The Department of Education (DepEd) Region II, specifically the Schools Division of Tuguegarao City, has developed a structured curriculum for the Special Program in Journalism (SPJ). Quarter 1, Module 1, titled Notable Filipino Journalists and their Key Contributions, serves as a foundation for Grade 4 learners. This material identifies individuals who influenced the press from the late 16th century through the early 21st century, establishing a timeline of historical and modern media development.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foundations of the Philippine press
The origins of printed media in the Philippines are tied to the introduction of printing technology and the formalization of the Tagalog language in text. Tomas Pinpin is recognized as the earliest figure in this progression. Born between 1580 and 1585 in Abucay, Bataan, Pinpin earned the title of Prince of the Filipino Printers. His primary contribution to the development of journalism and literacy was the publication of Librong Pag-aaralan ng mga Tagalog ng Uicang Castilla (Reference Book for Learning Castellano in Tagalog) in 1610.
This work was significant because it was entirely written by Pinpin himself using old Tagalog orthography. It marked the first instance of a Filipino personage publishing and printing a book. His work established the technical and literary groundwork for future generations of writers and publishers in the archipelago.
Journalists of the reform and revolutionary periods
The 19th century represented a period where journalism became a tool for national identity and political reform. Several key figures used the press to advocate for equality and expose administrative defects.
| Journalist | Key Work or Contribution | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Marcelo H. del Pilar (Plaridel) | Founded Diariong Tagalog in 1882 | Established the first short-lived Tagalog newspaper together with Basilio Teodoro Moran and Pascual H. Poblete. |
| Graciano Lopez Jaena | Founded La Solidaridad in 1888 | Served as an orator and reformist who used the newspaper to push for Philippine interests in Spain. |
| Jose Rizal | Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo | Used literature and journalism to expose the cruelties of Spanish friars and call for equal treatment of Filipinos. |
| Apolinario Mabini | El Verdadero Decalogo and Programa Constitucional dela Republica Filipina | Acted as the brain of the revolution and legal adviser, drafting documents instrumental to the Malolos Constitution. |
Marcelo H. del Pilar, often known by his pen name Plaridel, was a lawyer and freemason who utilized the Diariong Tagalog to reach a local audience. In contrast, Graciano Lopez Jaena operated in a more international context, launching La Solidaridad on December 13, 1888, to advocate for reforms directly within the Spanish system.
Jose Rizal represents the anti-violence approach to journalism and writing. His books, published in Berlin (1887) and Ghent (1891), documented the vices of the clergy and the defects of the Spanish administration. Even on the eve of his execution, Rizal continued his literary contribution by writing Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell), which he concealed inside a gas burner for his family.
Apolinario Mabini y Maranan served as the first Prime Minister of the Philippines. While his primary roles were as an educator and statesman, his writings provided the ideological framework for the First Philippine Republic. His works in 1898 were essential in the transition from revolutionary action to structured governance.
Transition to the twentieth century
Following the revolutionary period, Filipino journalists began to manage established daily newspapers and focus on specific literary and social issues. This era saw a shift toward professionalizing newspaper management and diversifying the language of the press.
Juan Abad, born in 1872, began his career as a printer before becoming a playwright and journalist. He was associated with patriotic papers such as Laong-Laan and the daily Dimas-alang. His career demonstrates the close link between the technical aspects of printing and the creative aspects of journalism during the early 1900s.
Faustino S. Aguilar and Rosauro C. Almario focused on the Tagalog language and administrative integrity. Aguilar served as the editor of Taliba in 1910, while Almario managed the daily newspaper Pagkakaisa. Almario was specifically known for his stance against graft and his role as the general manager of La Opinion in 1926. These individuals helped transition the Philippine press into a more modern, institutionalized format.
Modern and contemporary journalism
The module includes figures who practiced journalism during and after the Marcos administration, illustrating the role of the press in social activism and specialized reporting.
Armando J. Malay
Armando J. Malay was a scholar and activist who worked as a reporter for the Tribune. Following World War II, he collaborated with former staff members of the Tribune to establish the Manila Chronicle in 1951. His career spanned several decades, during which he remained a prominent figure in the struggle for press freedom during periods of political tension.
Nereo C. Andolong
Nereo C. Andolong, known as Nering, contributed to the development of the press through leadership and a focus on local news. He served as the president of the National Press Club of the Philippines. His work emphasized the following areas:
- Advocating for community-based journalism
- Promoting the concerns of journalists based in the provinces
- Balancing roles as a sports executive and journalist
Dolores Aglay-Elona
Dolores “Dolly” Aglay-Elona represents the specialized field of financial journalism. In 1995, she worked for the Manila news bureau of Reuters News Agency and later for the Philippine Star. Her career shows the shift toward global news agency participation and the importance of economic reporting in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Educational significance and student expectations
The Special Program in Journalism aims to move beyond simple identification of historical figures. According to the module, students are expected to recognize the importance of these journalists’ contributions to the development of the nation. The curriculum encourages learners to adopt specific values observed in these historical figures:
- Love of country and patriotism
- Appreciation for education and continuous learning
- Commitment to social justice and equality
- Awareness of different writing styles and professional ethics
The module utilizes various assessment tools to ensure these concepts are understood. This includes the Timeline Check, where students must arrange journalists by their years of existence, and the Pop Me activity, which matches specific achievements to the correct individual. For example, students must identify that Marcelo H. del Pilar used the pen name Plaridel and that Jose Rizal wrote Noli Me Tangere.
Practical implications for campus journalists
For young learners entering the field of campus journalism, this document provides a roadmap for professional conduct and thematic focus. The module suggests that journalism serves three primary functions in society: to inform, to influence, and to inspire.
Examples of these functions in a school or community setting include:
- Informing: Updating the community about weather conditions or the implementation of new curricula like the MATATAG curriculum.
- Influencing: Publishing guidelines on healthy lifestyles to improve the well-being of the student body.
- Inspiring: Featuring the life stories of successful individuals within the community to encourage others.
By studying the lives of individuals like Armando J. Malay or Nereo C. Andolong, campus journalists learn that their role involves research to evaluate the validity of news and the courage to advocate for the concerns of their specific community. The rubric for scoring student essays in this module emphasizes quality of writing, informative content, and correct grammar, usage, and mechanics, setting a professional standard for Grade 4 learners.
The document indicates that the study of these journalists is not merely an exercise in history but a method for students to find a source of inspiration for their own contributions to school and community news. This educational approach ensures that the legacy of the Philippine press remains relevant to the modern generation of communicators.
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