated rather than issue-oriented.

Synthesis of the State-of-the-Art

The review of related literature and studies gave the needed information and

background about the general functions of the press. They gave various settings in

15

which the press is a powerful tool for information dissemination and reformation after

performing its first major function, that is, the surveillance function.

The studies presented above bear many similarities to the present study as

regards education issues.

The studies conducted by Belen and Lopez, Joson and Mandreza, Bombita, de

Asis and Nidea, Delvis and San Miguel, and Kim all define the roles of the mass media

in the society.

Belen and Lopez studied the watchdog responsibility of the press. As watchdogs,

they must observe the irregularities and biases around them. It is their duty to keep the

institution in line.

Josona and Mandreza, and de Asis and Nidea’s studies discussed the

information function and advocacy reporting in the media.

Both Bombita’s and Delvis and San Miguel’s research studies established the

newspapers as molders of public opinion. Bombita’s research is relevant to the present

study because, again, the researcher focused on one function of the mass media, which

is to mold the opinion of the society and as means of educating the people.

Kim’s study focuses more on the tackling of local news outlets in the education

issues. The researchers of the present study assume that the newspapers in

Connecticut have the same orientation as the school newspapers in Bicol.

Roulston’s study does not only share similarity of the research method to the

present study, it also has the same subject only that the present study is more specific

16

to campus newspapers, not local newspapers. The study showed that the newspapers

must first have to have an appeal to reader audience to achieve the second function

which is commercial viability.

Gap Bridged by the Study

The present study dealt on the role of selected university/college-based campus

newspapers in Bicol in disseminating information on education issues.

After the mentioned studies, it can be brought to a close there were no research

studies that aimed to examine the functions of the campus publications in tackling

education issues. Hence, the present study is new and original.

The reviewed related literature and studies focused more on the general idea of

media, while the present study will focus more on the smaller branch of mass media

which is the campus publications or school papers.

Theoretical Framework

This study is based on the Framing Theory of McQuail and Windahl.

According to this theory, “the media focus attention on certain events and place

them within a field of meaning. Frame refers to the way media recognize and present

the events and issues they cover and the way audiences interpret what they provided.

Frames are abstract notions that serve to organize on structure social meanings. They

influence the perception of the news of the audience. This theory not only tells what to

think about but also how to think about them.”

17

In this study, the university and college publications cover issue and or events

and through the framing theory recognize and present the events and issues they cover

and the way their readers interpret what the university and college publications provide.

Guided by the Framing Theory of McQuail and Windhal, the researchers would

be able to come up with the effectiveness of the university and college publications in

tackling education issues and how they are designed to be the medium. The study

would be able to provide if the students are heavy readers or light readers as theory

suggests through the survey questionnaires.

18

Figure 1

Theoretical Paradigm

Events and Issues

MEDIA

Audience

Effects (Cognitive, Affective, Behavioral)

19

Conceptual Framework

This study will concentrate on the analysis of the education issues published in

the different sections of selected Bicol-based student newspapers namely: The Mentor

of Bicol University College of Education in Daraga; The Façade of Universidad de Sta.

Isabel in Naga City; The MC Ink Gazette of Masbate Colleges, Inc. in Masbate City; The

CSC Statesman of Catanduanes State College in Virac; The Breakthrough of

Camarines Norte State College in Daet; and The Law Enforcer of Sorsogon College of

Criminology in Sorsogon City.

After identifying the published education issues, the researchers categorized the

articles as passive or assertive and as referring to facility, faculty, curriculum, and

administrative. The level of importance given on the education issue was determined by

analyzing their page placement and the type of story in which they were written.

The researchers determined which category of education issue articles the

student newspapers focused in 2010-2011. The result then revealed the role of the

Bicol-based student publications in tackling education issues.

20

Figure 2

Conceptual Paradigm

Education Issues

Students

University and College Publication

Role of Bicol university and college publications

21

Definition of Terms

For a clearer understanding of the study, the following terms were defined

conceptually and then operationally.

Administrative. It is concerning the management19, in this study, it was operationally

defined as concerning the dean, non-teaching personnel, student leaders, the

security unit, the maintenance unit, janitors, institution-owned canteens, and the

annual budget.

Assertive. Is defined as self-assured20, positive, confident, in this study, it was

operationally defined as Articles that present an issue in a strong and confident

manner.

Broadsheet. Is a large sheet of paper printed on one side only; a large format

newspaper approximate size is 15 by 24 inches21, in this study, it was

operationally defined as a publication containing news and comment on current

events, together with features and advertisements. These are usually printed on

larger sheets than tabloids.

Campus Publication. In this study, it was operationally defined as a school journal

that circulates within the college or university published by and for students.

Content Analysis. In this study, it was operationally defined as a systematic way of

analyzing information and how they are placed in a periodical.

Curriculum. Is a prescribed course of study22, in this study, it is operationally defined

as the topic concerning the subjects, the program, and the curriculum followed by

the college or the publication.

Dissemination. Is to spread or to scatter23. In this study, it is operationally defined

as the process of letting an issue be known to readers by publication of data and

opinion.

22

Education issues. In this study, it was operationally defined as universal, national, or

school-based issues that affect students and students’ performance inside the

academe or inside the classroom.

Essay. It is a short prose work usually dealing with subject from a limited or

personal point of view; an attempt24. In this study, it is operationally defined as a

short analytic, descriptive or interpretive piece of journalistic prose dealing with a

specific topic, especially from a personal and unsystematic point of view

Faculty. Is the teaching department of a college or university, or the staff of such

department25. In this study, it is operationally defined as the topic concerning the

teaching personnel, their teaching styles, and their professional relationship with

the students.

Facility. It is the quality of being easily done; aptitude dexterity26. In this study, it is

operationally defined as the topic concerning the aides in the learning process

such as textbooks, computers and other hardwares, comfort rooms, armchairs,

rooms, and repair.

Features. It is defined as a prominent newspaper article27. It is operationally defined

as the articles that may or may not be concerned of the timeliness of the subject

but is still of help to the formation of opinion of its readers. These are usually

placed at the center pages of campus newspapers.

High priority. In this study, it was operationally defined as highest importance given to

articles.

Information. It is defined as something told or facts learned; news; knowledge28. In this

study, it is operationally defined as necessary stories that need to be

disseminated all over the student population.

Interpreter. It is defined as someone who explains; translate; construe29. In this study,

it is operationally defined as the interpreter is the one who discusses and

interprets the issue.

23

Lampoon. It is a piece of satirical writing attacking someone30. In this study, it is

operationally defined as a satirical way of writing to discuss issues with

humorous and mocking voice.

Low priority. In this study, it was operationally defined as least importance given to

articles.

Magazine. It is a periodical publication containing articles, fiction, photographs31. It is

operationally defined as these are periodicals that mainly constitute feature

stories which are longer than news stories. Articles in this kind of publication

usually take more time to be written than news because immediacy is not of

primary importance.

