by Jieah Maris Hilario, Jaylieca Cunanan, and Ivanna Madriaga
August 12- all webcams were turned on as the LINK virtually introduced its new members through Zoom. The members of the organization reunited and convened to hold this year’s general orientation. The Linkers—seasoned, newly recruited, and returning—came prepared with their virtual backgrounds corresponding to their departments and listening ears ready for the program. Before the discussions, the Associate Editor, Gloriene Pujante, welcomed all the members of the organization. The opening prayer led by the Deputy Editor, Francesca Madriaga, subsequently followed. The meeting unwrapped when Dr. Don John Vallesteros, the club moderator, expressed his opening remarks. He acknowledged the members’ abilities, describing the students as the “cream of the crop with the brightest minds” and revealed that their flexibility could be reflected by their capacity to encompass all journalism roles. He also expressed his joy for the young Linkers and returning ones, welcoming them into the organization and ending his opening remarks with a warm “welcome home.” Accordingly, Gloriene Pujante initially carried out the presentation of the staff to the members, beginning with the club moderator, Dr. Vallesteros, and the Vice-Principal, Dr. Lorina S. Villanueva.
Next, Editors-in-chief, Shaina Heart Pineda, head for contents division, and Cyr David Cuala were introduced for visual management. This was followed by the different LINK head editors’ presentations, which consisted of Francesca Madriaga, the Deputy Editor, Gloriene Pujante, the Associate Editor; Raven Rupisan, and the Managing Cyrah Puray as the Art Editor. The subsequent staff introduced were as follows: Information Manager – Elinor Cabunilas, News Editor – Kara Cabangcalan, Sports Editor – Shayra Laja, Features Editor – Tedric Garduce, Literary Editor – Ivanna Madriaga, and Chief Layout Artist – Joy Dela Cruz. Representing LINK’s new department, Lawrence Mararac and Michael Montero were presented as the Video & Graphics Editors. The Chief Photojournalist’s role was taken by Andrea Rafael, Chief Cartoonist by Renzelle Castro, and the heads for the Junior High School by Roma Manaois and Fiona Encarnacion. The lists of each department’s members were also presented. The meeting’s highlight was the presentation of projects demonstrated by the Editors-in-chief, wherein the annual Broadsheet, the shortly upcoming Laurus, and the Magazine were discussed. It was then followed by the virtual workshops to be conducted in the future, in which PSD alumni would be invited to have seminars with the Linkers. The E-News was also conferred about and described as “LINK’s response to the new normal”. It will be taking advantage of various social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to publish content. Editor-in-chief, Cyr David Cuala, also emphasized to the Linkers that they have the responsibility to bear the school’s name.
Additionally, Dr. Vallesteros addressed the members to give full support and love to the Research Development, Accreditation, and Publishing Office (RDAPO) since it belongs under its guidance and direction. Finally, after the discussion, a Q&A forum was held, and not long after, Dr. Villanueva stepped forward to impart her closing remarks. She congratulated the new members and stressed the significance of Time. She emphasized that “Time is important.” Time is a measure of attitude and capacity. Time is the basis for everyone to be successful in life; Time is the essence here.” She closed it by speaking words of encouragement to the old Linkers and hoped for aptitude Linkers. To officially conclude the program, JHS head Roma Manaois came forth and led everyone into a closing prayer. Though faced with uncertainty and difficulty, The Link has chosen to prepare its armor, ready to tackle the new normal by employing virtual meetings and all other platforms to ensure that reliable news and campus journalism stands resilient. The orientation highlighted LINK’s progression in publishing various paperless school news and publications, not only as a response to the new normal but also as a celebration of its shared contributions and creativity. The Linkers are now geared up with new alternatives and strategies. With hope and confidence in new beginnings, they will continue fighting to serve The Link’s purpose even amidst adversities.