The IAWRT Philippines Chapter joins the Quezon Tri-Media Group (QTMG) and the National Union of Journalists-Quezon (NUJP) Chapter as they re-organize and re-strengthen their ranks after a recently concluded May 2010 National Election.
On 26th of June 2010, local media groups, communication professors from academic institutions, campus journalists and militaries from the South Luzon Command gather with pride at the SOLCOM Club House, Lucena, Quezon Province (located 3 to 4 hours south of Manila) in pursuit of adherence to the core values of journalism.
The keynote Speaker, Judge Romeo Villanueva, recognized the power of the journalism profession in affecting social change and the need to practice in this field with dignity and credibility. The information that the journalists publish serves as the basis for the general public in making decisions as in the case of electing competent and sincere officials that will lead the country in nation building. Therefore, journalists or similar professions in line with giving information should take the responsibility of reporting only the truth, without prejudice and bias under no external influence and that justice and freedom are noted of high regard.
By way of refreshing the group’s consciousness of the huge responsibility attached to journalism profession, Professor Danilo Arao of the University of the Philippines talked about the “Ethical Issues of Public Journalism.” He underscored that ethics should not be a choice between good or bad as this leads to subjectivity. The guiding principle should be a choice between what is right and what is wrong and that the information provided will stimulate the shaping of public opinion. Professor Arao further gave details on the subject by expounding on the Philippine Journalists Code of Ethics which at the latter elicited active audience participation and discussion.
Considering the rare moment of organizing such an event, Ms. Beth Roxas, head of the IAWRT Philippines Chapter, was called to give solidarity statement to the group. She also took the opportunity of sharing the IAWRT‘s vision and support that it gives to similar cause particularly involving women in media. Teresita Osalla (Secretary) and Ma. Janet Buelo (Treasurer), Chapter officers together with Mimi Ricamunda of the IAWRT Secretariat was present to give their support.