News. It is defined as current events; recent happenings32. It is operationally defined as

timely articles that are of interest to the student population. These are usually

placed at the primary pages of the campus newspapers.

Newsletter. It is defined as a bulletin regularly distributed among the members of a

group, society and etc. Containing information and news of activities33. In this

study, it is operationally defined as condensed piece of news periodical.

Normal priority. In this study, it was operationally defined as regular or standard

importance given to articles.

Opinion articles. In this study, it was operationally defined as essays that present a

timely issue, present an argument, criticize, and aim to let its readers think the

way the author thinks.

Page placement. It is the designation or the placement of the story as decided by the

editorial board. In this study, it is operationally defined as the way articles are

positioned inside a campus newspaper which suggests how important an article

is to the editorial board.

24

Passive. It is acted upon, not acting; submissive34. In this study, it was

operationally defined as are articles wherein the issues are being presented in a

manner not actively taking part on it.

Perception. It is the act of perceiving; discernment; insight35. In this study, it is

operationally defined as the process of attaining awareness or understanding of

the environment by organizing and interpreting sensory information.38

Presenter of Consequences. Presents possible positive and/or negative results

from the issue, in this study, it was operationally defined as a role in warning the

readers on the consequences if the problems persist.

Priority. The quality or state of being prior36, in this study, it was defined as a

process in which things are ranked in terms of importance or priority.

Reporter. It is the person who gathers and reports news for newspaper37. In this

study, it is operationally defined as the role which only discuss what the problems

are.

Role. Refers to any assumed character or function.38

Tabloid. It is a small-format newspaper characterized by emphasis on

photographs and news in conduced form39. In this study, it is operationally

defined as a small newspaper with short article.

25

NOTES

1 Malinao, Alito. Journalism for Filipinos (Mandaluyong City: National Bookstore,

1991), p.13.

2 Pangalinan, Estella, Introduction to Mass Communication, (Philippines: National

Bookstore, 1975), p.1.

3Ibd.

4 Seih, Philip, The Global Journalist: News Conscience in the World Conflicts

(Linacre House, Jordan Hill, Oxford: Butterworth-Heinmann, 2011) p.4.

5 Carlyle, Thomas, On Heroes, Hero Worship and the Heroic in History, Project

Gutenberg Ebook, Release Date: July 26, 2008.

4 Seibert, Frederick, Four Theories of the Press, (Illinois, Urbana and

Champaign, Illinois, United States: The Board of Trustees of the United States,

1956).

5 Ramirez, Jaime, Philippine Journalism Handbook, (Manila, Philippines: National

Bookstore, 1989) p.34.

6 Severin, Werner and James Tankard, Communications Theories: Origins,

Methods and Uses in the Mass Media, 5th ed. Reading, Massachusetts, United

States: Addison-Wesley Longman, Inc., June 29, 2000) p.321.

26

7 Agee, Warren K., Introduction to Mass Communication, 5th ed. (New York:

Harper and Row Publishers, Inc., 1976).

8 Ketter, Scott, et al., Is Civic Behavior Political? Exploring the Multidimensional

Nature of Political Participation, Paper presented at the Midwest Political

Science Association, (Chicago, April 2003) p. 8.

9 Simbulan, Lourdes, Module in Political Reporting, (Quezon City: UP College of

Mass Communication, 2006).

10 Pangalinan, p. 101.

12 Roulston, Dorothy Ella, Education Policy Change, Newspapers and Public

Opinion in New Zealand, 1988-1999, Thesis submitted to Victoria

University of Wellington (Wellington, 2005).

13 Belen, JosepjhMillenaand James Lopez Effectiveness of Local Newspapers

in Albay as Watchdog of Government Agencies, (Undergraduate Thesis,

Legazpi City: BUCAL, 2007).

14 Joson and Mandreza, The Role of Mass Media in Creating Awareness and

Advocating Public Concern for the Environment as Perceived by the

Selected Residents in Albay (Undergraduate Thesis, Legazpi City:

27

BUCAL, 2002).

14 Bombita, Emilio Jr., Student Opinion asFormed by the Columnists’s Views on

Political Issues, (Undergraduate Thesis, Legazpi City: BUICCS, 2001).

15 Ramirez, p.359

16 Delvis and San Miguel, Mass Media as Catalyst of Change in Legazpi City,

(Undergraduate Thesis, Daraga, Albay, BUCAS, 2001).

17 Thakur, Manoj and RabindraTrikha, Content Analysis of Post Graduate

Theses in Development Communication, Vol. 5, (Nepal: Nepal Agric. Rec.,

2004).

18 Kim, H. C..Education and the Daily Press in the State of Connecticut.

(Unpublished Ph.D., University of Connecticut, 1989).

19 Geddes & Groset. Webster’s Universal Dictionary and Thesaurus (Poland: David Dale House 2002)

20 Ibd.

21 Ibd.

22 Ibd.

23 Ibd

24 Ibd.

25 Ibd.

28

26 Ibd.

27Ibd.

28 Ibd.

29 Ibd.

30 Ibd.

31 Ibd.

32 Ibd.33 Ibd.

34 Ibd.

35 Ibd.

36Ibd.

37 Ibd.

38Pomerantz, James R., “Perception: Overview”. In: Lynn Nadel (Ed.),

Encyclopedia of Cognitive Science, Vol. 3, (London: Nature Publishing

Group, 2003) p. 527–537.

39 Paje, Gino, The Role of Albay-Based Newspapers in Influencing Public

Opinion as Regards to Election-Related Issues, (Undergraduate Thesis,

Legazpi City: BUCAL, 2005).

29

CHAPTER III

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

In this chapter, the research design, instruments used, sources of data, and data

gathering procedures are presented.

Research Method

This study used a descriptive content analysis. A descriptive content analysis is a

scientific method which involves observing and describing samples. The researchers

had no control over what the contents were. This study aimed to analyze different

college and university publications and their role in tackling issues regarding education.

The researchers used random selection of University/College Papers in Bicol and

followed Kerlinger’s definition of content analysis in which three concepts were used to

measure variables. The first step was to systematically analyze the content that tackles

education issues accorded to the stated meaning of it on the definition of terms.

Secondly, the content analysis is objective; the biases of the researchers were not

allowed to enter to the procedure. They used a clear set of categories, procedures and

definitions of which the findings of the study are delimited. Lastly, the analysis was

quantitative. Quantification enabled the researchers to fulfill their objective of

determining the quantity and summarizing the analysis. These are the procedures the

researchers carried out in order to find out the role of the University and College papers

in Bicol in disseminating information on education issues.

30

Sources of Data

The primary sources of data of this study are the issues of six University/College

papers in Bicol namely: The Façade (Camarines Sur), The Mentor (Albay), The

Breakthrough (Camarines Norte), CSC Statesman (Catanduanes), The MC Ink Gazette

(Masbate) and The Law Enforcer (Sorsogon) in the academic year 2010-2011.

