Children's Art: "The greatest masterpiece and the greatest story ever told."

Children's Art: 

"The greatest masterpiece and the greatest story ever told."

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up” – Pablo Picasso

Dr Abe V Rotor

LIVING with NATURE CENTER

San Vicente, Ilocos Sur

Let the wind blow, the grass grow, the mist settle down;

guide a child, brush and colors in her hand, reign

over a beautiful realm we grownups have given up long ago,

never to return, yet yearning, to be children again;

We pass this way but once - and again through our genes,

in tender hands and heart, we've lived not in vain.

 

“There are painters who transform the sun into a yellow spot, but there are others who, thanks to their art and intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun.” – Pablo Picasso

 

“Why do you try to understand art? Do you try to understand the song of a bird?” – Pablo Picasso

 

I watched a child paint the floor of our house.

I gave her all the things she needed,

then left to attend the chores of the day.

What had she done in my absence?

I almost forgot all about the whole thing.

That always happens to a busy person.

I returned, apologetic. She didn't say a word.

She was still busy painting without respite.

I studied her paintings on the floor.

Suddenly I felt I was talking to myself.

Me, an artist of many movements:

realism, romanticism, to postmodern.

And she, the artist of peace and harmony,

naturalness and simplicity.

Here's the greatest masterpiece of the world.

and the greatest story ever told. ~

“No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did he would cease to be an artist” – Oscar Wilde

Evolving Art (ad infinitum)

                                                             Evolving Art 

(ad infinitum) 

Art works and verses by Dr Abe V Rotor 

Splash Painting

Who needs brush and canvas?

Only colors, if you must.

On the floor, just splash, splash,

to create stained glass! 

Noah's Black Dove 

I found a fossil entombed,

   of a story in driftwood. 

  

Duck Head  Figurine

 

Once hunted on water and in air,

now figurine, a grim reminder.   

 

Broken Jar  Alive

A lease for life indeed

through art we bid;

talent put to the test

at its very best.

 

Driftwood trophy

Why gold or silver a trophy:

why not remnant of a tree,

 shells forgotten and empty,

to wake us up to reality?

 

 

Driftwood Table Decor

Wasteland in the hall,

  a dreaded scene,

   aftermath of the Fall, 

of man's first Sin. ~

ISCC Workshop Lesson Series 3: Development Communication (DevCom): Journalism and Social Media

Lesson Series 3:  Ilocos Sur Community College (ISCC) 

Development Communication

Journalism and Social Media

Dr Abe V Rotor

Living with Nature School on Blog  

(avrotor.blogspot.com and Naturalism - the Eighth Sense)

Part 1 - Quo vadis, Journalism? (Where is Journalism headed for?)
Part 2 - Features of Development Communication

ANNEX  A - Guidelines in Photojournalism.

            B - Yes, you can write. Tips on How to be an Effective Writer.

 

Journalism today endeavors to elevate writing from journalism to authorship; and arts to humanities - the highest level the intellect can reach: philosophy - love of know- ledge, and wisdom - distilled knowledge through experience and time. - avrotor

Part 1 - Quo vadis, Journalism?(Where is Journalism headed for?)

Today computers and smartphones dominate media virtually at fingertip and mobile at that, involving a very wide profile of users interconnected locally and around the world.

From the earliest Roman newsletter in the 5th century BC to today's Social Media, journalism has indeed vastly expanded and radically evolved.

Teodoro “Ka Doroy” Valencia (center) is regarded father of Philippine Journalism

In the Philippines the first newsletter was Tomas Pinpin's Successos Felices 1636, and the first regularly published newspaper was Del Superior Govierno (1811). Print journalism dominated media for centuries until radio and TV brought news and entertainment to the living room, and to millions of people all over the world equipped with portable electronic gadgets.

People would rather watch TV or listen to the radio than read the newspaper, magazines – and books. Reputable publications like Time, Newsweek, and Reader’s Digest declined in circulation, and ventured into electronic publication with fair success. Even the world’s major encyclopedias stopped printing, and joined the Internet, Today, social media rides on cyber publication which lends to wider and quicker access by the public.

Today computers and smartphones dominate media virtually at fingertip and mobile at that, involving a very wide profile of users interconnected locally and around the world.

Millennials are often identified with their fondness of using cellphone or smartphone at any time, what with the many features of this palm-size gadget. They are wired all the time, says a sociologist. The cell phone connects practically all - libraries, shopping centers, universities, cities, public offices, homes, irrespective of distance and time. And it is multiple linked with institutions and systems: e-mail, e-commerce, e-learning, etc.

