Mindanao journalists shaping what would later become the Mindanao Institute of Journalism.

As the protest movement against the Marcos regime swept Mindanao in the early 80s, discussions were also held by some concerned journalists on the necessity of establishing a news service that will truly reflect the issues and concerns of Mindanao. It gave birth to the Media Mindanao News Service (MMNS) in 1983. Its reportage focused more on human rights violations. Pay was low, largely because MMNS survived through fund grants. Yet many of its correspondents felt contented with the way their stories were published by some Manila papers, notably Malaya.

It tried marketing its stories, but failed. It also failed to diversify its stories, especially after the EDSA revolt in 1986. Its key correspondents opted to seek the shelter of Manila-based newspapers as Mindanao correspondents. Some joined the NGOs. Some just disappeared. As a new batch of conscientious journalists interacted with the older ones, hopes remained that somehow a news agency reflecting Mindanao’s aspirations will be established which can also provide some form of financial security.

A cooperative magazine was put up in Davao in the early 90s. After one issue, it died due to serious marketing flaws.

Then came another set of discussions in 1999 which focused on the establishment of a correspondents’ news agency, which does not only cater to stories on Mindanao, but also to ensure standardized salaries for journalists. It was later named MinPress. The same discussions also gave birth to the Mindanao Center for Journalism (MCJ). It was envisioned as a journalism institute where the skills of Mindanao journalists can be honed and upgraded. Four of the January 9, 2000 Davao meeting participants were part of MinPress and MCJ.

MCJ came out with statements and commentaries condemning the Estrada administration for causing the ad boycott of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and press freedom under the Erap government.

MinJourn with officials in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City during the "Tabanog Festival for Peace." Photo: Bobby Timonera

A key partner, who was appointed editor of MinPress, wanted to have a go even without a marketing setup. I tried to remind him of the MMNS debacle. Newspapers like Malaya, Manila Standard, Manila Times and Philippine Star, used MinPress stories. The central MinPress bureau in Davao naturally ran into trouble with telephone bills mounting. With no contracts signed, no payment of stories came. Correspondents saw a repeat of the MMNS days. From a daily dispatch stories, MinPress scaled it down to a weekly dispatch. From a menu of straight news, it was further narrowed down to features. It was on its deathbed.

It was at this juncture that I met the Evelio B. Javier Foundation first in Cagayan de Oro, and then on a more positive and promising tone in Manila at the close in August 1999 of the PCIJ training on investigating corruption.

Returning to Mindanao, fund constraints prevented MCJ and MinPress people to gather to plan, to strategize and set goals. The Davao MinPress editor likewise bid goodbye to join the new set of Manila Times editors.

Meanwhile, hope for a journalism institution and improving the purchasing power of Mindanao journalists were kept hoisted with the holding of the annual PDI Mindanao correspondents conference in October. A sub-conference was held to discuss the establishment of a correspondents’ association in order to give PDI correspondents a face and bargaining power. A plan to set up a multi-purpose cooperative was also hatched. Outside of the PDI context, some correspondents were discussing the establishment of a Mindanao online publication to maximize the use of their stories, initially starting as a weekly e-zine.

Further firm commitments and levelling off were forged during a Butuan meeting with the EBJF in November. It was there that the idea of an umbrella organization surfaced, where the PDI correspondents’ association can be a member, as well as a media cooperative in Cotabato or elsewhere. Its an umbrella media organization, foundation, or whatever, that will cater to projecting Mindanao’s aspirations, commit to the professionalization of journalists as well as improve their financial resources.

The MMNS, MCJ or MinPress, are all part of the process of the transformation of journalism in Mindanao as well as its practitioners. What is important now is the presence of a few committed Mindanao journalists who agree to try anew. What is important now is the presence of an institution extending its ear as it seeks to forge possible medium and long-term partnerships with these journalists.

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E-mail exchange between Red Batario and Merpu Roa, editor-in-chief of Freeman Mindanao, during planning for public journalism activities in Mindanao in January 2000. A prime mover of the Mindanao Institute of Journalism, the Ozamiz City-based Roa is also actively pushing for peace and development in the long-neglected island.