The secondary sources are the theses, books and other documents related to

the study.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers wrote a letter to seek for the permission of the dean of the

university/college to get a copy of the publication and proceeded to the offices of the

selected campus papers to ask for copies of their issues published in academic year

2010-2011. After obtaining all the six publications, the researchers started analyzing the

data collected in the paper regarding education issues.

The newspaper article releases were categorized as assertive and passive. A

checklist was provided for the summative presentation of the categories, and page

placement. In case of overlapping functions, multiple categorizations were used to make

articles with multiple performing functions properly categorized.

The end result was the basis of this study to determine the role of selected

university/college campus newspapers in Bicol in tackling education issues.

31

STATISTICAL TREATMENT OF DATA

The data gathered was tallied and tabulated. After which the data was analyzed

and interpreted using the following statistical tools:

Frequency Count– this was used to express the size of the figure in the comparison to

others. The following formula was used.

Percentage

P=f/N

Where:

P= percent

f= frequency

N= total number of education issues

ANALYTICAL TREATMENT OF DATA

The study is a descriptive content analysis of the role of the selected University

and College in Bicol in Disseminating Information in Education issues.

The researchers collected publications from each province in Bicol: Camarines

Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Mabsbate and Sorsogon and analyzed the

content of the papers. The analysis varied on the level of importance given by these

university/college publications. The articles concerning educational issues were ranked

if they are assertive or passive. The topics on these issues were also classified whether

32

it was facility, faculty, curriculum or administrative issues. The importance of these

articles was also analyzed in terms of the page placement or the type of the story as

well as the font type and size used.

Instrumentation

The researchers used two types of checklist in order to get the accurate data

needed in this study. The first checklist contains three columns used to get the following

data: type of stories, categories of education issues according to approach and topics,

the level of importance given to the articles based on the font type and size used and

page placement, and the role of Bicol-based campus publications. The second checklist

was used to identify the role the university and college based publications in Bicol

perform in tackling education issues.

33

Chapter 4

THE ROLE OF SELECTED UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE BASED NEWSPAPERS IN

BICOL IN TACKLING EDUCATION ISSUES

This chapter presents the discussion on the analysis of the role of the selected

university and college based newspapers in Bicol in tackling education issues.

Published university and college newspapers in Bicol

The Façade of Universidad de Sta. Isabel in Camarines Sur published two (2)

newspaper issues from June 2010 to January 2011. The Mentor of Bicol University

College of Education in Albay published one (1) newspaper from June-November 2011.

The Breakthrough of Camarines Norte State College in Camarines Norte published one

(1) magazine. The CSC Statesman of Catanduanes State College in Catanduanes

published one (1) magazine. The Law Enforcer of Sorsogon College of Criminology Inc.

in Sorsogon published two (2) magazines. The researchers were not able to get hold

The MC Ink Gazette of Masbate Colleges because the said school was not able to

publish any for the year 2010-2011.

Table 1

Type of Articles Tackling Education Issues from The Breakthrough

Title Type of StoryIn Deep Water EditorialAng Daloy EssayOi! Asan ID Mo Boss? FeatureWith Eyes Wide Shut OpinionHalf-Undone Opinion

As shown in Table 1 The Breakthrough tackled a total of five (5) education issues

entitled: In Deep Water, an editorial article; Ang Daloy, an essay; Oi! Asan ID Mo

Boss?, a feature story; With Eyes Wide Shut, a column; and Half-Undone, an opinion

article.

34

In the editorial “In Deep Water” the editorial board tackled the reconstruction of

the road going to Camarines Norte State College. In the third paragraph, the editorial

board said:

“Efforts of the administration to pursue this project is highly

appreciated. However, hearing the voice of the students proved

they are not in total agreement of the project being substantially

beneficial for it hasn’t given them relief during incessant rains.”

“Ang Daloy” talked about the facilities in the campus, specifically, the armchairs

and the unfavorable environment.

“Pano ka makakapag-aral sa isang lugar na hindi naman

conducive, maliban sa mahangin at mainit ito? Hindi naman aircon

ang habol ng bawat nilalang na naghahanap ng liwanag sa

institusyong ito kundi tamang komportableng lugar para matuto

(How can you concentrate in an environment that’s not conducive?

The students are not asking for an airconditioning unit but they

need a comfortable place to study in).”

The feature article “Oi! Asan ang ID Mo?” talked about the gate guards.

“Ginawa ko na lahat, pero matigas pa rin si manong. Si tsip naman,

pa-hard to get, hindi naman chicks. Yung iba nga, hindi naka-

uniform. Pangkista ang hairdo. Naka-shorts. Naka-tsinelas pa,

porke Havaianas ang tatak. Eh ako, ID lang absent. ID lang. (I

did/tried anything, but they were playing it hard. I even saw others

on their civilian clothes. Others on their punk heads. On shorts.

Others on flipflops. I did not have my ID with me. Only my ID.)”

“With Eyes Wide Shut” talked about various administrative issues in the campus,

tackling issues on the implementation of the No ID, No Uniform, No Entry policy,

students’ excuse to enter the campus, and their impatience.

35

The opinion article “Half-Undone” the priority given to the facilities and the

constructions left undone.

“…this half-finished building shows an age-old Filipino inferiority

that we need to renounce ningas cugon. Let us ponder upon this

question: What impression shall we give our visitors with a building

like this?”

Table 1.2

Type of Articles Tackling Education Issues from The Mentor

Title Type of StoryP3M Road Network Construction underway

News story

P2.50 payment for CR maintenance approved

News story

Rumors on Speech Choir result sprout

News story

Ironic Editorial

As shown in table 1.2 The Mentor tackled a total of four (4) education issues

entitled: P3M Road Network construction underway, a news story; P2.50 payment for

CR maintenance approved, a news story; Rumors on Speech Choir sprout, a news

story; and Ironic, an editorial article..

The news article, “P3-M Road Network construction underway”, tackled about the

ongoing construction of the road network between the Main and Daraga campuses of

Bicol University. In this article, Architect Leo Del Rosario, planning and design section

head of the Physical Development and Management Office (PDMO), stated:

“…When there is a road, there is development. That’s why

this project is for the future development of our university

particularly in the main campus,” he explained to The Mentor.

36

Talking about the title of excellence in Bicol University College of Education (BUCE), the

editorial article, “Ironic”, stated:

“…However, in the case of our college, it seems excellence is

just a brand yet to be defined. So ironic…”

The “CAL Eng Dept Chair defends”, a news article, talked on the rumors in the Speech

Choir Competition Elimination Round. On her defense, Dr. Maria Sarte, Bicol University

College of Arts and Letters (BUCAL) English Department Chair said:

“I challenge them. Put it into writing and make it official.”

