FOI Update: Senate tackles Freedom of Information Bill

Media groups and advocates have been pushing for the Freedom of Information bill for some 15 years already. Finally, the senate is set to tackle the much awaited and highly anticipated bill. Below are some of the latest news clips on the update:

FOI bill reaches Senate plenary 


MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Teofisto Guingona on Monday vowed full support for the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill because he believes that people can work with government for reforms and accountability only if they are armed with relevant information.


“If we want people to effectively participate in government, transparent and accessible information are vital. An FOI law is both a blessing and a challenge to good governance. If people have the right information, they must learn to use the same to contribute to nation-building,” Guingona said.

Guingona’s full support for the FOI law stems largely from his belief that access to information must not depend on the absolute discretion or even on the whims and caprices of heads of government agencies. (Click here to read more)



Information bill gains ground as Senate starts plenary talks


"Government is an instrument owned by the people, and all information in the custody of the State should be available for the people to access," Senator Gregorio B. Honasan, public information and mass media committee chairman, said in his sponsorship speech, recommending approval on second reading of the Freedom of Information (FoI) bill. Senate Bill (SB) No. 3183 or the proposed People’s Ownership of Government Information (POGI) Act of 2012, mainly adopted the Executive’s proposal that was transmitted to Congress in January. (Click here to read more)


22 senators endorse FOI bill; House move awaited

Twenty-two senators have signed a committee report submitted by Sen. Gregorio Honasan endorsing plenary approval of the long-awaited Freedom of Information bill, a move seen to put pressure on the House of Representatives, which has yet to hold hearings on its counterpart version of the bill.

“Only when the people are empowered with information and the truth can there be genuine democracy and ownership,” Honasan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, said in sponsoring the bill for plenary deliberations at yesterday’s session. (Click here to read more)

AIJC mourns death of Isagani Yambot, a passionate teacher

The Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) has lost a committed and valuable teacher in the passing of Isagani “Gani” Yambot.

Gani was passionate in sharing his skills with young journalists and communicators inside and outside the newsroom. He was among the pioneer teachers of the AIJC. He was an easy favorite among our graduate students because of his expertise, humor, and humility. We fondly recall his early teaching days when he would read his jokes from a written script. Much later, his lectures and jokes would come spontaneously. 

The lessons the “students” learned from Gani in the classrooms and newsrooms will continue to guide them in pursuing the noble profession of journalism. This is one way of honoring Isagani Yambot - teacher, journalist, friend.

*Speech delivered by AIJC President Ramon Tuazon on Isagani Yambot's wake. 
*Photo by Janess Ann J. Ellao / Bulatlat.com

AIJC graduate and her thoughts after earning her Masters degree

The Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication handed for the first time to Therese Patricia C. San Diego the highest recognition given to graduates during its Pearl Graduation last January 30, 2012.  San Diego garnered a GPA of 1.23.

In this blog, San Diego shares some of her thoughts now she's finished with the degree, the importance of taking up continuing studies, her memorable experiences during her stay with the AIJC Graduate School and her future plans.

Therese Patricia C. San Diego accepts the challenge of being
an artist of encouragement (Photo by Paul Anthony Alaras)

1. Why is it important to take up continuing studies?

Continuing studies, particularly in Communication and Journalism, are crucial in equipping communicators and journalists with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond to the ever-evolving society’s communication needs.

With the influx of new and emerging communication technologies, we now have a number of options for information exchange and collaboration, such as participatory journalism, social networking, and peer-to-peer file sharing, among many others. We need to learn how to maximize these innovations and use them responsibly. But more importantly, we need to learn how to bridge the digital divide, which these new technologies continue to widen.

Thus, our education does not end with an MA. It does not end with a PhD. We need to continue learning and sharing to keep up with the world, and to keep the world going.

2. What were your memorable moments, both good and bad, during your stay in AIJC Graduate School? 

One of the most memorable moments I’ve had at AIJC was the Cross-Cultural Communication class trip to Bangkok, Thailand, which I wrote about on my blog. We witnessed a monk’s ordination, visited the biggest pagoda in Thailand and sampled the incredible food (the Miang was my favorite!) My classmate Louise Lizano and I even got to ride an elephant and an ox cart and visit the Naew Narok Waterfall on our free day!

My writing assignments in my other classes were also very memorable. I really allotted time to do my papers, whether they were weekly assignments or final reports, because I enjoyed the process and learned so much during my research. Some people assumed I had a lot more extra time since I also worked for AIJC, but my job actually requires me to work long hours with our tight deadlines and overlapping projects. It was just about time management. Plus, my love for both work and school helped me meet my deadlines.

How do you feel now that you have finally earned your MA?

Ecstatic! I was not aware that honors were given in graduate school. I was already very happy about graduating early, but the award was definitely an awesome bonus!

Why did you decide to take up a Master's degree at AIJC? 

AIJC is one of the pioneers in communication education in the Philippines. Its track record in communication research and impressive clientele of multinational organizations and national government agencies give the institute a highly competitive edge over other communication schools. There are only a few others in the country, and based on its record of accomplishment and reputation, AIJC is, I believe, one of the best. True enough, the classes did not disappoint. I won’t mention favorites but most if not all of my professors’ knowledge and expertise were unquestionable. Each class was a treat!

What are your future plans?

