Journalism students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) graduated from the Journalism Plus training program of The Manila Times College (TMTC) on Tuesday.

The 12 PUP students belong to the second batch of student journalists who successfully completed 200 hours of internship under the program.

The graduates are Anabelle Alcomendas, James Nelson Amores, Ann Janet Castillo, Joyce Dipasupil, Froilan Francisco, Nikolous Gel Llamoso, Rea Nicka Lumalang, Flordelyn Manaog, Genesis Ann Ortilano, Kelvin Kristoff Penano, Abigail Joy Taganas and Rosilyn Tayamora.

The Journalism Plus program is designed to enhance the journalistic skills of students by exposing them early to journalistic work. It includes seminars and trainings from media practitioners and coverage of news beats under the supervision of The Manila Times reporters and editors.

“Journalism Plus was developed because we wanted other students to experience what TMTC students are experiencing. We want to share with them our equipment and facility and to give them a different kind of training,” Dr. Isagani Cruz, veteran journalist and president of TMTC, said.

The graduation rite was held at the TMTC studio. Present in the ceremony were Dr. Dante Ang, Manila Times Editor-in-Chief Rene Bas, CEO and executive editor Dante Francis “Klink” Ang 2nd, who led the graduates in reading the Philippine Press Institute and National Press Club’s Journalists’ Code of Ethics.