The news article, “P2.50 payment for CR maintenance approved”, discussed how the

project proposed by Service Training for Community Development (SETCODE) was

approved by the students during the Men’s and Women’s Club general assembly, it

said:

“…Meanwhile, Jason Candia said to Paras not to be hypocrite after the

CSC vice president stated that not only BUCE students are using the King

and Queen CR, so why pay for P2.50 pesos if not really the BUCE

students will not solely benefit from the project…”

Table 1.3

Type of Articles Tackling Education Issues from The Law Enforcer

Title Type of StoryNone None

As shown in table 1.3 The Law Enforcer tackled no education issue.

Then Law Enforcer managed to publish two (2) magazine type publications but

failed to tackle any education issue. It was also observed that many professors were

given opinion or column spaces in the publication.

37

The research revealed that though students pay for the publication fee, the

publication, The Law Enforcer, failed to openly discuss education issues that are

present in their school.

The college publication is also a student publication which should not be

tampered by any faculty or administrative personnel. The absence of articles tackling

education issues also defeats the purpose of the college publication.

It can be implied that the college publication is observed and partly held by the

administration or the faculty since columns were given to them. Student publication

should review their editorial policy and revise their story plan in order to cater better to

the students.

Table 1.4

Type of Articles Tackling Education Issues from The Façade

Title Type of Story Page PlacementChanges Everywhere Editorial Inside Page (Page 2)New Admin Walk in for A/Y 10-11

News Article Inside Page (Page 4)

Changes Opinion Inside Page (Page 11)

Ironic Twists of Education

Opinion Inside Page (Page 12-13)

As shown in table 1.4 The Façade tackles a total of four (4) education issues

entitled: Changes Everywhere, an editorial; New Admin Walk in for AY 10-11, an

opinion article; Changes, an opinion article; and Ironic Twist of Education, an opinion

article.

“Changes Everywhere” of The Façade tells the reader that it is the responsibility

of the administration to handle the comfort and to see to it that the students’ welfare

would be the priority. It made the point also of making sure that their readers would

understand the true function of the administration.

38

“The administration should see to it that every decision would

result to the betterment of everyone and not just some. They

must see to it that the convenience of all the students, their

primary stakeholders, is taken into consideration.”

The article, “New admin walk in for A/Y 10-11” is a passive article with it mere informing

the readers of the new set of administrators that would be installed for the academic

year 2010-2011 as well as the changes that it brought to the university.

“In contrast to last year’s appointees and re-appointees, there were

changes in the number of the administrators and changes in the

name of different positions.”

The article, “Changes” is considered a passive article with it mentioning the personal

experiences of the author of the opinion article. The writer also discusses the

probabilities that these changes such as the relocation of offices and classrooms would

bring to the college.

“It was hard to adjust to these changes. I admit that even until now,

I am still in the adjustment period.”

The opinion article which is considered as an assertive article, “Ironic twists of

Education”, discussed the function of the government in its building of education as the

foundation of the society. The article also mentioned the statistics that would prove the

inferences derived from the collated information of the writer.

“Indeed, students are left to fend for themselves as the

government lessens its responsibility of providing quality education

and looking after the rights and welfare of the youth.”

Table 1.5

Articles Tackling Education Issues from the MC Ink Gazette

Title Type of StoryNo issue No issue

39

As shown in table 1.5 no education issues were tackled by the MC Ink Gazette.

Unlike the Law Enforcer from Sorsogon which published two magazine issues, the MC

Ink Gazette did not release or publish any issues during the target period.

The MC Ink Gazette is a student publication and it is the voice of the students. It

should maintain their publication in order to give the students the chance to voice out

their concerns and discuss education issues that should be reported and interpreted by

the student publication.

Table 1.6Type of Articles Tackling Education Issues from The CSC Statesman

Title Type of StoryFor the students and no less

Editorial

Educational Funneling

Feature

CSC prexy faces top student leaders

News Story

Hypovolemia OpinionBanat LampoonKulturang Isteyt: Extrang Bida Edition

Lampoon

Overhaul Opnion

As shown in Table 1.6, The CSC Statesman tackled a total of eight (8) education

issues from June to November 2011 entitled: For the students and no less, an editorial;

Education Funneling, a feature; CAS to open more courses, a news story; CSC prexy

faces top student leaders, a news story; Hypovolemia, an opinion article; Banat, a

lampoon article; Kulturang Isteyt: Extrang Bida Edition, a lampoon article; Overhaul an

opinion article.

“For the students and no less” is an editorial article that tackles the different use

of incomes and expenditures of the different state universities and colleges.

“…First, is the much-needed update on the existing rate of travel

allowances given to students who represent the school in

40

competitions. In accordance with Board Resolution No. 49, Series of

2000, the present rate of travel allowance for students is pegged at

Php 200.00 per day- far too low considering day-to-day average

expenses. This should be updated with respect to the modern trends

of expenditures. It is not sufficient, therefore it should be

increased…”

In the feature “Education Funneling”, the publication discussed different reasons

why the quality education is deteriorating, one of the main reasons they focused on was

the curriculum they were under.

“…Until now, the weight of his statement keeps on resounding.

Perhaps the professors present in their office that very moment can

still hear his anxious voice as he unobtrusively proclaimed his self-

inflicted analysis of being a fool. “…yata kami n asana an patal?”

(Why? Are we the only ones who are dumb?)”

In the news story “CSC faces top student leaders”, it was briefly discussed the lack of

some facilities in the school.

“…However, a major concern popped out when six out of the nine

departments reported the inadequacy of available armchairs in their

classrooms…”

Education issues concerning the proper handling or expenditures of the budget by the

administration were tackled in “Hypovolemia”, an opinion article.

“…It’s unjust that they could give away such amount of money in

an instant while asking for financial assistance and support for

students’ welfare is a struggle…”

“Banat”, a lampoon article, tackled education issues regarding the administration of the

school.

41

“…Hingunayon ko daw kamo, napapdari ba ang transaksiyon niyo

pag gaagi kamo sa OSA? Magaya-gaya man lamang ang aura ning

mga taho jan sa loog? Pigatawan lamang kamo ning madiyag na

direktiba sa pagprocess ning mga papeles niyo? Tanaw niyo

nakaabot lamang sa Admin ang mga murutomuto niyo? Mi namo

aram tayon ta mei pa pigaaksiyunan yan, kahuray ng reklamo yan

ning mga estudyante! (Let me ask you this: Are transactions being

hastened when they are being done through OSA? Are you even

being given proper directions when processing your papers? Do

you think the Admin even hear your grievances? This problem has

long been the burden of the students!)”

Another lampoon was published by the publication entitled “Kulturang Esteyt: Extrang

Bida Edition” which tackled administrative issues in the college.

“…Ngunit mas madalas sa minsan ay kinaiinisan sila ng karamihan

dahil daig pa nila ang imbestigador kung mang-usisa at may balak

pa yatang tapatan ang guidance counselor kung makapagbigay ng

pangaral sa mga estudyanteng nag-aakala na every day is

Wednesday. (But most of the time they are hated by many because

they are worse than investigators when asking questions and

perhaps they even have the plan of equating the responsibility of

the guidance counselor.”