In terms of career and academics, I will continue doing communication research, writing freelance for magazines and websites, and maintaining my blog. My mentors are urging me to pursue a doctorate degree and teach as well, but since my plate has gotten fuller at work, those will have to wait—but not too long, I hope! (AIJC)

Communications Secretary Coloma addresses AIJC Pearl graduates

Communications secretary
Herminio Coloma Jr.
(Photo by Paul Anthony Alaras)

Presidential Communications Operations Office secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. challenged the Pearl Graduates of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication to live up to the three imperatives of today's communicators.

The Asian Institite of Journalism and Communication held its Pearl Graduation Ceremonies, last January 30, 2012 at the Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City. Coloma served as their commencement speaker, where, together with AIJC President Emeritus Dr. Florangel Rosario-Braid, Vice chair Dr. William T. Torres and President Ramon R. Tuazon, he conferred 12 graduates of Master in Journalism and Master in Communication Management.

As a master graduates, Coloma said that the "person should be skilled in a particular trade and able to teach others." He adds that it would entail many responsibility. "To whom much is given, much is expected."

Coloma listed down three imperatives that Pearl Graduates are expected to live up to. They should, first of all, serve as channel for the communication for development. Also referred to as C4D, he said that it would serve as a dialogue where a community may express their concerns. Coloma adds that C4D "empowers the people."

As stipulated in the President Benigno S. Aquino's Philippine Development Plan, Coloma said that it states an "inclusive growth where the smallest of the people will benefit from the fruits of development." He adds that the graduates' brand of journalism and communication should be able to reach the farthest, most isolated parts in the country.

The second imperative, Coloma said, is for the graduates to use their skills and resources in raising the quality of public discourse. He said that instead of the politics of confrontation, "wouldn't it be more sensible to pay more attention to the (government's) development program?"

Lastly, Coloma said that the pearl graduates should become an artist of encouragement and play the role not only of a teacher but also as a mentor. He urged the graduates to "take the role with vigor," adding that it would bind the first two imperatives that he shared.

AIJC Graduate School Dean Madeline Quiamco thanked Secretary Coloma for gracing the event. She told the AIJC Grad School blog that Coloma's his participation meant a lot to the Pearl Graduates who are in their middle to high level executives in government, corporate and academic organizations.

"Secretary Coloma's three imperatives resonate in the Graduate School's mission to promote advanced learning research, and innovation for more empowered, enlightened and responsible leadership in the industry and society," Quiamco said. (AIJC)

'Continue to fight the dark forces lurking in our midst' - AIJC President

AIJC President Ramon R. Tuazon
(Photo by Paul Anthony Alaras)

Below is AIJC Ramon R. Tuazon's Opening Remarks during the Pearl Graduation last January 30 at the Club Filipino, Greenhillls, San Juan City.


If I am reading this speech from an Ipad 2, it is because I want to highlight a contrast

When AIJC opened its doors in 1980, aspiring journalists and communicators had to contend with the sound of typewriter keys and the scent of printer's ink.Today, journalists (communicators), young and old alike, have at their fingertips the worners of smartphones, tablets or androids and similar gadgets.

But some things have not changed. At AIJC, the values enshrined in our Vision-Mission-Goals and as articulated by our illustrous founders like S.P. Lopez, Jose Luna Castro, and, of course, Florangel Rosario-Braid remain. We continue to mould communicators/journalists committed to seeking, pursuing and proclaiming the truth at all times.

Today, 12 individuals are to be added to our growing list of GS alumni. In addition to the conferment of master's degrees, we shall also award certificate and diploma titles to four others.

We welcome and thank you all, especially our commencement speaker, for accepting our invitation to witness not only our pearl anniversary graduation but also our Institute's reaffirmation of its commitment to imbue each person who passes through its portals the bias for truth, freedom and justice.

To our would-be graduates congratulations! We pray that like Jedis, you will continue to fight the dark forces lurking in our midst, May you be continously inspired by the Gospel writers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John who share the Good News.

Mabuhay and maraming salamat po! (AIJC)

IN PICTURES: AIJC Pearl Graduation

To view more pictures, click here.

(Photos by Paul Anthony Alaras / AIJC)

AIJC congratulates Pearl Graduates

The Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication held its Pearl Graduation Ceremonies on January 30, 2012 in Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino, Greenhills, San Juan City.

In his commencement message, Presidential Communications secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that as graduates of a master's degree, they are expected to become a channel of communication for development, to raise the quality of public discourse and to become an artist of encouragement. He also challenged the graduates to pursue and proclaim the truth in all times.

Coloma, together with AIJC President Emeritus Dr. Florangel Rosario-Braid, Vice chair Dr. William T. Torres and President Ramon R. Tuazon, conferred 12 graduates, namely:

Master in Journalism 

Lily O. Ramos 

Master in Communication Management

Mary Christine A. Culibao (With Distinction)

Margee Cher C. Do

Ma. Melina Y. Doria

Maria Theresa D. Gochuico

Joanne Marie Lago-Jumarang 

Eleonor A. Lim 

Abigaile R. Percela 

Leslie M. Panique 

Zenisa R. Perez

Therese Patricia C. San Diego (With High Distinction)

Joaquin Romeo S. Santiago 

This year is the first time that AIJC awarded a high distinction. Therese Patricia C. San Diego garnered a GPA of 1.23.

Other AIJC Graduate School awardees under its Ladderized Program were Edgardo S. Patron Jr. for the Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Errol Ismael B. Palaci, Imelda B. Patiño, and Samuel T. Ramos, Jr. for the Graduate Diploma in Communication Management. 

Graudate student Alexander T. Rosete was also cited with the President's List Awardee, for garnering an average of 1.00 in the first trimester of 2011-2012.

CONGRATULATIONS! (AIJC)