UNDERSCORE PUP-DCR’s New Editorial Board Pledges Oath of Office; Outgoing Seniors Spark Empowerment
To embark on a new chapter as catalysts for change in the PUP Department of Communication Research’s student publication, UNDERSCORE PUP-DCR introduced its incoming Editorial Board members who took their oath of office and shared their plans for the organization during the Transition Ceremony, held via Zoom meeting last September 30, 2023.
The newly appointed Editorial Board members for the Academic Year 2023–2024 are as follows: Gabrielle Montiel as Editor-in-Chief, Gemuel Pacheco as Publishing Department Head, Ezekhyna Naval as Creatives Department Head, and Art Michael Malla as Marketing Department Head.
During the ceremony, outgoing Editorial Board members shared inspirational messages that will hold significance for UNDERSCORE PUP-DCR.
Sophia Rose A. Caramat, the outgoing Editor-in-Chief, encouraged the new Editorial Board and staffers to remain passionate and reminded them that they are in their positions for a reason. She also wished the publication’s success in actualizing projects albeit slowly.
“The next editorial board should obtain tiwala sa sarili. Kasi hindi naman kayo mapupunta sa posisyon na yan kung hindi kayo karapat-dapat. Napunta kayo sa posisyon na yan kasi you have the potential and you always have to remember that,” Caramat said,
[“The next editorial board should believe in themselves. You would never be in that specific position if you did not deserve it. You are in those positions because you have the potential and you always have to remember that.”]
Furthermore, Lanzel Javier, outgoing publications editor, reminded the new heads and staff members what UNDERSCORE truly is and the importance of bearing in mind their role as information bearers.
“We are more than just a publishing arm; we possess the ability to inform and educate, even if it reaches just a few individuals. With that in mind, I challenge each and every one of you to remain true to our organization’s core mission. Let’s work together to construct a data-driven and solutions-oriented society,” Javier shared during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Kirsten Danika Gelacio, outgoing marketing head, inspired the new Editorial Board members and staffers by highlighting the responsibilities that come with being part of a publication and an organization.
“With such a position, you are expected to guide your members. You’re in the front and center in times when the organization faces adversities.” She added, “It provides a sensation of reward and satisfaction once your members appreciate your efforts for the department’s growth.”
The outgoing Editorial Members and graduating members of the organization consistently reminded the new heads and publication members about the essence of UNDERSCORE — to build a data-driven and solution-oriented society.
Gabrielle Montiel, the incoming Editor-in-Chief, expressed gratitude to the members and seniors for the inspiration they provided to the team. She also shared her vision for the organization as she assumed the highest role:
“We will see what we can do to earn accreditation, hopefully this year. Next is to establish partnerships with different organizations under the department so we can somehow expand our reach and improve the credibility of our publication and also build close relationships among publication members.”
In the journey that lies ahead for UNDERSCORE PUP-DCR, the members are reminded that every word they write, every image they create, and every idea they share has the power to shape minds, ignite change, and inspire progress.
UNDERSCORE will always remain committed to illuminating the path towards a data-driven, solutions-oriented future. With unity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission, they will set new standards of excellence.