In another opinion article by the college publication “Overhaul”, education issues were

discussed specifically the facility during the SCUAA in Catanduanes.

“…If we want sports supremacy in SCUAA V meet, which seems an

elusive goal now, then the athletes must be exposed to tougher and

more real bouts to boost their competitive spirit and passion.”

42

Table 2

Topics and Approach of Articles Published by the Campus Publications

Articles/Title Topics ApproachTHE BREAKTHROUGH

In Deep Water Facility PassiveAng Daloy Facility PassiveOi Asan ID Mo Boss? Administrative AssertiveWith Eyes Wide Shut Administrative AssertiveHalf-Undone Facility Assertive

THE MENTORP3M Road Network Construction underway

Facility Passive

P2.50 payment for CR maintenance approved

Facility Passive

Rumors on Speech Choir result sprout Curriculum PassiveIronic Faculty Assertive

THE LAW ENFORCERNone None None

THE FAÇADEChanges Everywhere Administrative AssertiveNew Admin Walk in for A/Y 10-11 Faculty PassiveChanges Administrative PassiveIronic Twists of Education Administrative Assertive

MC INK GAZETTENo issue No issue No issue

CSC STATESMANFor the students and no less Administrative AssertiveEducational Funneling Curriculum AssertiveCSC prexy faces top student leaders Facility PassiveHypovolemia Administrative AssertiveBanat Administrative AssertiveKulturang Isteyt: Extrang Bida Edition Administrative AssertiveOverhaul Facility Assertive

As shown in Table 2, the different university and college publications in Bicol

tackled a total of twenty (20) education issues on their articles from 2010 to 2011.

The Breakthrough published three (3) articles about their facilities. All of the

articles were passive. They also published two (2) articles about the administration.

Both articles were assertive in the approach.

In the editorial article “In Deep Water”, this tackled the ‘half-cooked’ road

construction in Camarines Norte State College. It was classified by the researchers as

43

passive because it criticized but failed to give suggestions to the readers. In one of

their statements from the article:

“Let’s just sit back and watch if the construction would serve its purpose”

It is implied and can be concluded that the publication would observe or monitor the

consequences for this issue rather than help resolve the problem by offering solutions.

On the other hand, on their opinion article “With Eyes Wide Shut”, that tackled

the administration which they cite as inconsistent when implementing the school uniform

regulation. The researchers classified it as assertive due to the firm voice the writer

exerted. In one of their statements from the article:

“Rules are not made to be broken but to be implemented with

CONSISTENCY and FAIRNESS.”

The Mentor was able to publish two (2) articles about the facilities. Both articles

have a passive approach. One (1) article was about the curriculum. It was a passive

article. Another article was about the faculty. It was an assertive article.

In the Mentor’s news article “P2.50 payment for CR maintenance approved”, it

was classified by the researchers as passive being a new article by nature. Although

powerful statements were made by the interviewees in the article, the publication

maintained the balance and fairness in all sides of the issue. In on of their statements

from the article:

“Candia said that the students should choose whether to pay P2.50

monthly or clean the four toilets in the college.”

In an article of theirs which was classified as assertive, “Ironic”, tackled the

quality of education the BUCE students receive from the faculty. In one of their

statements from the article:

“BUCE flaunts the title of excellence. But how long will the college just

flaunt this brand before taking a firm stand on it?”

44

The Façade was able to publish three (3) articles about the administration. Two

(2) articles were assertive while the other article was passive. The publication also

published one (1) article about the faculty. Its approach was passive.

“Changes”, an opinion article by the Façade, was categorized by the researchers

as passive by tackling issues in their university when new departments were made and

divided. In one of their statements from their article:

“This academic year may pose a big challenge for everyone who

experienced these changes, most especially those who transferred to another

campus.”

But in “Changes Everywhere” which was categorized as assertive, which also

tackled the separation and construction of new departments, transferring other student

to and from the annex. In one of their statements from the article:

“The administration must guarantee equal benefits and services among

students-whether at the main campus or not.”

The CSC Statesman published four (4) articles about the administration. All of

the articles were assertive. Two (2) published articles were about the facility. One (1) of

the articles was passive while the other one was assertive. One (1) article was about

the curriculum. Its approach was assertive.

In the news article by the CSC Statesman, it was classified as passive by the

researchers because of its nature. While the publication cited education issues, they

maintained the fairness for all parties, being an unbiased news article. In one of their

statements from the article:

“Several proposals and concerns were raised during the deliberation and

open forum wherein the President herself listened to the sentiments of the

student leaders as representatives of the whole CSC populace.”

On the other hand, they published an assertive editorial entitled “For the students

and no less” which was classified as assertive because of the solutions they proposed

45

to the problems and issues they raised regarding the budget and expenditures of the

university.

“These, and some other minor but vital details must be a priority. And this

demands action in the soonest time possible.”

The MC Ink Gazette and The Law Enforcer were not able to published any article

regarding education.

Chart 1

Type of Story and Frequency Count

Editorials

Features

Essays

Opinions

News

Lampoon

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

PassiveAssertive

As shown on Chart 1, majority of the articles in the publications in Bicol were

opinion articles. Six (6), or 30%, of the articles were opinion articles. The second most

used type of article was news. Five (5), or 25%, of the articles were news articles. The

third most used type of article was editorial. Four (4), or 20%, of the articles were

editorial articles. Both features and lampoon were used two (2), or 10%, of the times.

The least used type of article was essay which was only used once (1), or 5%, time.

46

Five (5), or 83.33%, of the opinion articles were assertive, while only one (10, or

16.67%, was passive. All five (5), or 100%, of the news articles were passive. In the

editorial articles, three (3), or 75%, were assertive in presenting and tackling the

education issues, while only one (1), or 25%, was passive. All, or 100%, of the

lampoon and feature articles were assertive in tackling the issues. The single essay

article, or 100%, was passive in presenting the issue.

“Ang Daloy” was the single essay which was categorized by the researchers as

passive because although they produced firm statements, they failed to give concrete

solutions to the issues and problems they raised, rather they questioned. In one of their

statements from the essay article:

“Pano ka makapag-aaral sa isang lugar na hindi naman CONDUCIVE,

maliban sa mahangin at mainit ito? (How will you able to study in one place that is not

CONSUCIVE instead of airy, it is hot?)”

Chart 2

Categories of Education Issues

Editorials

News

Features

Essays

Opinions

Lampoon

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

FacilityFacultyAdministrativeCurriculum

47

As shown on Chart 2, the administrative category of education issues has the

highest number of articles published in college publications in Bicol region with the total

number of nine (9) in which three (3) of them were opinion articles. Seven (7) articles

tackled education issues on the school facilities. The least discussed education issues

on the articles were on the categories of faculty and curriculum.