Social media catch the earliest news, send quick messages, and react openly, critique without reservation. In fact social media to the general public is open journalism.

So what is journalism today? People ask.

"There are set rules and standards of journalism embodied in the Code of Journalism which will remain unchanged," says Editor Feliciano U Galimba Jr, of the award winning community newspaper - The Greater Lagro Gazette.

Adhering to these rules and standards, and mobilizing a staff of local talents, Editor Fil as he is fondly called, succeeded in making this quarterly barangay publication a model in community journalism, earning awards and citations from leaders and readers.

The Code of Ethics in Journalism is universal, summarized in four tenets. These comprise the four pillars of journalism, and it is in defense of this sacred temple that many journalists have lost their lives, many of them as martyrs of the profession.

Seek Truth and Report It. Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

Minimize Harm - Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect. Balance the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness.

Act Independently - The highest and primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public. Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Disclose unavoidable conflicts.

Be Accountable and Transparent - Ethical journalism means taking responsibility for one’s work and explaining one’s decisions to the public.
Role models in journalism, like in other professions, provide not only direction but inspiration in work and life as well.

The late Teodoro "Doroy" Valencia is undoubtedly the father of journalism in the Philippines. His column Over a Cup of Coffee in the former Manila Times shaped the thinking of his readers and influenced the decisions of leaders in his time, and even to the present, which makes Ka Doroy an institution.

His philosophy in ingrained in his teaching to one who aspires to become a journalist. He must

1. Be inquisitive
2. Be constant in his purpose
3. Be fair and balanced
4. Be genuinely interested in people
5. Seek the truth
6. Be resourceful
7. Have guts
8. Master his grammar
9. Know his medium
10. Read, read and read.

Above all, he must be God-fearing, compassionate, and true to his country and fellowmen. And must uphold journalism as a profession and institution.
-----------------------------------------------------
New media technologies, such as social networking and media-sharing websites, in addition to the increasing prevalence of cellular telephones, have made citizen journalism more accessible to people worldwide. Due to the availability of technology, citizens often can report breaking news more quickly than traditional media reporters. Notable examples of citizen journalism reporting from major world events are the COVID-19 pandemic, African Swine Flu 2019, earthquake in Haiti, Morocco and Afghanistan, the Arab Spring 2010, Occupy Wall Street movement, the 2013 protests in Turkey, and now, Russia war on Ukraine; Israel war in Gaza.
----------------------------------------------------

Another journalist of international fame is Joseph Pulitzer who initiated the pattern of modern newspaper. For him, newspaper is the ‘vehicle of truth’, and he used it to raise his concern against corruption, fraud, monopolies, gambling rings and ill practices by elected officials. He believed in the power of press and the intelligentsia involved in journalistic activities to bring a positive change to the world.

Joseph Pulitzer founded the prestigious

Pulitzer Award for Journalism

The Pulitzer Award attests to his love and devotion to journalism. The award is regarded as co-equal with the Nobel Prize in the field of journalism. Our Carlos P Romulo (left photo) received this award for his writing "I saw the Philippines fall. I saw the Philippine rise." to date, he is the only Filipino bestowed with this distinction.

 

Filipino Nobel laureate journalist Maria Ressa PHOTO received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021.  She is the co-founder and CEO of Rappler, (Rappler is a Filipino online news website based in Metro Manila, founded by 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa along with a group of fellow Filipino journalists.)

Filipino propagandists for Philippine independence from Spain proved to be the first model journalists. Jose Rizal wrote Noli and Fili; Graciano López Jaena, published La Solidaridad with Marcelo H. del Pilar as editor and co-publisher, and Antonio Luna as a prolific writer. Other illustrious Filipino journalists joined in the struggle and eventual success in attaining Philippine independence.

Taking a glimpse back in history, searching for role models in the present, while projecting the future of journalism is a most challenging scenario for any scholar or critic of what is journalism today. Indeed he finds himself at a very complex crossroad.

For how can we interconnect the ramifications of media in the same manner nerves are joined together to form a ganglion? 

• Newspaper journalism
• Campus journalism
• Magazine journalism
• Citizen journalism (also known as "public", "participatory", "democratic", 
•       "guerrilla" or "street" journalism
• Community journalism or civic journalism,
• Social Journalism as a separate concept denoting a digital publication.
• Online and digital journalism 

The challenge is addressed to us openly. We are inevitable victims of an explosion of knowledge which has consequences of information overload leading to the creation of information pollution. It has severe undertones to values and to journalism. It is up for us to devise a system through the same technology, of separating the grain from the chaff, so to speak.

