by Ruther Ray C. Ruado
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel,” the philosopher Socrates famously believed. On December 6 and 13, 2025, at San Vicente Elementary School (SVES) in Baguio City, Philippines, that flame was not merely observed; it was handed over. The District 10 Seminar-Workshop on Basic Journalism became a sacred ground for the “Passing of the Quill,” a metaphor for the transition of responsibility from seasoned student editors of Baguio City High School (BCHS) to the eager “adings” (juniors) of the next generation.
The Alchemy of Mentorship
If journalism is the “first rough draft of history,” then these young learners are its newest architects. The workshop was grounded in the rationale that continuous development is paramount for nurturing responsible campus communicators. In a beautiful display of the Socratic spirit of learning through dialogue, exemplary high school journalists from Baguio City High School stepped down from their pedestals to sit beside elementary students.
This was more than a lecture; it was a transfer of gained knowledge where mentors guided their younger counterparts through the labyrinth of News Writing, the precision of Copyreading, and the vivid world of Photojournalism. By treating their juniors as “adings,” they transformed a technical seminar into a family legacy that spanned eight different schools within the district.
Sharpening the Blade of Truth
Aristotle famously wrote, “Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.” This sentiment echoed through the breakout sessions where elementary journalists honed their habits. The results of this rigorous sharpening were evident in the participants’ improved journalistic competency, exceeding initial expectations.
Through specialized training and advanced skills demonstrations, the “adings” built a strong foundation where there were once knowledge gaps. The creative fire was especially evident in categories such as Editorial Cartooning and Photojournalism, where technical skill met visual aptitude to produce high-quality work.
Tending the Hearth
No fire can burn without fuel, and the community, led by BENECO, acted as the hearth for this gathering. By providing the essential “learning kits”, the notebooks and pencils that serve as the tools of the trade, and the sustenance needed to keep minds sharp, they proved that it takes a village to protect the truth.
Director Josephine Aclayan of BENECO District 2 offered words that served as a bellows to the students’ burning curiosity, highlighting the cooperative’s commitment to community inspiration. This support ensured that the logistics of the event, which hosted participants from across the district, ran smoothly from the early morning registration to the final awarding ceremonies.
A Legacy in Ink
As the sun set on the final day, the air was thick with the scent of fresh ink and the weight of new responsibility. School Paper Adviser Ruther Ray Ruado delivered a closing charge that mirrored a Stoic call to action: potential is a seed, but only hard work harvests the fruit.
He strongly emphasized that while all participants possess potential, they must commit to the labor required to transform that potential into a tangible asset for their schools and communities. The baton (or rather, the quill) has been passed, and the “adings” of District 10 are no longer just observers; they are the new guardians of the flame, ready to illuminate the stories of their communities for years to come.
About the Author:
Ruther Ray C. Ruado hails from the cool and vibrant city of Baguio, Philippines. Driven by a passion that balances conventional and unconventional approaches to contemporary issues, he explores the dynamic intersections of popular culture, education, and social change.