Most of the campus publications in Bicol discussed administrative concerns since

this category of education issues focuses on the matters regarding the entire

management of the college institution which affects the learning and development of the

students in the college or university they are in. On the other hand, the least tackled

issues fell on the faculty and curriculum categories though students should also be well

informed with the matters concerning the curriculum.

48

Chart 3

Education Issue Topics and Their Approach

Faculty

Facility

Curriculum

Administrative

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PassiveAssertive

As shown on Chart 3, university and college publications approach their articles

based on the kind of topic that their article has. University and college based

newspapers approach administrative related issue assertively. With nine articles on

administrative issues, eight or 88.89% of the articles are tackled assertively. Whereas,

facility related issues are mostly tackled passively. With seven articles on facility, five

are tackled passively. When it comes to the faculty and curriculum, the kind of approach

that the publication has is equal on both passive and assertive approach.

The articles that address the education issues which focus on the administrative

aspect tend to be aggressive which imply that the staff is more courageous when

dealing with the administration and less so when dealing with the facility, faculty or

curriculum.

49

It can also be implied that the university and student publications in Bicol are

keen observers of the education issues that are related to the administration of the

school or university. The editorial board and staff felt the need to tackle issues

regarding the budget management and expenditures of their school, the non-teaching

staff from the different offices of the school or the security guards and other

administrative related issues.

Table 3

Font Size of Content

Articles/Title Font SizeTHE BREAKTHROUGH

In Deep Water 12Ang Daloy 10Oi Asan ID Mo Boss? 12With Eyes Wide Shut 11Half-Undone 11

THE MENTORP3M Road Network Construction underway 9P2.50 payment for CR maintenance approved

14

Rumors on Speech Choir result sprout 12Ironic 11

THE LAW ENFORCERNone None

THE FAÇADEChanges Everywhere 14New Admin Walk in for A/Y 10-11 12Changes 11Ironic Twists of Education 10

MC INK GAZETTENo issue No issue

THE CSC STATEMANFor the students and no less 10Educational Funneling 10CSC prexy faces top student leaders 10Hypovolemia 9Banat 10Overhaul 10Kulturang Isteyt: Extrang Bida Edition 10

50

As shown in Table 3, the publications used fonts that range from font size 9 to

14.

The Breakthrough used font sizes from 10 to 12: one (1) article was published in

font size 10; two (2) articles were published in font size 11; two (2) articles were

published in font size 12.

The Mentor used font sizes from 9 to 14: one (1) article was published in font

size 9; one (1) article was published in font size 11; one (1) article was published in font

size 12; one (1) article was published in font size 14.

The Façade used font sizes from 10 to 14: one (1) article was published in font

size 10; one (1) article was published in font size 11; one (1) article was published in

font size 12; one (1) article was published in font size 14.

The CSC Statesman used font sizes from 9 to 10: six (6) articles were published

in font size 10; while only one (1) was published in font size 9.

The font size these publications matter since if the size of the fonts is bigger, the

university and college publications prioritize these article and they imply immediacy.

The university and college publications who use smaller font sizes imply less need for

immediacy in reading.

This shows the roles of the university and college based newspapers in Bicol in

tackling education issues. They are interpreters, presenters of consequences, and

reporters.

51

Chart 4

Font size used in the body and frequency count

14

12

11

10

9

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Frequency

Frequency

As shown on Chart 4, 10 was the most used font size in the body with

eight (8) articles or 40% of the total number of articles which tackled education issues.

Font size 12 and 11 with four (4) articles or 20% of the total number were the next

frequently used. Font size 9 and 14 were the last with two (2) articles or 10% of the

total number using them.

The font sizes 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14 have a mean of 11.2 which could be

considered as the font size for a normal priority. The majority of the articles that tackle

the education issues are treated with normal priority by the editorial staff. The previous

statement implies that writers of campus publications in the Bicol region don’t give high

priority to education issues. Since the articles with larger font are readily read since the

attention of the readers are immediately caught.

52

Table 4.1

Placement of Articles Tackling Education Issues from The Breakthrough

Title Page PlacementIn Deep Water Inside Page (Page 5)Ang Daloy Inside Page (Page 10Oi! Asan ID Mo Boss? Inside Page (Page 11)With Eyes Wide Shut Inside Page (Page 15)Half-Undone Center Pages (Page 20)

As shown in Table 4.1, most of the articles in The Breakthrough were placed in

the inside pages of the publication with only one places at the center page. None of the

articles were placed in the front page or the back page.

It can be concluded based on the table that the Breakthrough gave low priority to

the articles that tackled education issues because all four (4), or 80%, of the articles

were placed in the inside pages. The table also shows that no education issue was

given high priority by the publication though they tackled five (5) issues in their

publication. Half-Undone, however, which is 20% of all the articles, was given normal

priority by the editorial staff.

Table 4.2

Placement of Articles Tackling Education Issues from The Mentor

Title Page PlacementP3M Road Network Construction underway

Front page

P2.50 payment for CR maintenance approved

Inside Page (Page 3)

Rumors on Speech Choir result sprout

Inside Page (Page 15)

Ironic Inside Page (Page 4)

53

As shown in Table 4.2, one (1), or 25%, of the articles was placed on the front

page while the three (3) others, or 74%, were given low priority in the placement by the

editorial staff.

Table 4.3

Placement of Articles Tackling Education Issues from The Façade

Title Page PlacementChanges Everywhere Inside Page (Page 2)New Admin Walk in for A/Y 10-11

Inside Page (Page 4)

Changes Inside Page (Page 11)

Ironic Twists of Education

Inside Page (Page 12-13)

As shown in table 4.3, The Façade placed all four (4), or 100%, of the articles

tackling education issues in the inside pages, which means that they gave low priority

to the articles.

54

Table 4.4Placement of Articles Tackling Education Issues from The CSC Statesman

Title Page PlacementFor the students and no less

Inside Page (Page 1)

Educational Funneling

Inside Page (Page 14 to 19)

CSC prexy faces top student leaders

Inside Page (Page 4)

Hypovolemia Inside Page (Page 59)

Banat Inside Page (Page 60)

Kulturang Isteyt: Extrang Bida Edition

Inside Page (Page 62)

Overhaul Inside Page (Page 74)

As shown in Table 4.4, just as in the case of The Façade, The CSC Statesman

gave low priority to the articles that tackled education issues. All seven (7), or 100%, of

the articles were placed in the inside pages.

No article was put in the front or back of the publication.

55

Chart 5

Type of story and Page Placement

Editorial

News

Features

Essays

Opinions

Lampoons

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Front and Back PagesCenter PagesInside Pages

As shown on Chart 5, university and college publications in Bicol region put

majority of the articles on education at the inside pages, The two (2) lampoon articles

or 10% of the total number were also put in the inside pages. One essay article, two

feature articles and the four editorial articles or 100% of the mentioned types of story

were put on the inside pages as well. A news article though was put on the front page

to underline its significance to be read immediately. An opinion article was also put on

the center pages to give the readers an inkling that the article or the issue was of

importance.