A disturbing predicament of media today is that media has allegedly become a handmaiden of capitalism on one hand and the government on the other, radicalism notwithstanding, What with the growing threat of terrorism worldwide. Another predicament is that broadcast journalism has metamorphosed with a personality image and public impression akin to those in the entertainment world. Thirdly, very few in media today actually write their own thoughts and ideas, much less as authors in expressing their philosophy in life and in upholding the profession as a catalyst to a better world.

Such journalists are the likes of Fareed Rafiq Zakaria (photo) an Indian American journalist, columnist, author and broadcaster; and Hunter S Thompson, father of ‘gonzo journalism’, a style of writing where the reporter is involved in the story.

There are Initiatives to restore the integrity of journalism during the time of Ka Doroy, Carlos P Romulo, Jose Guevara, Jose Lansang, Amando Doronilla, among others. Such efforts may start with community journalism, as a basic unit, under the tutelage of true and dedicated journalists like Editor Fil Galimba et al. It must focus on the young, the users and ardent followers of social media.

Social media is a vital link to genuine journalism, in fact it may yet become the journalism in our postmodern age - if properly directed and managed.

Journalism is indeed one of the most dangerous professions. Journalism is not a job for the weak-hearted or the money-seeker. Despite that, it is not hard to find courageous and passionate journalists, who have dedicated their entire lives to relentlessly exposing corruption, reporting wars and uncovering political and economic scandals.

* Originally posted in this Blog on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 2 November 2022. United Nations and press freedom and media organizations marked 30 years of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, 2023, celebrating the importance of freedom of the press and freedom of expression, and urging governments to uphold and protect Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right to freedom of expression.

Part 2 - Cry of the LAWIN

 Features of Development Communication

"Lawin endeavors to elevate writing from journalism to authorship; and arts to humanities - the highest level the intellect can reach: philosophy - love of knowledge, and wisdom distilled through experience and time. " - avr 

The lawin circles and cries up high above our community: a cry calling for self-reliance and self-identity; a cry of joy in simple and practical living; and a cry of relief, a catharsis, freedom from within, where peace-of-mind and true happiness reign. Painting of a lawin on a backboard by the author.  Excerpt from a speech delivered by the author as president of Lawin (association of writers) before LGU and NGO officers, members and guests, Barangay Greater Lagro, QC 2022

What really does the lawin symbolize?

One early morning my granddaughter pointed at the bird in the sky. I explained what I know about the bird. Lawin symbolizes the young generations. It brings in the morning sun, it connects us grownups with the young generations. It gives our children a break from iPads and TV. .

One time children in the neighborhood in our place could not play their favorite game basketball. Somebody rebuilt their backboard, and games resumed. There's one difference: the other player on the back bard is a big lawin with outstretched wings seemingly playing with the kids.

Nearby a garbage dump began to transform into a vegetable and herbal garden. The children called it Lawin Garden. It is a local version of the Phoenix bird rising from the garbage ashes.

The lawin has a peculiar cry while in flight - clear and loud whistle of two notes. But most often, it is a silent flyer with panoramic and telescopic vision.

It can see like a satellite monitor what is happening over its broad area of vision, yet able to focus on the slightest movement - a prey or an enemy.

Writers and artists to a great degree are like the lawin. Like the lawin, true writers and  artists are a vanishing breed, they are an endangered species victim of instant and unguided social media, and worst assassination of journalists. The Philippines is compared to worn-torn countries like Syria and Afghanistan for having the highest number of killings in mass media.

The lawin writers and artists have "eyes for news and the arts," Their aerial perspective is holistic and contiguous. They see the multiplicity and unity of space and time, people and events. And they never veer away from their community which they watch over.

At the onset of organizing LAWIN, we did some research on our trust and functions, and on the long run - our projected goal.

Our reference is the our own Gazette. Lawin is DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION. DevCom recognizes the power of communication as a catalyst for social development. It utilizes the tools and principles applicable in the community they serve for the advancement of society.

