GOING BACK TO its roots for the publication’s 81st volume at the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Bedan reverted to releasing a print version of its July-August 2023 Regular Issue last October 23, in partnership with the San Beda University (SBU) Library.  

“So, before we commenced this volume, [the Editorial Board] discussed thoroughly muna our options because it’s been three years since [The Bedan] last published print issues. So, it was a difficult decision kasi there was a long time na dormant talaga ‘yung print media sa San Beda,” said Paul Alexis Arga, The Bedan’s Editor-in-Chief for Volume 81.  

The July-August 2023 Regular Issue marked the publication’s first release of printed publication of any form since its 77th volume in 2020. “[San Beda is] in a hybrid setup currently, pero Bedans are returning to campus, so we [wanted to] restore some semblance of normalcy,” added Arga. In addition, the Editor-in-Chief also shared that the publication “should make use of and maximize all the resources that are available to us.” This coincides with the publication’s efforts in the digital world through its social media accounts and the beta launch of its website.  

On the synergy of the printed issues and online versions, he stated that “the printed compilation of articles serves as a ‘historical artifact,’ like something frozen in time,” which allows the Bedan community to relive and look back on the events that happened to the relevant month of the issue. This allows the digital version of the regular issues and online news articles to serve as real-time updates for the Bedan community.  

Arga then shared that the publication is still in its “transition period” regarding the distribution of the printed publication and balancing it with their management of digital media. For its plans for future circulation, the publication plans to again set up bookstands along the Mendiola gate, LRT gate, and other “ingress and egress points” of the University through the efforts of Paolo Ornos, the Office Manager for Vol. 81. 

 In the meantime, the printed copies of the July-August 2023 Regular Issue are made available through the SBU Library, comprising the Senior High School (SHS), College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Law, and Health Sciences libraries, respectively.  

Ms. Jennifer Comabig, M.A.Ed.- LS, R.L., the Head of the SBU Library, stated that the distribution of The Bedan’s printed regular edition benefits students who like traditional newsprint and gives the student body a “souvenir” that records the University’s latest events. Additionally, she mentioned that “[the students] are most welcome” to utilize the library’s resources and amenities. The University libraries have also committed to including recent and future printed regular issue copies in their archive collection, allowing The Bedan to be included in future resources for research linked to San Beda’s history. 

A particular dilemma on circulation identified by the editors is how best to adhere to the University’s commitment to the papal encyclical “Laudato Si’” and overall environmental protection. Arga stated that “if [San Beda’s] going to be a “green university,” [we] can’t be irresponsible with how [we] release [printed] issues.” He spoke on “embodying this civic issue and responsibility” by vowing to take the “necessary actions” to help the “minimization of waste” by tuning the print issues to the University’s call to Laudato Si’.     

For her part, Anne Julia Francisco, the Managing Editor for the 81st volume, spoke on the procurement process for the printed issues. She stated that “it was actually hard to be able to look for a printing press that will be able to give us the quality with the right amount.” The publication is currently undergoing the formalization of its bidding process, allowing printing presses to give their samples, quotations, and proposals so that they may be able to become the exclusive supplier for The Bedan. Francisco also mentioned the difficulty of transitioning to printed publication due to “doing online [publication] for almost three years.” 

EDITORS’ NOTE: With more in store for the future, The Bedan is thankful for the continuous support of the Bedan community and is encouraging Bedans to grab a copy of the July-August 2023 Regular Issue at the SBU Library’s Circulation Section.