Media group helps colleagues in typhoon-ravaged areas

LUCENA CITY—The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has launched the “Tabang Media” (TM) campaign to lend a hand to suffering colleagues in Mindanao who were also victims of Tropical Storm “Sendong.”

“It was in response to cries for help by colleagues who, while needing to find shelter, dry clothes and food for their children, still have to shoot pictures and file stories about their own ravaged communities,” Rowena Carranza Paraan, NUJP secretary general, said in her post in TM Facebook page.

“Tabang” means help in the Visayan-Cebuano dialect.

TM is an initiative of the NUJP, together with the Center for Community Journalism and Development and the Peace and Conflict Journalism Network to help colleagues in media severely affected by Sendong.

Although they have yet to complete the final list of affected media workers, Paraan said two journalists were killed while the houses of  more than 50 journalists in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities were wiped out by the raging flash floods.

“Many have lost their houses and all their belongings. Delivery of goods remains difficult and they have expressed that cash assistance is the most practical,” TM said in its Facebook page.

“Let us help our fellow journalists get by with whatever help we can give,” the group said in its appeal to their colleagues across the country.

TM reported that the members of the Pangasinan media pledged an initial amount of P50,000 while the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists also pledged to give to affected media colleagues.

The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, Center for Community Journalism and Development and NUJP donated several boxes of bags and clothing and beverages, TM said.

The TM Facebook page which was created last Monday would serve as a venue for Filipino journalists to quickly response to their need of their comrades in times of emergencies such as disasters.

Other media organizations are welcome to join TM, Paraan said.

Those who want to donate to the campaign can deposit any amount at the NUJP account (Metrobank account number 229-722-9507-458) or call/text 0910-4950095 or the NUJP office (02) 3767330.