Hear Bong Santisteban, the scientist of Campus Journalism

By: Hazel Gane Pilapil

After spending his academic phase in the field of pure science, a man from the city of zamboanga stays to where his heart beats, advocate for the art and science of campus journalism.
And now, Bong Santisteban drives his journey on spreading his “magic word” to aspire young writers, “Be inspired to become an inspiration.”

Bong Santisteban finished his Bachelor of Science in Physics degree in Western Mindanao State University. The commencement of his work as a media practitioner happened when his senior introduced him to Rappler community and hired him as a researcher. Serving his comfort zone, he regularly guides and inspires young, passionate campus journalists not only because this is the nature of his work but because this is where he reminisced everything, his childhood.

Surprisingly, a young grade 5th Bong back then was taught to hold a pen and when his last year to elementary about to pass, he wore the name of his school to apex when he qualifies in National Schools Press Conference (NSPC). But right after he brought home the bacon, he never allowed period to mark the end of his dream. He still strived to garner concepts, facts, pitching and turning them into remarkable stories that succeedingly published inside and outside of his school premises, all were done and accomplished within his timeline from high school to college.

From that memorable experiences, he himself, admitted that campus journalism nature in college is more of a passion than a contest-centric campus journalism in high school. Pursuing the majority of his career with conditions surrounding him, he is one of the best who wanted to influence and create impact to newly born generation writers by promoting these changes. Especially up now that the press freedom is critical, including campus journalism, he badly proposed these standards and hopes for above people to turn their sides, make campus journalism become more effective, stories that have purpose, will contribute and improve the community.

“Gusto kong mabago yung competition centric na idea of campus journalism. Siguro, if we’re talking about secondary, elementary press conference sa national, make it more capacity building, skills enhancement, awareness program, more than just a competition. Sa first days ng competition, lets invite prominent journalists, talk about their experiences, and issues surrounding the campus journalism. Sa community, what stories that needs to be heard. Kasi ang campus journalism, its like taking part in the community, its more of citizen journalism. We need drastic and massive change in the National Competition. Kung may pagbabago, magiging benchmark ‘yon. So these are my personal dilemma.”

Instead of filling the room of scientists in the philippines, Bong has unique personality who chose to serve the pen. At the present, he works as the editorial consultant of JourKnows, the official facebook page of Campus Journalist Ako, an official online organization of Campus Journalists in the Philippines. He writes and will keep producing science articles and journals to build a bridge for citizens to understand the world of Pure Science.