Second-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BACOMM) students of the City College of Cagayan de Oro (CCCDO) successfully concluded their Writing in the New Media course through a Culmination Program held on January 22, 2026, at the college campus. The activity served as the students’ first major culminating requirement and highlighted their competence in writing, journalism, digital media, and online communication.
The program was led by Dr. Donna Grace I. Cotejo, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and subject instructor. It emphasized hands-on, real-world learning through structured, time-bound activities such as News Writing, On-the-Spot Feature Writing, Newsletter Writing, and Online Selling. These activities allowed students to apply theoretical lessons into actual media and communication practices.
During the News Writing activity, students were tasked to produce clear, accurate, and well-structured news articles within a limited time. They were graded based on accuracy, completeness of information, proper news structure, and timeliness. Jenny Chen Andilab shared that the experience helped her become more careful and responsible in handling facts, especially under pressure. “News writing requires focus and responsibility. You have to be fast, but you cannot sacrifice accuracy,” she said.
Jesniel Caldoza also described the activity as challenging yet meaningful. “It was pressure-filled because of the time limit, but it trained us to think critically and verify information before writing. It felt like being in a real news environment,” she shared.
The On-the-Spot Feature Writing activity focused on creativity, storytelling, and human interest. Before conducting interviews, students were required to research and observe events or subjects to gather background information. This preparation helped them write richer and more accurate feature stories. Marie Mae L. Labis explained that the activity enhanced her ability to write with empathy. “Feature writing allowed me to express emotions and tell stories in a more personal way while remaining truthful and respectful,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Online Selling activity introduced students to digital entrepreneurship and persuasive communication. Students used social media platforms to promote products by creating captions, visuals, and promotional strategies. The grading criteria included creativity, clarity of message, audience engagement, and actual sales performance. A total of 15 students per block participated as online sellers, offering various products such as food items, merchandise, and digital services. Jericho Jeff O. Jamlan shared that the activity broadened his understanding of communication beyond traditional writing. “Online selling showed us how important it is to understand your audience and communicate value effectively,” he said.
Newsletter Writing was another major component of the program. Students were taught the proper process for newsletter writing, including content selection, layout planning, clear writing, and audience targeting. They were also guided on how newsletters are used as communication and promotional tools within organizations. About 10 members per block worked collaboratively on this activity, focusing on disseminating information and delivering messages effectively within campus communities.
Beyond competitions, the Culmination Program aimed to develop teamwork, discipline, and cooperation among students. Participants emphasized that shared learning and collaboration were more valuable than winning, strengthening camaraderie among classmates.
More than a showcase of academic outputs, the Culmination Program reflected the students’ dedication, creativity, and readiness to face the modern media landscape. Under the guidance of Dr. Donna Grace I. Cotejo, the BACOMM students completed the course with a deeper appreciation for ethical, responsible, and effective communication—essential qualities for future communication professionals.