INTRODUCTION
Exactly a year ago today, Channel 27 went on the air, joining the many voices crowding the airlanes and claiming public attention. For a time, many thought that Channel 27 would be no different from the others churning out the usual fare of entertainment and public-affairs programs.

That first impression has changed. In the last twelve months, Channel 27 has carved a niche for itself in the broadcast industry.
STRESSING THE POSITIVE
More than this, through its proactive programming that stresses the positive, Channel 27 has shown that the government and the media can work hand in hand to espouse the best interests of the people and yet remain independent of each other.

The media play a critical role in nation building. This we know only too well as inheritors and promoters of democracy. Our internal resources, including the media and the clout they wield, must be used to uplift our society because the government cannot hope to conquer poverty and ignorance by itself.

The Philippine media indeed can help more by imbuing Filipinos with confidence and pride in themselves and their country, without pulling its punches in showing up our venalities and weaknesses.

In contrast, the foreign media have been more sharply focused, coming out with a more positive picture of our country.

What do foreign journalists see in us that we don’t seem to know? Consider these observations.

The New York Times has described the Philippines as “Asia’s Sick Man now out of intensive care.” that story carried the subhead: “Once ailing Philippines shows economic revival.”

The Financial Times of London called the Philippines an “Asian tiger in hard training: The former islands are confounding the critics.”

The Risk Rating Review, a quarterly global publication, regarded the Philippines as among the 89 “least risky” investment sites. The Philippines was the only country in the Asia-Pacific region that made it on the list.

A survey on consumer confidence made in the Asia-Pacific region by Master Index showed that Filipinos have a positive view of the economy. The respondents said they were upbeat about the future.

Yet, these confidence-building stories, if they are aired or printed at all, are often subsumed in sensational news about crime and violence, controversies and intrigues, which are written in such obsessive regularity as to paint a gloomy picture to Filipinos themselves of the future of their own country.
ENOUGH WITH PINOY BASHING
I am glad, therefore, that Channel 27 has chosen not to go with the tide. Let us put an end to Pinoy bashing. Enough of self-flagellation that will lead us nowhere. Enough of defeatism and negativism. Let us have professional and responsible reporting.

As a progressive, proactive television station, Channel 27 has taken the bull by its horns. Here is one station that seeks to be positive without indulging in sensationalism, and which opposes what is bad without obstructing ennobling trends.

Channel 27’s credo jibes with the goals and direction of the Ramos administration. It is not enough to tell the truth — one must tell the truth that leads to positive change, a truth that is not cold and detached, but one that is compassionate and invites involvement and community cooperation.

This, I believe, is what the media’s primary direction should be. If the media take this path, then they open the door to a better understanding of issues between the government and the governed, arousing empathy from both by highlighting the positive for the welfare of all.

It is good to pay attention to our immediate surroundings, but we must not forget to look at the events in and the endeavors of the global community where we belong. For surely, we are not alone in our efforts to improve our economy and provide a better future for our children.

Channel 27’s thrust toward global news is a constant reminder of life’s truism — that what’s happening here is not peculiar to us. Other peoples in other lands are also striving for prosperity, peace and progress. The aspiration to a better life is as universal as hope and courage.
CLOSING
In closing, let me congratulate Citynet’s Channel 27 on its first anniversary and express my hope that it will keep on spreading the good news. We in government shall remain committed to our mission to serve and strive and thereby provide Channel 27 with a boundless supply of stories — exciting stories about our countrymen’s efforts to improve themselves and their country that qualify as worthy news.

Thank you and good day.