Many people are blaming the media for creating a bad image for the country through their negative news reporting. They point out that our newspapers and radio or television programs focus mostly on crimes, e.g., murder, kidnapping, snatching, swindling, drug trafficking, etc. They say that the media have seriously contributed to highlighting the Philippines as a crime country.
However, these people should understand that news reporters are duty-bound to report on what is happening around us, good or bad. They cannot do otherwise but expose crime and criminality in order to protect the public from being misled and/or victimized.
We cannot blame the media for the image we have created for Manila and many parts of the Philippines.
The problem, however, is the negative implication on tourism and business. On the contrary, if reporters see something positive happening, they will likewise report on it.
The best thing we can do to create a positive image for the country is by doing good. Let’s start doing good deeds.
ARSENIO UNAJAN BAQUILID arseniobaquilid@yahoo.com