Since 1986, there have already been 146 journalists killed in the Philippines. In 2012, death toll has climbed to 153, still not included on the list is the recent murder of a broadcaster in Cabanatuan City few months ago, and other media related killings that have transpired this 2013.
I remember the last time I was thinking about shifting courses. At that time, all I cared about was the wealth, and on how I am going to be rich by this job. However, I opted to stick with Journalism, a field that doesn’t produce instant big $$$, with only my fortitude to travel from one place to another and my unceasing passion for writing at my fingertips. And now, as I am passing through the halfway of the road to finishing this course, I realize that being a journalist is more than just being an adept writer. It is also all about being determined to put your safety to risk for the sake of a story, and to be alert and factual in order to be the bridge of the people’s message to the administration.
Eight months ago during the 3rd anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre, I along with other Journalism students, attented a candle-lighting parade in front and beside the Malolos Capitol, in respect and remembrance to the 33 members of the media who was murdered during the infamous massacre last November 23, 2009, and also to those who were executed for the previous years. There were candles forming the digits 153, metaphorically meaning “153 is enough." And among all the speeches and the lines I’ve heard, only one had a huge impact on my head.
"Credibility is our only license."
True enough. Unlike other professions, we aren’t be having licensure or board exams. No titles or licenses for us. How can we prove that we are polished? Only by being credible.
To those journalists who want to disseminate information and truth to his fellow countrymen, to those people of media who would like to be “the first one to know and discover," to those who are willing to put his other leg in hazard just to serve others, my utmost respect goes to you.
And to those students who aspire to join the league, welcome to the club! We all have a lot more to learn and undergo. But if you think, deep down inside you, that you are willing to abuse your fingers, waste your ink, make your forehead bleed and spend countless of hours outside of the box, go ahead.
The media needs you. Your countrymen needs you.
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I remember the last time I was thinking about shifting courses. At that time, all I cared about was the wealth, and on how I am going to be rich by this job. However, I opted to stick with Journalism, a field that doesn’t produce instant big $$$, with only my fortitude to travel from one place to another and my unceasing passion for writing at my fingertips. And now, as I am passing through the halfway of the road to finishing this course, I realize that being a journalist is more than just being an adept writer. It is also all about being determined to put your safety to risk for the sake of a story, and to be alert and factual in order to be the bridge of the people’s message to the administration.
Eight months ago during the 3rd anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre, I along with other Journalism students, attented a candle-lighting parade in front and beside the Malolos Capitol, in respect and remembrance to the 33 members of the media who was murdered during the infamous massacre last November 23, 2009, and also to those who were executed for the previous years. There were candles forming the digits 153, metaphorically meaning “153 is enough." And among all the speeches and the lines I’ve heard, only one had a huge impact on my head.
"Credibility is our only license."
True enough. Unlike other professions, we aren’t be having licensure or board exams. No titles or licenses for us. How can we prove that we are polished? Only by being credible.
To those journalists who want to disseminate information and truth to his fellow countrymen, to those people of media who would like to be “the first one to know and discover," to those who are willing to put his other leg in hazard just to serve others, my utmost respect goes to you.
And to those students who aspire to join the league, welcome to the club! We all have a lot more to learn and undergo. But if you think, deep down inside you, that you are willing to abuse your fingers, waste your ink, make your forehead bleed and spend countless of hours outside of the box, go ahead.
The media needs you. Your countrymen needs you.
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Opinion
Sports
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