In an outline DevCom is

• Information disemination and education
• Social Marketing - ideas, knowledge and wisdom
• Purposive communication - it sets targets
• Social mobilization - involvement and militancy
• Community improvement mainly on felt needs
• Positive change (social, political, economic, moral, environmental, etc)
• Participatory development - bottom-up approach
• Humanities development - applied aesthetics
• Sentinel and vanguard of code of media 
• Pathfinder - pioneering and visionary

Development Communication as the INTEGRATION OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION IN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, based on a clear understanding of real and down-to-earth situations, with people's participation and shared equitable benefits.

What then would be our guiding principle in our program? It can be summarized as follows, for an anonymous source:

"If it is of high quality, people will respect you;

  If it is relevant, people will need you; 

  If it is measurable, people will trust you; 

  If it is innovative, people will follow you." 

If you were the lawin up in the sky over Greater Lagro, you are likely to see these
the need to reduce waste by not being wasteful, and in making use of waste through recycling.

• the need to motivate people towards common goals, reinvigorate those in their senior years,
• the need to clean our streets and sidewalks - and our homes
• the need to train students in our schools not only in the field of mass media and applied art to run their school paper but to help then attain their chosen careers. 
• the need to take care of the trees, and plants more tree, to make Lagro an extension of the shrinking wildlife.
• the need to expand outdoor activities, participate in wholesome games and sports, creative activities.
• the need to guard Greater Lagro from the incursion of bad elements, vices, violations of human rights, peace and order.
• bringing in honors and prestige to the community through the talents of its citizens, particularly the young.
• unifying relationships of families, strengthening bonding, making the community senior citizen friendly, grandchildren friendly as well.

There are one-thousand-and-one other visions that challenge the organization LAWIN and its members giving meaning to their membership, above all, building a legacy for the next generations.

When we hear the lawin cry up in the sky, let us heed its message.

• A call for self-reliance, self-sufficiency. self-identity;
• A cry of joy to remind us that simple and practical living makes a full life; and
• A cry of relief that takes away the tensions of living, liberates us more than freedom symbolized by our flag, because it is freedom within where peace of mind and true happiness reign.

But we can only attain our goal with the support of our community, the various organizations, and networking of all sectors of society, and if our commitment is not only for our own generation but that of our children - and children's children. ~

ANNEX A - Photojournalism

Field Guide in Photojournalism.

Group photo and panoramic

Snapped view from moving car

Silhouette effect against sun

Confidence and timing needed

Discovery of subject

Know your camera. Befriend it, and you will go places together, and "conquer" the world with photography.

1. Subjects are everywhere. But you have to look for your subject. See new angles, dimensions, perspectives, and many other ways to make the most of each subject. Use all senses possible, draw out subjects from imagination. More than a "nose for news" approach or "gut feel", imagine, re-create, and feel your subject.

2. Camera cannot discriminate. "You and I may lie, but the camera does not lie." The camera captures all within its vision. But you can focus only on a particular object or part of it. You can script. Be sure a scripted picture is not obvious.

3. Power of colors. It means appropriate colors for your subject tuned to the occasion, ambiance, purpose - with the sense of moderation and fine taste. Colors are all around. Discern colors to attract, harmonize, create moods, contrast, emphasis. To make your subject look real. Use color schemes to add coherence to your picture, to interpret expressively. Use warm and cool colors properly. Strong colors do not always attract, maybe you need distorted colors like reflection on water. Be guided in color harmony using the Color Chart.

4. Exposure setting. Even with an automatic camera, you need to check and apply the proper exposure. Otherwise you get over exposed or under exposed results. Too high DIN/ASA/ISO under the sun results to granulated photo. (Pointillism effect). Practice bracketing: make a series of shots of the same subject with different modes (aperture, shutter, ISO), and at variable distance. Compare and choose, edit (if necessary), arrange or collage.

5. Use lines properly. Lines lead the eye. Lines create moods, emphasis, direction. Break monotony, repetition, prosaic impression. Lines give a sense of measurement like distance, volume, height.

6. Focus to make clear, sharp image. Even with automatic cameras, be sure you get the best focus. The light meter measures light - not necessarily the subject. Use focus for emphasis and viewpoint, and differential focus (sharp and soft). Focus guides you in editing, specially cropping. It emphasizes the value of the picture, its newsworthiness and artistic quality.

7. Shutter freezes action. Or creates mood. Movement is a difficult subject. Split of a second. Passing view. Fast cars, winning shot, fired bullet. Yet a little blur or haze gives a special touch to the picture.

8. Aperture or lens opening. Depth of field must be well defined, unless you have another objective, like eliminating undesirable background. Shallow depth of field makes a particular person to stand out in a crowd. General rule is that the smaller the aperture, the deeper is the depth of field. Infinity mode is usually set on smaller aperture or lens opening just like how the pupil of the eye works.

