Lecture-discussion highlights Rizal’s role in ‘revolutionary press'
By Benjamin Nathaniel T. Bondoc

MANILA, Sept. 30 (PNA) -- The Philippines’ national hero Dr. Jose Rizal greatly contributed to the birth of the revolutionary press which has fought the abusive Spanish colonial rule.

This was the highlight of the lecture-discussion entitled “Jose Rizal, Community Journalist and Communicator" held Wednesday at the Philippine Information Agency.

In the said lecture, Prof. Georgina Reyes Encanto, a regent of the University of the Philippines, highlighted Rizal’s role in the propaganda movement against the Spaniards which has greatly inspired community journalism in the country.

According to Encanto, the national hero’s contributions to various newspapers such as "Diyaryong Tagalog" and other periodicals during the Spanish era has underscored love of country which every Filipino should emulate.

In addition, she also highlighted the message of Rizal’s poem "A La Juventud Filipina", saying that “love for the motherland should never be fanatical or violent but rather peaceful.”

As a result, Encanto said Rizal eventually became a source of inspiration and influence on the content of the country’s community press.

For instance, she said a number of poems were dedicated to Rizal following his execution which recognized his heroism.

In conclusion, Encanto said Rizal has truly advocated the idea of journalism as a catalyst of ideals and social change in the country.

The lecture-discussion was followed by an open forum wherein veteran journalists Alice Villadolid and Jose Maria Carlos shared their thoughts and views on the said topic.

The forum concluded with a short tour at the PIA Mediaseum which exhibits various memorabilia of the national hero as well the history of the Philippine media.

The event was attended by representatives from the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication, Philippine Information Agency, Philippines News Agency, students and campus journalists. (PNA)