How would del Pilar’s heroism work today? What still matter in the digital age.
How would del Pilar’s heroism work today? What still matter in the digital age.
KAISER JAN FERNAN FUENTES
Aug. 30, 2024
Plaridel did more than criticize in his writings: he galvanized public opposition to the colonial regime; he ignited the independence movement. Three in media and academe speak out on what’s important for journalists a century and almost three decades after del Pilar’s death.
AS Cebu prepares for its Press Freedom Week this September, local journalists reflect on Marcelo H. del Pilar’s lasting impact on journalism even as they navigate today’s digital media complexities. Del Pilar (Aug. 30, 1850-July 4, 1896), better known as Plaridel in his writings, is revered as the “Father of Philippine Journalism.” He set an extraordinary standard with his fearless exposure, through “La Solidaridad,” of Spanish colonial abuses. Published in Spain from 1889 to 1895, this reformist newspaper was pivotal in galvanizing public opposition to the colonial regime and igniting the Philippine independence movement.
Additionally, he contributed through “Diariong Tagalog,” the Philippines’ first bilingual newspaper, which ran from 1882 to 1883. This publication reached both the elite and the broader Tagalog-speaking public, addressing social and political issues and advocating for reform.
Del Pilar’s writings did more than criticize and condemn. They mobilized the masses and inspired resistance against colonial rule.
His commitment to truth and accountability continues to influence modern journalism, underscoring the vital role of media in driving social change and upholding democratic values amidst the challenges of the digital era.
Rush to publish
Today, the rapid advancement of media technology and the rise of social media often prioritize speed over accuracy. Angelica Faye Saniel, 30, an experienced journalist for over a decade, expresses concern over this trend.
Saniel, who has led MyTV Cebu’s news desk in the past two years, has witnessed the media landscape’s evolution, worries that the rush to publish news quickly frequently results in inaccuracies and misinformation.
“The rush to deliver news instantly can compromise the accuracy of our reporting. In the past, we had more time to verify facts. Today, the challenge is to balance the need for speed with maintaining journalistic integrity,” Saniel said during an interview on August 22, 2024, in a mix of Cebuano and English.
Saniel also highlighted the dual pressure from both traditional media competition and social media’s nature. She explained that social media’s immediacy allows news to go viral within minutes.
Rigorous standards
While this broadens reach, it also increases the pressure to prioritize speed over accuracy. Saniel stressed that journalists must uphold rigorous standards despite these pressures.
Saniel, who was a radio broadcast journalist for ABS-CBN Cebu, also noted the growing influence of social media and public figures in shaping news narratives.
She said politicians and other influential figures often use PR or public relations teams and control press conferences to manage their public image, reducing journalists’ ability to provide unbiased coverage.
“This creates a barrier for journalists who strive to present a truthful and balanced account of events,” she said.
Saniel also pointed out concerns about the role of algorithms in news consumption. Social media platforms often prioritize sensational or clickbait content, distorting public perception.
She observed that algorithms can skew the public’s understanding of current events by favoring sensational content. Saniel emphasized that journalists must be aware of these biases and strive to deliver a balanced and comprehensive view of the news.
Decline in viewership
Niña Mae Oliverio, a 23-year-old reporter with CDN Digital, has noticed a decline in traditional media viewership as audiences increasingly turn to digital platforms.
“Traditional media like radio and television are struggling as more people get their news from digital sources,” Oliverio shared in a phone interview on Wednesday, August 28.
Oliverio highlighted the importance of leveraging social media to engage with audiences, saying, “To stay relevant, traditional media outlets need to adapt by producing digital content tailored for social media platforms.”
She noted that social media serves as a powerful tool for reaching new audiences and connecting with those who have disengaged with traditional mediums already.
Misinformation and company
Oliverio emphasized that this power comes with the responsibility to uphold high reporting standards and to effectively address misinformation, mal-information, and disinformation.
Misinformation refers to false or misleading information spread without intent to deceive, while mal-information involves factual information used maliciously to harm or manipulate. In contrast, disinformation entails deliberately falsified information spread with the intent to deceive or mislead.
Community journalism
Louiechi Von Rama, 30, chairman of the College of Public Governance at Cebu Normal University, stressed the importance of community journalism in the current media landscape.
Rama, who has taught communications with a focus on history, public policy, and civic education for seven years, emphasized that community journalism is essential for addressing local issues and holding local officials accountable.
“While national media often gets more attention, local journalists face unique challenges, including intimidation and limited resources. Protecting press freedom at the local level is crucial for ensuring accountability and representation,” he said..
Rama reflected on Del Pilar’s legacy, noting that the hero’s commitment to truth and justice remains relevant today. He said Del Pilar’s principles of truth and accountability still resonate in today’s media landscape.
He pointed out that Del Pilar’s legacy is evident in the efforts of investigative journalists who tackle corruption and advocate for justice despite risks.
“When these voices are silenced or suppressed, the community loses a vital avenue for accountability and representation,” Rama said.
Celebrating press freedom
On September 21, Cebu will celebrate Press Freedom Day, mandated by Republic Act 11122. This year (2024), Cebu Press Freedom Week will start on September 15, leading up to the special working holiday. During the week, journalists and media advocates will address contemporary challenges and reaffirm their commitment to press freedom.
The event will include forums, workshops, and activities that promote the principles of a free press.
While National Press Freedom Day on August 30 honors del Pilar’s birthdate and legacy, Cebu’s Press Freedom Week will serve as a local platform to celebrate journalists’ sacrifices and draw inspiration from Del Pilar’s dedication to truth and integrity.
Core principles
Saniel and Oliverio both emphasized the importance of adhering to journalism’s core principles, including accuracy, fairness, and public interest, despite industry changes.
“We must stay true to the values that define our profession. That means being accurate, fair, and dedicated to uncovering the full story,” Saniel advised aspiring journalists.
Oliverio echoed this, emphasizing the need for ongoing professional development and a commitment to ethical journalism.
“Maintaining high standards of reporting is essential, even as we adapt to new technologies and platforms. Our commitment to accuracy and fairness must remain,” she said.
She also urged journalists to continue learning and exploring new advancements and tools, for them to make their work easier.
The reflections underscore the critical need to uphold journalism’s integrity in an era of rapid change. Figures like del Pilar, who died at 46, serve as a powerful reminder of the vital role journalists play in society and the ongoing need to defend press freedom amidst emerging challenges. 
The resource persons
Angelica Fe Saniel, MyTV Cebu news desk chief
Nina Mae Oliverio, CDN Digital reporter
Louichie Von Rama, Cebu Normal University College of Public Governance Chairman
The writer
Kaiser Jan Fuentes is a Cebu-based reporter who covers regional stories on health, education, labor, the church, politics, governance and policy-making. He joined the local news media, with SunStar Cebu from February 2023 until May 2024, when he worked as Manila Times correspondent and MyTV Cebu reporter. He joined in December 2023 the training on reporting HIV conducted by Share and UNAIDS in Antipolo City, Rizal.
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More features:
- Plaridel had ‘modern sense of mass publicity by Leon Ma. Guerrero
- Journalists as heroes: Plaridel’s legacy by Joel P. Salud
- Del Pilar, icon of Philippine journalism by National Press Club of the Philippines