Dennis Gasgonia

‘Don’t just read headlines’: Students advised to be smart consumers of news amid flood control mess

Article (news)

Andrea Taguines

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — As the controversy surrounding flood control continues to unravel, students of Miriam College in Quezon City were urged to be critical consumers of news during the ABS-CBN News Campus Patrol held on Monday.Many student participants admitted they have been paying closer attention to the news recently because of successive typhoons that hit the country and the corruption behind government infrastructure projects.“You really have to be more engaged with the news. Not just as a communication student, but as citizens, we are like watchdogs of the society and it is our responsibility (to put pressure and ensure) that those seated in power are held accountable,” said 2nd year student Anne Santos.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/2/remulla-congtractors-engineers-among-almost-200-people-involved-flood-control-mess-0029">Remulla: ‘Congtractors’, engineers among almost 200 people involved flood control mess</a></div>Student leader Sophia Cruz said the issue hits closer to home now that their school, which is located along Katipunan Avenue, gets flooded as well.“Binabaha na pala ang Katipunan… I have a sister who also graduated from Miriam, she told me that it never happened before so it was very alarming and shocking,” said student leader Sophia Cruz. ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs Head Francis Toral said she was encouraged by the students’ interest in current issues, but reminded them that getting information from credible sources is key.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/29/discayas-urged-to-tell-whole-truth-instead-of-flashing-finger-heart-1813">Discayas urged to tell whole truth, instead of flashing &#x27;finger heart&#x27; | ABS-CBN News </a></div>“It’s very heartwarming that the students and the young people are watching… Itong Campus Patrol is a step further, one more step into reaching them,” she said.“Kung hindi sila magiging mulat at hindi nila alam kung sino ang pagtitiwalaan nila (If they are not aware and don&#x27;t know who to trust), we would have failed our job,” added Toral.Miriam College Vice President for Academic Affairs Trixie Marie Sison stressed the value of exposing students to events that highlight the role of truth in society.“We really are very fortunate to be included in this event… Para makita ng mga bata ang kahalagahan ng katotohanan (So the youth can see that the truth is important),” she said.ABS-CBN News Online Editorial Head Miranda de Quiros also stressed the importance of knowing the context behind every story.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/29/zaldy-co-resigns-as-house-representative-amid-flood-control-scandal-1600">Zaldy Co resigns as House representative amid flood control scandal</a></div>“Kailangan magbasa kayo, wag headline-headline lang. Matuto kayong mag-click ng full story kasi nga the headlines just scratch the surface,” de Quiros said.(You need to read. Don&#x27;t just rely on headlines. Get the habit of clicking to get the full story because the headlines just scratch the surface)ANC anchor Rico Hizon, meanwhile, shared tips for aspiring journalists.“Integrity, truth, accountability, transparency… Tayong mga broadcast journalist we always have to be fair, we have to be balanced. We always have to present both sides of the issue,” he told the students. Campus Patrol also features the Reporters Challenge Booth, where students can try their hand at live reporting. They are also given the opportunity to mount the production of the show themselves.“It’s a really good training for us, sa batch namin. Especially sa mga nag-oorganize din ng (productions) here sa school so very grateful po for this experience kahit medyo nakaka-overwhelm,” said student director Katreena Romero.(It&#x27;s good training for us, especially those who organize productions in school so we are very grateful for this experience even if it is a little overwhelming)The event capped off with games, prizes, and performances from Star Music artists Fana and 1621.

As the controversy surrounding flood control continues to unravel, students of Miriam College in Quezon City were urged to be critical consumers of news during the ABS-CBN News Campus Patrol held on Monday.

As the controversy surrounding flood control continues to unravel, students of Miriam College in Quezon City were urged to be critical consumers of news during the ABS-CBN News Campus Patrol held on Monday.