To amplify and empower community journalism, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism 4-2N organized a seminar titled “Kwentong Barangay, Kwento ng Bayan: The State of Community Journalism in the Midst of Digital Transformation” at the PUP College of Communication Audio-visual Room on Wednesday, June 26.
Pinoy Weekly Editor-in-Chief (EIC) Marc Lino Abila and AlterMidya National Coordinator Avon Ang were invited as guest speakers for the seminar.
Abila discussed the history of community and alternative journalism, while Ang talked about its future trajectory.
The past and the present
The Pinoy Weekly EIC quoted former University of the Philippines professor Luis V. Teodoro on how journalism began with a revolutionary and alternative tradition, from the rise of local newspapers during colonization, continued through the censorship experienced by media organizations during the Martial Law period, and until today.
Abila noted that some newspapers used foreign languages—from Spanish to English—and limited the number of copies distributed for public consumption to avoid being discovered by the colonizers, adding that only a few newspapers used Filipino.
“Mahalaga ‘yung role ng community press lalo na noon, dahil hindi niya lang pinapaalam sa mga mamamayan kung ano ang nangyayari, pinapaalam din nila sa mga doon sa mga guerilla ‘yung ano ang nangyayari sa iba’t ibang bagay,” said Abila.
He also shared old samples of newspapers from publications and student publications, noting that most publications in Manila were able to archive their copies.
Abila then highlighted the importance of alternative media, which focuses their releases and pieces on a local level.
Though trying to make a release every week, Abila shared the challenges of a weekly publication but is hopeful with the number of interns and volunteers today.
“Ang peryodismo ay hindi parang “he-said, she-said,” pero ang talagang mainstream tradition o talagang pinagsimulan ng peryodismo sa Pilipinas ay ang pagiging community-based at pagiging rebolusyonaryo,” Abila stated.
“Kaya naman nagkaroon ng mga community papers ay dahil sa kagustuhan ng mga mamamayan na makalaya from colonial powers mula sa mga Kastila hanggang sa ngayon na neocolony,” he added.
Abila shared that there are a lot of stories that mainstream media has not covered that remain unnoticed by the public despite the grave challenges communities face. He stressed the need to challenge the power structure because the people cannot attain the true essence of democracy.
The Future
Meanwhile, Ang reminded the attendees that journalism is about serving the public and telling stories at a deeper level.
For the AlterMidya national coordinator, community journalism is the future of journalism, since many aspiring media practitioners have grown interested in it. Ang noted that this future should adhere to the highest ethical standards of the profession to maintain trust and credibility.
“Bahagi ng ethical obligation natin sa mga community na kailangan nakakapagsalita na sila, kasi kung hindi sila nakakapagsalita, ano ibabalita natin? ‘Di nila na-e-express kung ano ang kanilang tingin sa mga isyung panlipunan,” Ang emphasized.
Ang noted that corporate press and media are controlled by political and economic interests, having an information monopoly where some media organizations prohibited using the word “dictator” in reporting, following the victory of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 2022 Presidential Elections.
She linked community journalism to citizen media awareness and literacy, especially in checking the veracity of publications by media organizations. Ang added that social media is giving false hope to citizens wishing for their stories to be covered.
Ang noted that the masses trust the media, but cautioned that unethical practices cause public distrust.
“‘Yung future ng community journalism ay nandoon siyempre sa pagtulong doon sa pagbabago o transformation ng society na mga nirereport natin tungkol sa inequality, tungkol sa kawalan ng lupa, tungkol sa mga human rights violation ay eventually mawawala, mababawasan, magbabago ang situation.”
Before ending the talk, Ang reminded the attendees that communities are waiting for future media practitioners who will shed light on their stories.
Article: Lourence Angelo Marcellana
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