Fred Jzeidric Tindongan Secures 3rd Place in Vlogging at 24th EdukCircle International Convention on Media Communication Vlogging Competition

Fourth-year Communication student Fred Jzeidric Tindongan earned third place in the Vlog Competition for Communications students category at the 24th EdukCircke International Convention on Media Communications, held at the GT Toyota Auditorium in University of the Philippines Diliman on October 21, 2023.

Competing alongside fellow Communication students from various institutions, Tindongan presented a vlog that tackles pressing issues regarding the effects of social media trolls in Philippine society. His entry examined how online disinformation campaigns shape public perception and influence political discourse, particularly during election periods.

“I explored theories surrounding the engagement of politicians, including figures like Bongbong Marcos, in funding troll farms. I delved into their strategies of orchestrating well-thought-out social media campaigns, particularly during election periods, with the objective of restoring their family's reputation. These campaigns effectively crafted a new narrative that favored their family while also disseminating misleading information concerning Marcos, the Martial Law era, their educational accomplishments, and allegations of ill-gotten wealth,” Mr. Tindongan said.

Through his vlog, Tindongan shed light on how digital platforms can be used not only as tools for engagement but also as mechanisms for historical revisionism and narrative-building. His work underscores the responsibility of Communication students and practitioners to critically examine the evolving media landscape and its implications for society.

The achievement was witnessed and celebrated by members of the academic community. Ms. Maria Fermina Joyce C. Nucum, adviser of the TSU-Communicators’ Guild, and Ms. Liana Faith De Leon, Financial Adviser, were joined by the entire faculty of the Communication Department during the live Zoom broadcast of the event. Michael Naris and Romer Madrid, President and Vice President of the Communicators' Guild, respectively, also participated as student representatives in the convention.

Adding depth to the convention’s academic discussions, Prof. Nerissa S. Olarte, Coordinator for CASS Planning, Training and Linkages, and Prof. Jose Russell S. Arador, Unit Head of the Center of Tarlaqueño Studies, served as panelists for the Panel Interaction and Q&A Session covering two key topics.

Tindongan’s recognition at the international convention not only highlights his individual accomplishment but also reflects the active engagement of Communication students and faculty in addressing contemporary media issues.