9. Filters enhance or change the look of pictures, whether color or black and white. The universal filters are Ultra Violet (UV) filter, and polarizing filter to remove reflection.
Green makes view fresher, blue makes the sea deeper, red a more dramatic sunset, yellow makes the ricefields at harvestime golden.

10. Composition. This is basic in writing a song or theme, in painting, in architecture, and the like. Adopt necessary format - horizontal, vertical, or square - to the final picture, either with the camera or by editing, or both. Composition is the key to a masterpiece, it tells a story, it leads to the message, it presents a holistic view. It removes the wasteland, so to speak.

11. Viewpoint. This element has a great impact on composition. Is it at the left or right? How close should the subject appear? Close-up? Is it a low or high viewpoint in terms of perspective. Fill up the whole frame? Or give a breathing space? Often we ask, "What's your viewpoint?" You may mean, "How do you see the thing?"

12. Framing. It's like seeing a play. The characters are framed on the stage. In photography it may be a window, arched doorway, or an arch itself like the Arch of the Centuries. These can make a natural frame in your photo. Or you may need background framing, instead, like stained glass behind a praying person.

13. Contrast. This means subject contrast (rock and flowing water, tall and short partners). Or lighting contrast (brightness and darkness, light and shadow). Tonal differences can be subjective (simultaneous contrast, like silver lining of nimbus cloud). Use tone to simplify, or low-key tone to moderate. Contrasting tones make a silhouette effect.

14. Background. Ang ganda ang bundok! Akala mo ikaw ang sinasabing maganda. Sometimes what is beautiful is the background or backdrop, not the subject. Capitalize on the background to enrich your picture. In fact you can arrange it, if you can, to fit to your objective. The background may steal the show, so to speak. It might even ruin it. Don't allow this to happen.

15. Balance. Balance by conformity or balance by contrast. Be sure you know how to differentiate the two. Also, there's balance by position. Avoid rigid symmetry, for all you know the result is a better perception of balance. Variety leads to balance. Center is not always the rule for balance. Don't stand on the center. Have more space at the front than at its back. Move the building to one side to show, say sunset, or the road.

16. Light. Without light there can be no photography. Look at light, natural or artificial, as important element in photography. Use light on translucent object (leaves, cloth). Sunlight tells time and direction, creates repetition or twin patterns. Vary light to create moods, silhouettes, rim-lighting effect, in outlining shapes, flare and glare. Make essence of existing light, make it "spill", hide, appear like curtain or frame an object.

17. Direction refers mainly to the direction of sunlight as it strikes an object. High noon emphasizes the eye sockets, makes trees dwarf, shoulders broad. Light reveals rough surface, bares embossed figures. It's you who adjust to directional effect, you can't fix it. Certain views like buildings and landscapes are best at certain hours of the day.

18. Use lenses creatively. Standard lens can take you far and wide to a variety of subjects. But you may need special lenses. Telephoto for news coverage and bird watching. You may need extended perspective to extend depth of field, wide angle for panoramic view, fisheye lens for circular images and to frame skyscrapers. Telezoom acts in two ways as the term implies - reach out and crop. Mirror lens is designed to reduce the bulk and length of extrema telephoto lenses. They are used in war zone and in astronomy.

19. Flash. Today's cameras have built-in flash which automatically flashes when lighting is inadequate. There are cameras that have flash mode irrespective of lighting condition. This is to counteract glare. It equalizes distribution of light. Or it lights the subject without lighting the background. But flash can minimize details. In fact it leads to over exposed pictures.

20. Take good care of your photography equipment.  Have a home studio and a library, to process, organize and prepare your photographs for exhibition and publication.  Keep and maintain your own personal collection.  Always remember to share not only your works, but more importantly your experience and skill. Be an active member of professional photography associations.  Publish your works, present them in workshops and conventions. Take advantage of the many opportunities in using the computer and the Internet.    

Key to success in photography is constant practice. Like any other skill, the ability to see and realize is not just automatic response. The skill is best absorbed and used subconsciously through constant practice. ~

 

ANNEX B

Yes, you can write. Tips on How to be an Effective Writer.
"Think first, then write, get to the point, and use familiar words."

