PAMPANGA—The Amateur Media Association of Philippine Scouts announced the launching of its official publication, the Philippine Scout Tribune, on Thursday, February 10, and its editorial board.
The Philippine Scout Tribune or the Scout Tribune is an independent Scout publication of AMAPS. The publication aims to deliver not only news about Scouting but also news outside the movement that concerns the youth.
After the Scout Journalism Skills Training conducted by AMAPS, participants were given a qualifying examination for the editorial board positions. A series of interviews were also conducted to determine their qualifications and commitment. More than a week after the tests and interviews, Samatha Jauco was named as the first Editor-in-Chief.
Jauco is the incumbent Regional Scout Representative of BSP – Central Luzon Region and Council Scout Representative of BSP – Tarlac Council.
She described the opportunity to be a big responsibility that she is ready to take.
“I would be lying if I say that I was not overwhelmed when I knew that I will be the editor-in-chief. But it is a responsibility that I am happy and eager to take on,” she said.
When asked about the challenges she sees in Scout journalism, she said that she is expecting different comments to be directed towards the publication.
“The Scout Tribune will be pushed under the spotlight and people will be very critical of it. At the very core, we will write and share with the intention of serving our fellow Filipinos and our country. We are not here to serve those in power or publish with malicious intent. We are serving the impoverished, the used, the oppressed, the cheated, and the lied to. We will do our best to brave the adversities,” she answered.
She added that the spread and impact of malicious manipulated information fueled her towards accepting the position. Jauco also believes that her fellow Scout journalists in The Scout Tribune have the same goal of bringing truthful and rightful information to the public.
Samantha will serve as the face and the voice of the publication and will work with the other members of the Scout Tribune. Here are the Scout journalists who will be part of the editorial board:
Editor-in-Chief: Samantha Lorraine Jauco, Tarlac Council
Associate Editor: Katreena Mae Diaz, Mayon Council
Managing Editor: Alyanna Alcantara, Pampanga Council
Creative Director: Noreen Jade Fernandez, Tarlac Council
Senior Copy Editor: Crislyn Shelou Garcia, Tarlac Council
News Editor: Peter Levenson Policarpio, Palawan – Puerto Princesa City Council
News Editor: Angelica Marie Gallardo, Cabanatuan City Council
Deputy News Editor: Joseph Avaceña, Quirino Council
Deputy News Editor: Siena Joy Mangaoang, Mayon Council
Entertainment Editor: Lorence Joshua Soto, Marinduque Council
Deputy Entertainment Editor: Emmanuelle Jasper Relativo, Makati City Council
Environment & Science Editor: Feil Immanuel Aquino, Bacolod City Council
Deputy Environment & Science Editor: John Joseph Tabladillo, Iloilo (Confesor) Council
Features Editor: Emman Rivera, Cabanatuan City Council
Deputy Features Editor: Princess Mherose Cordonete, Mayon Council
Culture and the Arts Editor: Hyacinth Faye Arellano, Tarlac Council
Deputy Features Editor: Mika Grace Regala, Negros Occidental Council
Design Editor: Jamber Idulsa, Bukidnon Council
Photos Editor: Chelsea Louise San Juan, Catanduanes Council
Senior News Graphic Designer: Pia Alessandra Delos Reyes, Las Piñas City Associate Council
Senior Associate Designer: Leann Christian Muego, Manila Council
Social Media Manager: Hannah May Pascual, Tarlac Council
Research Manager: John Edward Lotayco, Negros Occidental Council
The 23 Scouts qualified to be part of the editorial board from February 2022 to January 2023. They will serve and publish one issue per quarter via electronic means.
The newly-installed editor-in-chief believes that the Scout Tribune combines integrity and transparency that journalism should emulate at all times, with the Senior Scout code.
“In a time where the spread of misinformation and disinformation is rampant, we have to stand up and show up. Filipinos need us, Scouts who have promised their service to their people—they need us,” she said.
“The Philippine Scout Tribune needs more Scouts who are ready to protect their communities through their pens and papers. For our country and our people, a war against the infodemic is a war I am ready to wage and you should be the same,” she continued.
The Amateur Media Association of Philippine Scouts is part of FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies.
