Digital Disciples: CCCom trains Writers to Spread Faith via Caceres News

By Grace Ann Pitogo

July 5, 2025 – A diverse group of participants, comprising young writers and adult professionals from various parishes, attended the Caceres News Correspondents Workshop held at Coko Café, Ateneo de Naga University. The seminar-workshop aims to equip news correspondents with the necessary journalistic skills to serve in a faith-based media platform.

Fr. Francis Tordilla, Director of the Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom), introduced Caceres News, a new initiative aimed at digitally preserving and sharing stories of faith, life, and mission through digital media platforms to promote accessibility of faith news within the Archdiocese of Caceres. Fr. Tordilla pointed out the need to reach out to the digital generation, noting that modern evangelization requires the presence in online spaces where the  faithful, especially the youth, are increasingly found. 

In his opening message, Fr. Francis explained how the shift of news media now requires the use of digital communication. “You are not just volunteers. You are missionaries of media,” he told the participants as he welcomed them into their new roles.

The workshop featured a session on the art and craft of news and feature writing led by Ma’am Lilette Manauis. She discussed the essential elements and techniques of writing, underscoring the importance of storytelling in the mission of evangelization.

Additionally, Ms. Antonette Eduardo led a session on journalism ethics, underscoring the importance of integrity in their work, particularly in upholding confidentiality, truthfulness, and accuracy. Meanwhile, Ma’am Crisel Dionisio facilitated a session and hands-on workshop on on-the-spot interviews, a skill crucial for asking the right questions to elicit clear and objective responses.

With the Archdiocese’s increasing engagement in digital platforms, one participant shared, “Using media as a way of sharing our faith is what we need in these current times.” Through these sessions, young correspondents are empowered to evangelize effectively while remaining grounded in the principles of ethical journalism.

The workshop concluded with the recitation of the Oath of Commitment, where each participant pledged to uphold the values of truth, integrity, and service in their role as news correspondents.

The CCCom envisions Caceres News as a response to the Church’s call for modern evangelization, reaching the local faithful beyond the Archdiocese. This seminar-workshop marks the beginning of the writers' journey proclaiming the Good News through media.