Dr Abe V Rotor

Living with Nature - School on Blog

   

 The late Senator Edgardo Angara with the author; author and wife, with Larry Henares (center) 

 

Great Filipino Writers: Sedfrey Ordoñez, Ofelia Dimalanta, Hortencia Santos Sankore,

Larry Francisco, Jose Garcia Villa; right, Nick Joaquin

400 Books of UST (1611-2011), International Book Fair, author and family with Bishop Bacani

  

Left: Authors of Humanities Today with Radyo ng Bayan hosts; veteran dramatist and author, Fr James Reuter, SJ

You can be a newspaperman, radio broadcaster, TV anchorman, feature writer, columnist. You can be an author, and that's not a far dream.

If you are a student you will get higher grades for your reports and theme work. You will get a good rating for your research. You will be better understood of what you wish to communicate.

If you follow the following tips:
1. Think first, then write
2. Get to the point
3. Use familiar words
4. Omit verbal deadwood
5. Keep your sentences short
6. Shorten your paragraph
7. Use specific, concrete language
8. Prefer the simple to the complex
9. Be positive
10.Use the active voice
11.Write as you talk
12.Use adjectives sparingly
13.Revise and sharpen
14.Write to express, not to impress
15.Odds and ends. Moderate use of words
16.Grammar, form and style
17.Respect culture and tradition
18.Morals and ethics
19.Read, read, read
20.Providence, the Unseen Hand

Good luck!

Reference: Journalism for Filipinos, Alito L Malinao

Quo vadis, Journalism? (Where is Journalism headed for?) 2 November 2023 - International Day to End Impunity* for Crimes against Journalists,

Quo vadis, Journalism?
(Where is Journalism headed for?)
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 2 November 2023

Today computers and smartphones dominate media virtually at fingertip and mobile at that, involving a very wide profile of users interconnected locally and around the world.

Dr Abe V Rotor

From the earliest Roman newsletter in the 5th century BC to today's Social Media, journalism has indeed vastly expanded and radically evolved.

Teodoro “Ka Doroy” Valencia (center) is regarded father of Philippine Journalism

In the Philippines the first newsletter was Tomas Pinpin's Successos Felices 1636, and the first regularly published newspaper was Del Superior Govierno (1811). Print journalism dominated media for centuries until radio and TV brought news and entertainment to the living room, and to millions of people all over the world equipped with portable electronic gadgets.

People would rather watch TV or listen to the radio than read the newspaper, magazines – and books. Reputable publications like Time, Newsweek, and Reader’s Digest declined in circulation, and ventured into electronic publication with fair success. Even the world’s major encyclopedias stopped printing, and joined the Internet, Today, social media rides on cyber publication which lends to wider and quicker access by the public.

Today computers and smartphones dominate media virtually at fingertip and mobile at that, involving a very wide profile of users interconnected locally and around the world.

Millennials are often identified with their fondness of using cellphone or smartphone at any time, what with the many features of this palm-size gadget. They are wired all the time, says a sociologist. The cell phone connects practically all - libraries, shopping centers, universities, cities, public offices, homes, irrespective of distance and time. And it is multiple linked with institutions and systems: e-mail, e-commerce, e-learning, etc.

Social media catch the earliest news, send quick messages, and react openly, critique without reservation. In fact social media to the general public is open journalism.

So what is journalism today? People ask.

"There are set rules and standards of journalism embodied in the Code of Journalism which will remain unchanged," says Editor Feliciano U Galimba Jr, of the award winning community newspaper - The Greater Lagro Gazette.

Adhering to these rules and standards, and mobilizing a staff of local talents, Editor Fil as he is fondly called, succeeded in making this quarterly barangay publication a model in community journalism, earning awards and citations from leaders and readers.

The Code of Ethics in Journalism is universal, summarized in four tenets. These comprise the four pillars of journalism, and it is in defense of this sacred temple that many journalists have lost their lives, many of them as martyrs of the profession.

Seek Truth and Report It. Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

Minimize Harm - Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect. Balance the public’s need for information against potential harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance or undue intrusiveness.

Act Independently - The highest and primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public. Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived. Disclose unavoidable conflicts.

Be Accountable and Transparent - Ethical journalism means taking responsibility for one’s work and explaining one’s decisions to the public.

Role models in journalism, like in other professions, provide not only direction but inspiration in work and life as well.

The late Teodoro "Doroy" Valencia is undoubtedly the father of journalism in the Philippines. His column Over a Cup of Coffee in the former Manila Times shaped the thinking of his readers and influenced the decisions of leaders in his time, and even to the present, which makes Ka Doroy an institution.