Most of the articles were placed in the inside pages which imply less priority

being given by the editorial board to the education issues. University and college

56

publications should give priority to these education issues seeing that it is a campus

publication meant for the students and their education.

Chart 6

Type of Articles and Roles

Presenter of Consequences

Reporter

Interpreter

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

NewsEditorial FeatureLampoonOpinionEssay

As shown on Chart 6, most articles in university and college publications serve

the Presenter of Consequences Function of the press with ten (10), or 50%, articles

falling under the category. There were eight (8), or 40%, articles performing the

Reporter Function of the press while there were only two (2), or 10%, of the articles

performing the Interpreter Function.

Three (3), or 30%, of the articles serving the Presenter of Consequences

Function were editorial article. Another three (3), or 30%, of the articles were opinion

57

articles. Two (2), or 20%, of the articles were lampoons. One (1), or 10%, of the articles

was an essay article. Another one (1), or 10%, of the articles was a feature article.

Five (5), or 63%, of the articles serving the Reporter Function of the campus

press were news articles. Two (2), or 25%, of the articles were opinion articles. One

(1), or 12%, of the articles was a feature article.

One (1), or 50%, of the articles serving the Interpreter Function of the press was

an editorial article while the other one (1), or 50%, of the articles was an opinion article.

The issues under the Presenter of Consequences Function include construction

of bridge and drainage system, building and seat, quality education given by the faculty,

new colleges and department merger, no quality education caused by lack of facilities,

textbooks, and curriculum. Some issues also included different administrative

authorities, administrative issues or authorities and lack of better facilities for the SWA.

Articles performing the Reporter Function included stories on security guards,

unfinished buildings and seats, road construction, CR payment for maintenance, speech

choir rumors of irregularities, new faulty and registration, new colleges and department

merging, students’ response to the SUC budget, shortage if armchairs.

For the issues that fell under the Interpreter Category, the articles included

issues on unfinished building construction and the budget for the different programs and

facilities.

Chart 8 tells that the campus papers in Bicol mostly serve the Presenter of

Consequences Function in tackling the education issues in the higher education

58

institutions with 50% of the articles falling under the category. The second most served

function is the Reporter Function with 40% of the articles falling under the category.

The least served function of the campus press is the Interpreter Function with only 10%

of the articles falling under the category.

The role that most of the student publications performed in tackling education

issues in Bicol is the Presenter of consequences through opinion articles. This means

that they have well carried out their function as information provider but they were not

able to shape the perception of the students with regards to the issues that affect their

education. As the instrument to provide voice to the student body, campus newspapers

should have delivered not just the necessary information but as well as the appropriate

actions to solve the existing problems.

59

Chapter 5

SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary of the findings, which served as the basis of

the conclusions derived, as well as the recommendations of the study.

Summary

The study aimed to analyze the educational issues published by the university

and college based publications in the Bicol region namely: The Façade by the

Universidad de Sta. Isabel, The Mentor by Bicol University College of Education, The

Law Enforcer by Sorsogon College of Criminology, Inc, The Breakthrough by

Camarines Norte State College, and The CSC Statesman by the Catanduanes State

College, from 2010-2011.

Specifically, the study answered the following sub-problems: (1) What was the

most used type of article when tackling education issues? (2) What are the education

issues published by the selected university and college publications during the

academic year 2010-2011 based on the following categories: a.) according to

approach: i. assertive ii. Passive; b.) topics: i. administrative ii. Faculty iii. Curriculum

iv. facility? (3) What is the level of importance given to educational issues in terms of

layout? i. Font Type ii. Font Size iii. Page placement? and (4) What role do the

university and college publications play in tackling education issues? a.) Information

Function b.) Opinion Function c.) Entertainment Function d.) Advocacy Function.

60

It is also stated in the book that as far as the type of story went, editorial is

considered the most important write-up because it is the stand of the newspaper about

a certain issue. News stories are considered more important because they are the most

essential events of the day. They usually deal with concrete and fast-breaking events of

the day. Features are lesser important stories. Malinao explains that while news stories

concern about important matters, feature story deals more on interesting topic. It is

more focused on human interest. Other types of articles include opinion, essay, and

lampoon. Opinion is used to deliver not only the facts but as well as the points to prove

the statements of a writer. An essay is a short analytic, descriptive or interpretive piece

of journalistic prose dealing with a specific topic, especially from a personal and

unsystematic point of view. Lampoon is a satirical way of writing to discuss issues with

humorous and mocking voice.

This study used the descriptive content analysis approach in order to examine

the priority of the university and college based publications in tackling education issues.

The researchers used the definitions of the two (2) categories of education - according

to the topic discussed in the article and according to the approach of the articles as

bases in categorizing the education issues.

The researchers also identified the level of importance given to education issues

in terms of layout through font type, font size, and page placement by using the basic

rules in newspaper design and layout found in the book of Alito Malinao entitled

Journalism for Filipinos. Malinao explains that the positioning of news and feature

materials on the paper shows their importance. Articles placed on the front page of a

newspaper are considered most important since they are the stories which the readers

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see and read first. Articles found in the center pages are more important articles.

Articles found in other pages other than the front page, back page, or the center pages

are the least important.

Lastly, the researchers identified the role of the campus newspapers in the

tackling education issues. The researchers categorized the roles according to Malinao’s

(2009: 70) threefold roles of the press—reporter of issues, interpreter of issues, or

presenter of consequences. Reporter of issues only discuss what are the problems,

interpreter of issues discuss and explain issues, while presenter of consequences warn

the readers the possible result if the problem/s persist.

Findings

Base on the result of the study, the following findings were derived by the

researchers:

1. The study also revealed that 30% were opinion articles, 25% of the

education related issues were news stories, 20% were editorial articles, 10%

were feature articles, 10% were lampoon articles, and 5% were essays.

2. Among the twenty (20) articles tackling education related issues analyzed

by the researchers, twelve (12), or 60%, of the articles published were assertive

while only eight (8), or 40%, of the articles were passive.

The education stories covered were: mostly administrative issues such as

budget, non-teaching personnel, administration or management of the college

institution. Also, facilities of the university or college, tangible hindrances to an

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adequate learning process like textbooks, armchairs, and construction works

within the school were discussed. Others include education systems, rumors and

controversies on college-based competitions, new curriculum, and new courses.

3. The study revealed that out of twenty (20) articles tackling education

issues, 90% were placed on the inside pages, 5% percent were placed on the

front and back page, and 5% were on the center pages.

4. The analysis revealed that the university and college based newspapers in

Bicol focused on performing the presenter of consequences role since out of 20

education related articles published in 2010-2011, 50 percent aimed to present

issues and consequences but do not suggest solutions.

