Atom Araullo challenges campus journalists to uphold truth amid AI, influencers’ rise 

GMA Network’s broadcast journalist Alfonso Tomas “Atom” Araullo urged campus journalists to use their platforms and serve the Filipinos despite modern challenges in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) at Ormoc City Superdome in Leyte.

Araullo emphasized that the role of campus journalism is more crucial than ever, as the growing use of artificial intelligence and the rise of social media influencers increasingly challenge the credibility of information.

“Kung may plataporma ka, may responsibilidad ka at kung hindi mo gagamitin ang boses mo para sa tunay na pagbabago, lumilikha ka lang ng ingay. Sa panahong nalulunod sa ingay ang katotohanan, piliin niyong maging mapanuri,” the award-winning journalist stressed. 

He reminded the NSPC delegates that their integrity and courage are important for factual reporting to thrive.

“Sa panahong sinusukat ang ating halaga sa dami ng likes, piliin n’yo ang integridad. At sa panahon ng krisis at pang-aabuso, piiliin niyong manindigan,” Araullo reiterated. 

The keynote speaker also reminded the scribes that their writing skills and roles will never be equated by the emergence of artificial intelligence.

“Tandaan mo, AI can generate content, but it cannot pursue the truth. Be better than AI,” he added. 

Moreover, the seasoned  journalist recognized that despite the limited funding received by campus publications, the role of young writers plays a vital role in changing society. 

“Hindi nasusukat ang pagiging mahusay na journalist sa dami ng mga awards, sa dami ng likes sa social media — nasusukat ito sa pagiging mapanuri, sa paninindigan, at sa integridad. At ang totoo, kaya niyo na yang gawin kahit ngayon pa lamang.”

He also asserted that campus journalists need to recognize the value of failures as they continue their journey as aspiring writers.

“Yung mga lesson na ating mararanasan — ‘yung mga pagkabigo, pagkatalo, ‘yung mga pagkatalo, pagkatisod, napakahalaga niyan. Dahil sa buhay maraming beses tayo magkakamali,” he said. 

Araullo looked back  on his journey as a field reporter covering Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) that struck Leyte in 2013 and shared lessons he realized while he was fulfilling his roles.

His speech was anchored on the NSPC’s theme this year, “Mapanuri, Mapanindigan, at Mapanagutang Pamamahayag.”

A total of participating regions include the National Capital Region (NCR), Ilocos Region (Region I), Cagayan Valley (Region II), Central Luzon (Region III), CALABARZON (Region IV-A), MIMAROPA (Region IV-B), Bicol Region (Region V), Western Visayas (Region VI), Central Visayas (Region VII), Eastern Visayas (Region VIII), Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX), Northern Mindanao (Region X), Davao Region (Region XI), SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII), Caraga (Region XIII), the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and the Negros Island Region (NIR).

Before the NSPC, contests were conducted at the district, division, and regional levels within each participating region. 

In the previous year, Vigan City in Ilocos Sur served as the host of the NSPC, with veteran journalist Jessica Soho delivering the keynote address.