His philosophy in ingrained in his teaching to one who aspires to become a journalist. He must

       Be inquisitive

Be constant in his purpose

Be fair and balanced

Be genuinely interested in people

Seek the truth

Be resourceful

Have guts

Master his grammar

Know his medium

 Read, read and read. Above all, he must be God-fearing, compassionate, and true to his country and fellowmen. And must uphold journalism as a profession and institution.

-----------------------------------------------------

New media technologies, such as social networking and media-sharing websites, in addition to the increasing prevalence of cellular telephones, have made citizen journalism more accessible to people worldwide. Due to the availability of technology, citizens often can report breaking news more quickly than traditional media reporters. Notable examples of citizen journalism reporting from major world events are the COVID-19 pandemic, African Swine Flu 2019, Haiti earthquake, the Arab Spring 2010, Occupy Wall Street movement, the 2013 protests in Turkey, and now, Russia war on Ukraine, Israel War in Gaza.

----------------------------------------------------

Another journalist of international fame is Joseph Pulitzer who initiated the pattern of modern newspaper. For him, newspaper is the ‘vehicle of truth’, and he used it to raise his concern against corruption, fraud, monopolies, gambling rings and ill practices by elected officials. He believed in the power of press and the intelligentsia involved in journalistic activities to bring a positive change to the world.

Joseph Pulitzer founded the prestigious

Pulitzer Award for Journalism

The Pulitzer Award attests to his love and devotion to journalism. The award is regarded as co-equal with the Nobel Prize in the field of journalism. Our Carlos P Romulo (left photo) received this award for his writing "I saw the Philippines fall. I saw the Philippine rise." to date, he is the only Filipino bestowed with this distinction.

Filipino propagandists for Philippine independence from Spain proved to be the first model journalists. Jose Rizal wrote Noli and Fili; Graciano López Jaena, published La Solidaridad with Marcelo H. del Pilar as editor and co-publisher, and Antonio Luna as a prolific writer. Other illustrious Filipino journalists joined in the struggle and eventual success in attaining Philippine independence.

Taking a glimpse back in history, searching for role models in the present, while projecting the future of journalism is a most challenging scenario for any scholar or critic of what is journalism today. Indeed he finds himself at a very complex crossroad.

For how can we interconnect the ramifications of media in the same manner nerves are joined together to form a ganglion?

       Newspaper journalism

Campus journalism

Magazine journalism

Citizen journalism (also known as "public", "participatory",

    "democratic", "guerrilla" or "street" journalism

Community journalism or civic journalism,

Social Journalism as a separate concept denoting a digital

      publication.

Online and digital journalism. 

The challenge is addressed to us openly. We are inevitable victims of an explosion of knowledge which has consequences of information overload leading to the creation of information pollution. It has severe undertones to values and to journalism. It is up for us to devise a system through the same technology, of separating the grain from the chaff, so to speak.

A disturbing predicament of media today is that media has allegedly become a handmaiden of capitalism on one hand and the government on the other, radicalism notwithstanding, What with the growing threat of terrorism worldwide. Another predicament is that broadcast journalism has metamorphosed with a personality image and public impression akin to those in the entertainment world. Thirdly, very few in media today actually write their own thoughts and ideas, much less as authors in expressing their philosophy in life and in upholding the profession as a catalyst to a better world.

Such journalists are the likes of Fareed Rafiq Zakaria (photo) an Indian American journalist, columnist, author and broadcaster; and Hunter S Thompson, father of ‘gonzo journalism’, a style of writing where the reporter is involved in the story.

There are Initiatives to restore the integrity of journalism during the time of Ka Doroy, Carlos P Romulo, Jose Guevara, Jose Lansang, Amando Doronilla, among others. Such efforts may start with community journalism, as a basic unit, under the tutelage of true and dedicated journalists like Editor Fil Galimba et al. It must focus on the young, the users and ardent followers of social media.

Social media is a vital link to genuine journalism, in fact it may yet become the journalism in our postmodern age - if properly directed and managed.

Journalism is indeed one of the most dangerous professions. Journalism is not a job for the weak-hearted or the money-seeker. Despite that, it is not hard to find courageous and passionate journalists, who have dedicated their entire lives to relentlessly exposing corruption, reporting wars and uncovering political and economic scandals.

