16/03/2018
International Women’s Day: A Forum on Women in Communication and Press Freedom
In celebration of International Women’s Day, a forum on Courageous Women Seeking and Speaking the Truth in the Midst of Uncertainty was held on the fourth day of Communication Week, March 8, 2018 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Lecture Rooms 1 to 4. With its guest speakers who serve as best examples of strong women, they shared their experiences in their respective field in conjunction with the theme of the event ‘Women in Communication and Press Freedom’.
To start the event, Ms. Lynda Garcia, Chairperson of the Communication Department imparted the experiences of women in the political sector in our country. Ms. Elizabeth ‘Dabet’ C. Panelo, Secretary General of National Union of Journalists in the Philippines shared the difference of communication in the past and the process of communication at present time which she referred as ‘two-way communication’ which makes the citizens as journalists. She also pointed out its pros and cons – even though it is easier for people to share information, it is also easier for fake news to be spread around. In regards to this, Ms. Dabet shared antidotes on fake news and one of which is to practice good journalism that provides verifying the data and asking questions. Lastly, she said that everyone should remember that the stories that we write should not be about us but for our audiences.
Beauty and brains – this is what best describes one of the guest speakers, Ms. Camille Abadicio, A news correspondent of CNN Philippines. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you.” This is the verse that she shared to the crowd. She imparted an inspiring message to the future practitioners and to the aspiring journalists who were present during her talk making them feel empowered through her personal experience as a woman journalist who has covered several stories in the span of her career.
She shared the stereotypes that she encountered as one of the journalists who covered the war in Marawi. ‘Ha? Bakit ikaw? Babae ka’ these were the words that she received from people who criticized and doubted her capabilities before making it to Marawi to cover the headliners. She mentioned that she was never the first choice to cover the frontline stories in Marawi but she did it anyway and ended with great news items. One of which covers the women soldiers who fought for Marawi. She imparted four things that helped her survive during the toughest times in her field: Good attitude, resilience, adaptability to change and drive to succeed.
On the other hand, Ms. Menchie Silvestre, Executive Director of Alagang Kapatid Foundation shared her knowledge about being in the public service and being firm to stand with the truth. She loves to immerse herself with the evacuees in times of calamities and her passion and top priority is knowing their stories and giving service to them.
As to close the event, the guest speakers shared their advice as women who have experience in journalism and public service; for Ms. Menchie, she said to get back up despite failures and learn from it while for Ms. Dabet, she adviced the audience to always look at all sides of the story even to those people who have the opposite belief as your own and lastly, for Ms. Camille shared that you should Do You and most importantly, be stronghearted at all times.
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Article by Vina Medenilla
Photos by Jenie Cabela and Celine Salinas
Poster taken from Miriam College's Communication Society