Conclusions

Based from the findings obtained, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. It can also be concluded that the university and college publications

mostly tackle education issues through opinion articles.

It can also be concluded that the majority of university and college

publications in Bicol tackle education issues, some publications still fail to publish

articles that tackle these issues. For example, the Law Enforcer from Sorsogon,

although published two (2) issues, failed to tackle any issue concerning their

facility, faculty, administration or even their curriculum. The MC Ink Gazette also

failed to publish any issue last 2010-2011.

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2. The researchers found out that the Bicol campus publications were mostly

assertive in tackling education issues.

They mostly tackled administrative issues which made them completely

attached to issues concerning the management or the dean, non-teaching

personnel, student leaders, the security unit, the maintenance unit, janitors,

institution-owned canteens, and the annual budget. This means that campus

writers were not detached from the politics inside the institution and were not

afraid to tackle such issues.

The university or college administration is the management, the people

who administer the university or college as a whole. They follow and impose

policies as well as exist by a term of office- the politics within the university and

or the college.

With it being the most tackled topic, it is apparent that the university and

college publications in Bicol uphold the role of the press in its general form- the

watchdog.

3. Based from the study, it can be concluded that university and college

publications in Bicol do not give importance to the page placement of the stories

or the articles in their publication. They fail to review and assess their stories for

their importance and layout them properly.

4. The researchers also conclude that the publications assume the role as

the Presenter of the Consequences to their readers. They bring up education

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issues that concern the students, present the consequences if the problems or

issues persist, but they fail to give tangible solutions to these problems.

Recommendations

Based on the conclusions, the following recommendations are drawn: The

following are the suggestions and recommendations provided by the researchers in

order to improve the performance of Bicol University and college based campus

publications in tackling education issues:

1. Each campus publication should tackle more education issues and give

priority by putting more, if not all, of them in the front and back pages.

a. The Breakthrough.

i. The publication should publish more news on education issues

and consider page placement techniques when layouting.

b. The Mentor

i. The publication should place its editorial article on the center

pages if they could not put it anywhere at the front or the back

pages.

c. The Law Enforcer

i. The publication should focus on more education issues than

awards given to students. Moreover, the publication should allot

all of its pages only to its students as a publication should be for

the students and by the students. Education issues should be

tackled freely by the students. The student publication is by the

students and for the student

d. The Façade

i. The publication should give priority to articles regarding

education issues and place them at least at the center pages of

the publication. Although the publication was able to publish four

(4) articles, none of the articles were placed on the front of back

pages, or on the center pages of the publication.

65

e. MC Ink Gazette

i. The publication should be able to come up with an issue at least

twice a year so that the studentry will be informed of the

education issues in their institution. The students should be

aware of the education issues in the university or college and

through the student publication, they should make the students

aware of these issues in order for it to be discussed and

interpreted.

f. The CSC Statesman

i. The publication should give more priority to the articles tackling

education issues. Though the publication was able to publish

seven (7) articles, all of the articles were placed on the inside

pages of the publication.

2. The university and college based newspapers in Bicol should publish more

editorial, opinion, and lampoon articles on education related issues to better

present the stand of the paper as the voice of the students.

Beyond these types of stories, they should also publish cartoons and comics

that present education issues for the students to relate better. These stands

for the students must be clearly seen or perceived by the readers in order to

feel the need to stand along with the publication on what they believe in.

3. The publications should tackle education issues in an assertive approach to

present not only facts but also suggest solutions to the problems. Although in

the story types of news, feature and essays which are expected to be

balanced and fair, they should seek assertive comments from different parties

66

that concern the issue and let the readers decide. The student publications

must seek accurate facts and quotes from reliable sources and present

solutions to the probable havoc that their expose of an issue might create.

4. Issues concerning administration, curriculum, faculty, and facility should all be

discussed for the students need to know about them. The university and

college student publication must also seek the different sides or parties that

concern the story and proceed with the accurate facts and interviews.

Although lampoons are meant to be one form of satirical writing, they must

also come from accurate facts and interviews that can be proven when asked.

5. The publications should use the appropriate font type for the articles’ bodies

in order to attract readers’ attention more effectively. The level of importance

of the education issues also depend on how the page placement and layout

are handled by the editorial board. The people behind these publications must

be cautious and plan their layout and page placement in order for the

important stories to be recognized easily.

6. For publications like The Law Enforcer from Sorsogon, they must avoid

including columns or opinion articles from the faculty or the administration

because their student publication is the voice of the students. They are by the

students and for the students.

7. Further studies in the role of university and college based newspapers in

Bicol in tackling education issues should be conducted. Future researchers

should include in their study the perception of the students through a survey

on how the publications perform their role.

67

BIBLIOGRAPHY

BOOKS

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Malinao, Alito. Journalism for Filipinos (Mandaluyong City: National Bookstore,

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D. Heffner. New York: Penguin Books, 1956.

THESES AND DISSERTATIONS

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BUCAL, 2007).

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Political Issues, (Undergraduate Thesis, Legazpi City: BUICCS, 2001).

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Delvis and San Miguel, Mass Media as Catalyst of Change in Legazpi City,

(Undergraduate Thesis, Daraga, Albay, BUCAS, 2001).

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Internet Sources

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8.

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APPENDICES

72

APPENDIX B

BICOL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

DEPARTMENT OF PRINT AND BROADCAST MEDIALEGAZPI CITY

__________________________________________

Dear Sir/Madam:

Greetings!

To whom it may concern,

We hope this letter finds you in good health!

We are 4th year AB Journalism students from Bicol University College of Arts and Letters. As part of our prerequisite in the completion of our academic requirement a research study is being asked from us.

Entitled, The Role of University and College Publications in Tackling Education Issues, our research endeavors to answer the questions that your students would be of great help. We would be giving out research questionnaires for them to answer. We would be randomly choosing 35 students from the student body

We are aiming for the betterment of the student press and the education system. With this, we are hoping for your cooperation.

Thank you and God bless!

Sincerely,

REY ANTHONY OSTRIA

ZANDRA MAE ESTALLO

JOMILYN GRUTAS

ELAINE LARA

Noted:

ARIES S. PEREZAdviser

73

Appendix C

Checklist for the Education Issues Published, their categories according to approach and type of story, font type and size used, and page placement.

Analysis

Categories

Characteristics Student Publications

1 2 3 4 5 6

P1 A. Types of Stories

*Essay

*Features

*News

*Editorial

*Lampoon

*Opinion

P2 A. According to approach *Assertive

*Passive

           

B. Topics

*Administration

*Faculty

*Curriculum

*Facility

           

P3 *Font Type

*Font Size

*Page Placement

           

P4 *Interpreter

*Presenter of Consequences

*Reporter

           

74

Appendix D

Checklist for the Role of the University and College Based Newspapers

Campus Newspaper

No. of Articles

Reporter % Interpreter % Presenter of Consequences

%

75

APPENDIX E

Published Education Issues