ED Talks Kalibo Reignites Media Purpose and Growth

By Maria Solita Zaldivar-Guzman

photo by: ASU Campus

KALIBO, Aklan-On July 17, local journalists, content creators, and information officers from across Western Visayas gathered at the Executive Hall of Marzon Hotel Kalibo for -ED Talks, or Empowerment and Development Talks, San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) long-running media training series.

Now on its 22nd leg nationwide and held in partnership with the Boracay Island News Network, this was the program’s first time in Aklan. In his welcome message, Jayson Brizeula, Media Affairs Group Manager of SMC, shared how the company has grown into a large community that still feels like family. -ED Talks was created to support the growth of provincial media practitioners who are just as vital in truth-telling and public service as their peers in major cities. The gathering was not about trends or tools, but about giving media professionals space to reflect and grow.

Keynote speaker Cito Beltran, veteran columnist and broadcaster, reminded participants of a timeless principle:

“The most important thing now is to relearn—to unlearn, and then learn again.” He spoke about the challenges of digital transitions, the need for integrity, and the importance of staying anchored in values. Dax Lucas, founder of Insider PH, opened the first session with an honest take on the evolving media landscape. He recounted his frustrations in traditional newsrooms and the leap he took to build a digital-first business platform.

With 80% of traffic now on mobile, he stressed that content must be fast, credible, and tailored to how people consume news today, especially in the first 15 seconds. The second session took on a more personal tone with storytellers Jorem and Shiela Catilo, who spoke about how their childhood hobbies became creative careers. They emphasized that powerful images do not require fancy equipment, but emotional depth and clear intent.

Kali Quiñones of NewsWatch Plus followed, sharing insights on managing a modern newsroom. He encouraged attendees to find their niche, build strong networks, and evolve constantly. He stressed the power of engaging captions and micro-narratives that connect with audiences. A group workshop in the afternoon focused on content creation for platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

Participants presented outputs and received real-time feedback from content experts. In the final session, Janvic Mateo of One News PH confronted the pressing issues of misinformation and disinformation. He challenged the group to reflect on their role in preserving truth in an increasingly noisy world. Journalism is not just about reach—it is about responsibility. The event closed not with fanfare, but with a renewed sense of purpose.

As Beltran said in closing, “Revisit excellence, integrity, compassion, public service, and the community good. Earn your stripes—and earn it the hard way.” More than certificates, participants went home with something lasting: clarity of purpose and the heart to keep going.