A shared purpose in the media is our most powerful tool.
I’ve decided to return to writing my column this election season, and I feel it’s a great time to do so. There’s a lot to reflect on, plenty of discussions to be had, and important insights to share. After a long break, I’m returning with a new column title, Marginal Note. I hope it opens up space for meaningful conversations and fresh perspectives.
It’s 6:37 p.m. on a Saturday, and I just returned from a meeting with the Island Press Association of Palawan (iPAP) at Lilim Cafe in Balai Princesa. I’m not feeling great—it feels like the flu is on its way. I’ve been coughing non-stop, the kind that feels like it’s sitting in my chest.
I hadn’t planned on attending the meeting, but iPAP President Romy Luzares needed support. We’ve committed to improving iPAP for the benefit of our fellow media professionals, and if we don’t attend the meetings, then we’re not really fulfilling that promise.
The iPAP election on September 21 saw an impressive turnout, reflecting the strong dedication of our members. Having transitioned from Alyansang Palawenyo ng Mamamahayag, Inc. (APAMAI), we are now iPAP, opening a new chapter focused on expanding our influence and strengthening our presence in Palawan’s media landscape. We were prompted to change our name after our SEC registration expired, and given that APAMAI had been active for over a decade, this move was essential to uphold our objectives and continue our mission.
I believe that cooperation within the media community here is always important. Our collective voice can push for greater accountability and progress, not just for ourselves, but for the public we serve. There’s a responsibility that comes with being part of the media—to stand together, to advocate for the truth, and to ensure that the voices of those who cannot speak are heard.
I remember during our early iPAP meetings, some of us in the core group would completely miss attending. Two people would send quick messages at the last minute, claiming they were “on the way,” but we all knew they were probably still at home or caught up in an urgent story—like covering a drug buy-bust operation they had been waiting on for what seemed like forever.
Some would arrive early at the venue, convinced that the others might not show up at all, and would end up leaving. Eventually, the latecomers would arrive. They’d wait around for a while, but in the meantime, they’d order french fries, fried chicken skin, and lumpia. While waiting, they would chat, discuss plans, and even start organizing things without the others.
What usually ended up happening was that we’d always go back to the chatroom we set up. That’s where all the discussions took place, where we’d share ideas and opinions. Even though Messenger can be a bit glitchy at times, it’s proven to be useful—despite not being able to meet in person, we could still stay connected and keep the conversation flowing.
Back then, our schedules were all over the place, but somehow, in spite of the hiccups, we always found a way to regroup and get things done. It was a little chaotic, but it showed how committed we were, even if it took some juggling.
We could choose to go our separate ways and work individually, but as an organization, we are far stronger. On our own, our reach is limited, and our voices quieter. Together, however, we amplify each other’s efforts, pool our resources, and create a support system that empowers us to drive real change.
The challenges we face as media professionals are often too great for any one person or media agency to tackle alone. Coming together allows us to boost our collective voice, making it stronger, more influential, and better positioned to create meaningful impact.
Working together allows us to learn from one another, collaborate on important issues, and stand firm when necessary. It’s not just about strength in numbers; it’s about having a community that understands, supports, and uplifts each other. This is why building and maintaining our organization is so important—it’s about progress, protection, and ensuring we can perform our duties to the best of our abilities.
I’m hopeful that this renewed sense of purpose will inspire more of us to step up, collaborate, and protect the integrity of our profession as we work to strengthen iPAP.
Cheers!
