From BusinessWorld, July 26, 2002

Media For a Cause

(c) 2002 Business World Publishing Corporation

What could media personalities do for a cause?

Respected broadcast journalists Cheche Lazaro, Howie Severino, Chichi Fajardo-Robles and Luchi Cruz-Valdez, print journalist Booma Cruz, filmmakers Kidlat Tahimik and Fruto Corre and musician/artist Joey Ayala took time off their busy schedules to share their knowledge and experiences with media practitioners from the Philippines and greater Mekong sub-region (Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos).

With the financial support of the Rockefeller Foundation, the Probe Media Foundation, in a statement, said the journalists took up the challenge of organizing a cross-country and cross-cultural media fellowship entitled, "Mekong Media Fellowship Experiment."

The fellowship provides media practitioners with training in communication for social change through documentary production, and gives them the opportunity to create their own documentaries for development in their countries.

Last June 2-24, the fellows received hands-on training in all aspects of documentary production (script-writing, videography, camera handling, directing, reporting and editing) with emphasis on journalistic ethics and social responsibility. The sessions were held in Laguna, Manila, Baguio and Hapao (Ifugao).

Probe said media play an important role in the development of the nation. Many Philippine productions and reports have brought about positive changes in society and government.

Filipinos can be proud of their free, hard-hitting and bold media that enjoys a reputation of superior skill and talent.

The statement noted Filipinos hold key positions in international and regional news agencies such as CNN, CNBC, Reuters, CNA and ABN in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

However, Philippine media also have its share of practitioners who abuse the freedom and power of the press; journalists are vulnerable to bribery, blackmail, corruption, etc.

These strengths and weaknesses in Philippine media provide Asian neighbors with excellent samples for learning.

The fellowship did not focus on the achievements or failures of any country - it was a sharing of talents, uniqueness and strengths as Asian brothers, journalists and potential communicators for social change.

The fellows who joined the training were Vietnamese Phan Thanh Vu and Co Van Tai from the Kien Giang TV and Radio Station and Hoang Van Long from the Dak Lak Department of Agriculture. Representing Cambodia were Heng Chanthol and Lim Van Chan from the Reyum Institute for Arts and Culture.

From Laos were Vannaphone Sitthirath from National Television, Phiphat Phamouang from the Youth Media Board and Sancha Hansana from the National Film and Video Archive. Participants from the Philippines were Peter Yan Jadie of GMA Network News and literary writer and videographer Libay Linsangan Cantor.

The fellows left the Philippines on June 25, carrying with them new ideas, experiences, friendships, and a sub-grant to produce a documentary in their home country.

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