On the job

By Marifi Jara

It was refreshing to attend, together with my PUNCH colleague Cesar Ramirez, the Luzon leg of the four-day Training Course on Investigative Journalism conducted by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism in Baguio last week.

Just as substantial as the learning of new techniques and re-learning of old tools needed for our profession, it was stimulating to be in the company of fellow journalists, budding and veterans, from both the print and broadcasting industries at national and community levels.

It felt like being a cub reporter again out in the field, covering side by side in friendly competition with other media practitioners.

Media practitioners are generally not a shy lot. And why should they be when their job as members of the Fourth Estate is to ask the tough, tougher and toughest questions. In their company, there is a perpetual exchange of ideas and the mind is continuously challenged.

It was very interesting to hear of the issues besetting their respective areas. It was stirring to be re-affirmed of the reality that dirty politics, poor governance and corruption permeates our country. But most importantly, it was inspiring to see, hear and feel the passion burning in their journalist souls.

It is the kind of passion that rouses critical thinking among the public who read newspapers and surf the internet, watch television and listen to the radio. It is passion that forces accountability from our public servants, that can make or break a President, that can somehow bring about change in a sometimes rather utterly discouraging society. It is passion that heeds the “calling” despite the many hurdles and disappointments confronting the job.

But all work and no play make journalists a dull bunch. They definitely do know how to have fun too. And a lot of fun we did have. Some of the ladies went on an ukay-ukay spree. The men initiated a simple night of shared drinks and a lot of chika-chika. The lectures from the PCIJ were peppered with wit and the meals were always charged with teasing and laughter.

And of course, who completes and leaves a seminar without the indispensable kodakan, a souvenir for those lessons and memories that go a long, long way…

(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/roots/)

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