BANTAY, ILOCOS SUR — Jessica Soho, the country’s most awarded broadcast journalist, was met with cheers and phone lights as she inspired over 4,000 campus journalists and educators at the opening of the 2025 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) and National Festival of Talents.
Celebrating her 40th year in broadcasting, Soho delivered a keynote address that was more than just a journalism lecture—it was a heartfelt masterclass in truth, integrity, and purpose in storytelling.
As the host of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” she shared seven pillars for aspiring journalists: accuracy, impact, content, fairness, reading, balance, and doing good.
“Totoo. Walang labis, walang kulang,” Soho said, stressing accuracy as the foundation of journalism. She reminded students to fact-check rigorously and never rely solely on gossip or unverified claims.
On impact, she urged journalists to tell stories that resonate:
“Your content should stand out and matter—for good.”
Soho championed substance over sensationalism, reminding attendees that in real journalism, “the story is the star, not the journalist.”
She emphasized fairness, the guiding value behind GMA News’ famous mantra: “Walang kinikilingan, walang pinoprotektahan.”
On reading, Soho shared how knowledge fuels great reporting:
“Read everything—even what’s wrapped around your tinapa!”
Addressing the tech-savvy Gen Z audience, she praised their creativity but reminded them to use digital tools responsibly and for social good.
Her final message: “Be good and do good.”
“No fake news. No bullying. No personal attacks. Let’s be the moral compass of society.”
This year’s NSPC theme, “Empowering Filipino Youth: Unleashing Potentials in Journalism and Creative Industries in the Era of AI,” aligned perfectly with Soho’s message of ethics, excellence, and evolution in media.
To mark her milestone year, GMA Public Affairs is launching Jessica Soho @40: Telling the Story of Filipinos, a digital archive showcasing her most iconic reports. The series premieres May 23 on YouTube.
“Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” remains the country’s most-watched TV program, according to 2024 Nielsen data.
As Soho concluded her speech to thunderous applause, she left students with one lasting reminder: in a noisy world, let your truth stand out—and let your stories spark change.