In six years, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) celebrates its centenary. But even now, existing for 94 years is already a feat.

Founded on July 25, 1931, on the birthday of founder Ernesto Rodriguez Jr., the CEGP owes its establishment to editors-in-chief of the Philippine Collegian of the University of the Philippines, the Guidon of the Ateneo de Manila, the National of National University, and the Varsitarian of the University of Santo Tomas.

Elected as founding president was Wenceslao Vinzons whose name has since been entered in history books as the "father of student activism in the Philippines," founder of the first Philippine youth party, constitution convention member, and war hero. His hometown of Indan in Camarines Norte has since been renamed to Vinzons in his honor.

From its inception, the CEGP managed to gather the best and brightest editors-in-chief in fellowship, trainings, conventions, and even in sponsoring a beauty pageant.

The upsurge in the student movement in 1970, which bannered calls for social transformation, was not only reported in the Guild's member-publications. Editors and staff took an active part in the conscientization of students.

In 1971, a critical mass of editors-in-chief elected Antonio Tagamolila as CEGP president. It was Tagamolila who is credited with leading the transformation of the Guild into a more dynamic and more socially-committed student organization.

The prestige of student editors-in-chief and staff, and the hundreds of thousands of copies of student newspapers helped raise the awareness of students and the public and aided in propelling the mass movement.

It was thus not a surprise that Martial Law in 1972 also cracked down on student newspapers, with many student journalists opting to join the anti-dictatorship resistance.

This is just a broad outline of the Guild's first 50 years. I guess it would be great if Guilders from different generations would embark on writing and publishing a book on CEGP history as a fitting way to commemorate the Guild's centennial.

The rise of the internet and social media is something that has changed the media landscape inside and outside campus.

While the campus press is adept in publishing newspapers, the generations since the year 2000 should be able to offer insights on the changes and challenges to student newspaper publishing. If before there are many limitations in terms of frequency, number of pages, and number of colors, no such limitation exists for student newspapers that have gone online and are on practically 24/7 operation.

Some school administrations still try to "put the squeeze" on student publications through controls on the collection of publication fees and with the appointment of student publication advisers. But the ready availability of the internet and social media somehow negates such attempts to rein in on them.

Gone are the days when student journalists monopolize the reporting and publication of activities inside and outside campus. Ordinary students themselves, and as well as student organizations, can do that too — and they sometimes do it better.

The developments of the last 20 to 30 years obviously demand a closer look by the Guild. Similar changes, often tumultuous, have rocked and changed mainstream media industries.

I'm a proud Guilder, having been a staffwriter and editorial board member of the UPLB Perspective. I also served the Guild as assistant vice president for Luzon and deputy secretary-general, and headed organizing committees for conventions. My stint in the Guild brought me to many parts of the country, and introduced me to lifelong friends.

It would be great if there would be reunions of these friendships made whether at the national, regional, provincial, and publication levels. The countdown to the Guild's 100th year adds an impetus for holding such reunions.

There are Guilders in media, industry, non-profits, government, and also abroad. They would most certainly be excited in a homecoming.

Reading this newspaper and others, checking out the news on TV and radio, and scrolling through the timelines, one would find a parade of bylines and names of Guilders and Guild alumni.

Here's to our Guild's 94th anniversary, and to our countdown to the CEGP's centennial in 2031. Mabuhay ang Guild!