khanterbury tales

Citizenship & the Media Practitioner

As a culminating activity for summer classes, I invited Manuel Quezon III, otherwise known as "The Explainer," to talk to my students about the concept of Citizenship.

Taking time out from his busy schedule, Manolo graciously agreed to come to UP-CMC to do just that. It was an enriching discussion between Manolo and CMC students, who probably thought they knew all the answers until they found themselves at a loss for words from questions raised by the speaker.

One thing that emerged from yesterday's discussion was that the students' concept of citizenship was not limited to the legalistic definition provided by the 1987 Constitution but more of the culturally accepted definition that to be a Filipino was more an issue of blood (who your parents are) than the soil you were born in. Manolo also brought with him interesting references (found here), that shows the evolution of "citizenship" in Filipino thought from the sublime principles of the Katipunan to Lacson's "12 little things every Filipino can do to help our country."

But the implications of being a "citizen," perhaps need greater reflection which a two hour discussion can barely cover. As media practitioners, I believe the concept should be clear. It is only when one sees himself/herself as part of the community of people that one can actually serve the common good rather than think only of himself/herself.

Perhaps, a quiz on citizenship is what both our lawmakers and media practitioners need??!!

Labels: journ dept., media

posted by rek @ 11:53 PM