IN THESE trying times when the entire nation is placed under different levels of community quarantine and there are movement restrictions, everyone needs real-time updates of Covid-19 status in the community.
Now, more than ever, people should be updated on what's happening specifically in their area. National news may have a wider reach and coverage and certain stories may not be given the attention it deserves. But with community journalism, it gives voice to the ‘little voices’ of the society.
In celebration of SunStar Davao’s 25th anniversary as a community newspaper, we urged our readers to pose for a photo showing them reading any of our newspaper issues and explaining, on their perception, why community journalism is important. From the many entries sent to us, we came up with the top 3:
Jaymar M. Piloton - 1st place
Sir New Matina, Davao City
Community journalism matters because it enables people to know what’s happening from within and outside the community especially in these trying times. People during this pandemic were able to discover skills and talents that are least appreciated because there is too much hustle from living the normal life. As for me, artwork has created a venue that has lifted my soul during the crisis. Artwork has saved me from anxiety, and through the media I was able to get inspired by what’s happening outside, making them my inspiration for my piece of work.
Loel C. Balangauan - 2nd place
Toril, Davao City
The emergence of Philippine journalism in the late 1800s is caused by the people’s desire to reveal the truth and voice stories that are once rumbles and whispers. From then on, newspapers began to tell intriguing stories, especially the ones published in communities. These small stories direct us where to look when the world has gone to mayhem. So when we look back in the late 1800s, the birth of the press and newspaper, we remember that community journalism matters because it has been with us ever since our countrymen chose truth over oppression.
Joselito Parantar - 3rd place & People’s Choice Awardee
Journalism has been informing and educating the people since time immemorial. And as the world grows in size, information becomes more general and too broad to the minority. This is why community journalism is important because it concentrates on making news digestible for a smaller group of readers. It gathers information that directly affects the locals, thus making it relevant. To sum it up, community journalism is like a personalized experience to the readers, bringing them news that really matters to them.
As we continue to battle Covid-19, may we also continue to appreciate the importance of community journalism. More than that, as citizens, we should also be aware of our part in the improvement of the community through the stories we share and the discourses we choose or choose not to participate in.
The SunStar Davao Newspaper Challenge participants were judged according to their entries’ content and relevance to theme and artistic and creative value. In partnership with SM Lanang Premier, winners are going to receive P2,000, P1,500 and P1,000 worth of gift certificates, respectively. People’s Choice Awardee will also receive P1,000 worth of gift certificate.