Student journalists are often advised not to bite the hand that feeds them. All because institutional power usually thrives on compliance.

Last September 16, the Public Affairs and Marketing Communications Office of West Visayas State University (WVSU) invited students through the University’s Facebook page to join the pioneering batch of the WVSU Student Press Corps, calling it an opportunity to develop skills, explore “real-world” journalism, and contribute to the University's history.

While presented as an exciting new initiative, the formation of the WVSU Student Press Corps risks undermining the critical role of existing student publications by blurring the line between authentic journalism and public relations.

The essence of journalism lies in its role as a watchdog, not a promotional tool. In a campus already rich with journalistic talent, do we really need another platform, or is this simply another mouthpiece for the administration?

If the press corps' main function is to produce content that further amplifies the University’s achievements, we face a dangerous reduction of journalism to mere institutional propaganda. A notable example of this occurred when TomasinoWeb, the premier digital media outlet of the University of Santo Tomas, was pressured by their administration to take down an inoffensive photo of students dressed similarly to 7/11 employees. A press managed by public relations simply compromises its fundamental purpose, which is to foster genuine inquiry and presenting diverse perspectives.

Furthermore, the allocation of funds to this new press corps could be better used to strengthen the student publications we already have, some of which are renowned as the best in the region.

Rather than creating a separate press corps, the University could allot its resources by providing additional training and budget for student journalists to hone their skills while maintaining editorial independence.

What role will this press corps truly play? Will it gloss over controversies and publish stories that only highlight the University’s triumphs, even at the risk of sanitizing uncomfortable truths?

Public relations entities often prioritize managing and enhancing an institution's reputation over transparency or presenting the whole truth. Their primary goal is to craft a favorable image and control the narrative, frequently employing strategies that emphasize positive aspects while downplaying less favorable information.

Student journalists, on the other hand, delve into issues within and beyond the school walls to amplify the voices and demands of the student body. For years, we have proven our commitment and ability to handle investigative and reflective reporting. Introducing a new entity with overlapping functions not only takes our efforts for granted but also dilutes the true purpose of why we write.

We are not lapdogs meant to silence ourselves when instructed. We have voices that demand to be heard. Our articles must have teeth—our stories should challenge, provoke, and shed light on truths that may be uncomfortable for some.

As a student journalist, I believe that the creation of the Student Press Corps needs to be reconsidered. Rather than advancing the pursuit of truth, it represents an unwarranted diversion of resources from the crucial work already undertaken by student publications, prioritizing the University’s image over independent journalism and serving its purported reputation.

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Editor's note: The opinions or views expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the Publication and the University.