PENCIL PASSED: TF Ushers in New Leaders, Journos
In a time-honored tradition of the passing of the pencil, the outgoing editorial board of The Forefront for academic year 2024-2025 has turned over their duties to the new set of editorial board for the incoming academic year in a turnover ceremony and culminating activity held last Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Physical Education Hall, Gordon College – Main Campus.
After 53 days of deliberation, fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BACOMM) student and outgoing managing editor (Man-Ed) Mx. John Patrick Mateo was hailed as the new Editor-in-Chief (EIC) and OIC news editor of The Forefront for Academic Year 2025-2026, replacing outgoing editor-in-chief and BACOMM alumna, Ms. Bealyn Demanalata.
“Out of all the speeches I have delivered, this one took three years in the making—three years of service to the community, to the people, and most especially, to the marginalized and oppressed,” Ms. Demanalata said in her step-down speech.
The outgoing EIC further emphasized the role of campus journalists as torchbearers of the truth. “As you carry this legacy forward, may you remember that every article written, every truth defended, and every voice amplified is part of a greater fight—a fight not just for recognition, but for democracy, justice, and the people. This is the mark we leave behind: that we dared, that we endured, and that we surpassed the limits.”
Formally assuming their new role, Mx. Mateo stressed that, despite their imperfection, they will remain to be an empathetic and transformational leader for the publication. “Bilang huling pagkakataon na maging student journalist, wala akong planong perpekto. Ngunit, pangako, hindi ako magiging makasarili’t hahatiin ko ang aking puso para lamang maiabot ang pagmamahal sa bawat isa sa inyo,” the new EIC said.
Together with publication alumni Mr. John Carlo Bermudez (outgoing Associate Editor), Mr. I-man Anthonie Klay Garcia (outgoing Circulations Manager), Mr. Emar Kristian Aranda (outgoing OIC Opinion-Editorial Editor), Ms. Patrisha Marie Pineda (outgoing DevComm Editor), and Ms. Jessica Dimatulac (outgoing Head Layout Artist), their duties and responsibilities were officially turned over to the new editorial board, who each gave their respective turnover speeches.
Moreover, forming Mx. Mateo’s executive committee are: Mx. Lance Isaac Leon, outgoing head of visual arts, as associate editor; Ms. Mikhaela Sagun as managing editor who remains as editor of the literary and culture section, and; Mr. Rishen David Belza as circulations manager and head broadcaster.
Meanwhile, the editorial board was appointed based on the results of the editorial board exam last July 7, 2025 as well as performance during the previous academic year. Seated on the board are:
– News Editor: Mx. John Patrick Mateo
– Opinion and Editorial Editor: Ms. Stephanie Estrella
– Feature Editor: Ms. Shermel Carlos
– Development Communication Editor: Ms. Ma. Althea Zyrene Ramos
– Literary and Cultura Editor: Ms. Mikhaela Sagun
– Sports Editor: Ms. Alyssa Marie Alcantara
– Head Broadcaster: Mr. Rishen David Belza
– Senior Broadcaster: Ms. Jane Weslie Dela Cruz
– Head Photojournalist: Ms. Lauren Louise Sanita
– Head of Traditional Arts: Ms. Mary Isobelle Arcilla
– Head of Digital Arts: Ms. Rich Mae Tianchon
– Head Graphic Artist: Mr. Zeyrus Enriquez
– Head Layout Artist: Ms. Samantha Sunga
– Head Multimedia Artist: Mr. Ian Joshua Umali
– Social Media Manager: Mr. John Christian Rocero
Following the ceremony, the recruits who had passed the competitive recruitment exam formally took their journalist oath, led by the newly minted EIC. Also addressing the current and outgoing editorial board, together with the continuing staffers, are Mr. Guiller Marila (Student Publication Coordinator) with a special message from the college president, Dr. Imelda DP Soriano, delivered by Mr. Joseph Pusing (Quality Assurance Coordinator). | via Lance Isaac Leon/The FOREFRONT
Photos by Ivy Mago
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