Saturday, September 29, 2007 Tulabut: Why the United Nations By Noel G. Tulabut Palm Notes
ACCOMPLISHING a mis-sion.
Nothing could be more elating and satisfying than to see one’s goals being met. As you have noted, I am using the progressive present tense form in my sentences. And that is precisely because I am on a continuing fulfillment of objectives.
I could only be so thankful to God that He blesses my moves and He understands the desires of my heart. The Bible has one too many promises about God’s blessings to those who seek him earnestly.
The past two weeks had drawn me to continue to accomplish what I have started three years ago.
This is the coverage of the opening of United Nations General Assembly and the initiatives of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations.
But why am I doing this? Some friends, relatives and even media colleagues can get baffled asking this too.
In my very first stint at UN in 2005, I would admit that the reason was more of a personal where I bravely tested my mettle in US coverage of President Arroyo. The trial was a real challenge for me as I found myself in a group of crème dela crème reporters -- the Malacañang Press Corps. Some of them were friendly and some of them were not. One of them, actually, was a real braggadocio. I wouldn’t forget the day when we lined up at the US Embassy when this reporter asked “why are you (a columnist from a regional paper) here? The question would have been fine with me except for the belittling tone that went with it.
In my second year, I was all alone. No Malacañang endorsement, no presidential assistance. I had to get my UN accreditation’s pass via a long line of foreign reporters -- big and tall, black and white, good and bad, what have you. Unlike in the Malacañang-arranged coverage the previous year, there were no free ferries, free rides to UN, much more free lunches. Only I and the unwavering help of mentor --friend and former boss Elmer Cato, who is doing a splendid job as second secretary at the PMUN.
So why the third year?
Aside from getting myself a long-term journalist visa to the US which would allow me to practice my avocation, it feels good to realize that somehow I have contributed to the advocacy for nations to live in freedom from fear, freedom from want, freedom from debt, and freedom to live in dignity.
I haven’t realized that much of my writings about the initiatives of the PMUN and my coverage as a “provincial” media practitioner would be significant. I am not saying that I have made such an impact. No, far from that.
Putting into practice what my mentors Bong Lacson and Fred Roxas had valuably taught me, I hope that the level of local journalism is somehow elevated with my contribution and my coverages of the UN and other subjects in the US. This has not dawned on me until US Embassy charge d affaires Paul W. Jones told this writer last August that it is notable for the local press to be taking part in a publicity that would make known what the Philippines as a nation is doing in the global arena.
Modesty aside, it’s a sort of a reward for this journalist who leaves his comfort zone once a year to practice the profession.
This year’s coverage of the UN (although late for the speech of President Arroyo to the General Assembly) will enable me to make follow through on interesting subject such as Philippine contribution to peacekeeping missions, the inter-faith dialogue for cooperation and peace, the Philippine’s key roles in vital organs of the UN (such as the Economic and Social Council and the Human Rights Committee). The speech to be delivered by His Excellency Vice President Noli de Castro in one of the committees where the Philippines is a member will also be an interesting subject.
This columnist will also arrange for an interview with Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN His Excellency Hilario Davide. The former Supreme Court Chief Justice has been highly regarded by seasoned diplomats not only in the UN but in many parts of the globe. With only several months in his new appointment, Ambassador Davide has been earning sincere accolades from other ambassadors and media.
I would like to thank many friend-sponsors in making this trip possible. Except for my wife Anet, my son Allyson and daughter Allysa (thanks for your understanding that I need to be away to pursue my journalistic career) and my paper SunStar Pampanga (salamat Bro. Jun Sula), I would not mention their names, but they know for a fact how grateful I am for their unwavering support.