20 Deadliest Countries for Journalists (2017)

1. Iraq: 178

2. Syria: 107

3. Philippines: 77

4. Somalia: 62

5. Algeria: 60

6. Pakistan: 59

7. Russia: 56

8. Colombia: 47

9. India: 40

10. Brazil: 39

11. Mexico: 37

12. Afghanistan: 31

13. Turkey: 25

14. Bangladesh: 20

15. Sri Lanka: 19

16. Bosnia: 19

17. Rwanda: 17

18. Tajikistan: 17

19. Sierra Leone: 16

20. Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory: 16

Two thirds of the journalists killed in 2014 were in war zones, but this year (2017) was the exact opposite, with "two-thirds killed in countries 'at peace'," said a reliable international organization.

----------------------

UPDATE:

For the year 2018, the Philippines is out of the top five most dangerous countries for journalists, according to the annual report of media freedom organization, Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The RSF’s report showed that a total of 80 journalists were killed this year (2018), 348 are presently in prison and 60 are being held hostage. It was higher compared to 65 killed in 2017.

The Philippines, which was among the top five most dangerous countries for media in 2018, has three journalists killed this year based on RSF’s report. The RSF list include Joey Llana of DwZR Radio from Albay killed on July 20; Dennis Denora of Trends and Times from Panabo City (June 7); and, Edmund Sestoso of DyGB 91.7 from Dumaguete City (May 1). REFERENCE: PH out of top 5 deadliest countries for media in 2018 By Jelly Musico December 20, 2018, 11:56 am

International Day to End Impunity* for Crimes against Journalists, 2 November 2023
INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALIST — INTERNATIONAL DAYS. PURPOSE: The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/68/163 at its 68th session in 2013, which proclaimed the 2 November as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI).
 
Percival Carag Mabasa (March 14, 1959 – October 3, 2022), known professionally as Percy Lapid, was a Filipino journalist and radio journalist.

Between 2006 and 2020, over 1,200 journalists have been killed around the world, with close to 9 out of 10 cases of these killings remaining judicially unresolved, according to the UNESCO observatory of killed journalists. Impunity leads to more killings and is often a symptom of worsening conflict and the breakdown of law and judicial systems. UNESCO is concerned that impunity damages whole societies by covering up serious human rights abuses, corruption, and crime. Governments, civil society, the media, and everyone concerned to uphold the rule of law are being asked to join in the global efforts to end impunity.

* Impunity - exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action.

A 2022 study commissioned by the European Parliament confirms the progressive erosion of media freedom around the world and concludes that ‘Impunity remains unacceptably high, with most cases of killings remaining unresolved. Imprisonments are on the rise, while online spaces are becoming increasingly hostile and replete with gender-based hate speech. Between 2012 and 2021, among the 224 recorded cases of complete impunity, 185 (82.6 %) were concentrated in 12 countries: Mexico (26 cases); Somalia (25); Syria (22); India (21); Afghanistan (17); Iraq (17); Philippines (14); Brazil (14); Pakistan (12); Bangladesh (7); South Sudan (5); and the Russian Federation (5). Moreover, the study confirms that a majority of deaths happen because journalists are killed by way of reprisal for their work, while some lose their life in crossfire, i.e. on a battlefield or in a military context. Among those killed because of their work, 28.8 % were working on political journalism, 23.8 % were war reporters, 15.8 % were human rights reporters, while 10.7 % were investigating crime and 9.6 % corruption cases.

It is in recognition of the far-reaching consequences of impunity, especially of crimes against journalists, that the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/68/163 at its 68th session in 2013 which proclaimed 2 November as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ (IDEI). The Resolution urged Member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity. The date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on 2 November 2013.

10th anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of journalists

To commemorate the 2022 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists and the 10-year Anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, a Conference convened by the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with UNESCO and OHCHR will be organized on 3-4 November in Vienna, Austria.

The Conference will provide a joint multi-stakeholder reflection process on how to prevent, protect and prosecute crimes against journalists, and aims to take stock of the achievements and challenges of the past 10 years in the implementation of the UN Plan. The first day will gather civil society organizations to share lessons and best practices in the implementation of the UN Plan, and discuss strategies of tackling emerging issues. The second day a Ministerial conference will take place during which political commitment towards the implementation for the UN Plan will be renewed.

Regional and Thematic consultations

UNESCO is organizing a series of consultations with local stakeholders to take a stock of the progress and challenges to protect journalists in the last ten years and to strategize how to implement the Plan more effectively, building upon the success stories and the lessons learned in the specific context of each region. The consultations will inform a set of recommendations which will be presented at the Ministerial Conference in Vienna. ~