November 11, 2025

Education

Campus journalism plays a significant role in fostering students’ communication skills, critical thinking, and ethical understanding of media. As emphasized in DepEd Memorandum No. 34, s. 2023, which highlights the importance of campus journalism in the K-12 Curriculum, school publications serve as platforms for students to develop their potential as young writers while promoting transparency, accountability, and civic consciousness. Aligned with the Department of Education’s mandate to empower learners through co-curricular programs, The Vanguards, formerly known as Focus the official English publication of Bangkulasi Senior High School, seeks to: (a) serve as a voice for the student body in addressing relevant school and societal issues, and (b) develop learners’ 21st-century skills, particularly in communication and creativity, as stated in DepEd Order No. 21, s. 2019 (Policy Guidelines on the K to 12 Basic Education Program). The school-based publications play a vital role in shaping well-rounded learners who are critical, creative, and communicative. The Vanguards will serve as a platform for students to express their thoughts, share school events, and address societal issues through journalistic writing. In addition to fostering English language proficiency, the program will promote civic engagement by encouraging students to explore and address pressing issues in their community. By honing their skills in journalism, students will be empowered to be responsible members of society and champions of truth, objectivity, and creativity by providing hands-on opportunities to engage in journalistic writing, editing, and multimedia production, The Vanguards also contributes to media literacy and prepares students for future roles as responsible citizens and media practitioners. This program supports the Department of Education's emphasis on campus journalism as a tool for developing learners’ 21st-century skills, such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.