Outstanding writers, publications to be awarded
The stage is set for the 36th Regional College Press Conference (COPRE) and Awards '08 which will be held on November 28, 2008 here in Iloilo City.
The COPRE is an annual event sponsored by the Philippine Information Agency 6 (PIA), considered to be the only press conference for college paper writers from universities, colleges and state universities and colleges in Western Visayas.
PIA Director Atty. Janet Mesa said more than 200 student writers are expected to compete in journalistic writing contests in various categories while 39 publications are vying for major awards the PIA is giving out.
A new feature in this year's COPRE is the Public Realm Writing competition which is pioneered in cooperation with the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), which encourages the writers to write about "that portion of the everyday environment that belongs to everyone and to which everyone ought to have equitable resources for sustainability."
The keynote message will be given by NEDA 6 Economic Development Specialist Atty. Raul Anlocotan, who will talk about journalism for peace and the development thrusts of the government.
The guest of honor and speaker during the Awarding Ceremonies will be Cong. Raul Gonzales, Jr. of the lone district of Iloilo City, who is expected to inspire the campus writers to focus on peace and development.
The PIA will also award 11 Best Performing Advisers for 2008, for their efforts in making campus journalism vibrant and development-oriented.
Dir. Mesa said the COPRE, which has been here for the last 36 years, has in its own way, been contributing to the training of many of campus paper writers who are now practicing print and broadcast journalists, and have been achievers in their fields.
The event will be held at the Centennial Resort Hotel, Alta Tierra Village, Jaro, Iloilo City, from 7:00 A.M. to 8:30 P.M., with the writing tests and judging in the morning till early afternoon and the Search for Mr. and Ms. COPRE '08, before the awarding ceremonies at 6:30. (PIA 6/ESS)