Fundraising, data analytics among concerns of Catholic Media

Photo courtesy of Novaliches Soccom Ministry

DAVAO CITY, August 7, 2018 – Chris Herron of the Archdiocese of Sidney shared his expertise on fundraising to sustain charitable works.

Fundraising involves three processes: first, telling the story of what you do and how it makes a difference in people’s lives; asking for support; and thanking the people.

"Fundraising is not a response to a crisis but a ministry, a way of announcing our vision.  It’s all about mission, we follow in the footsteps of Christ, it’s an experience of evangelization," explained Mr. Herron.

Data analytics

Meanwhile, Sally Bellosillo, reknowned producer and director tackled Data Analytics as a way of understanding the target audience.

She gave an introduction on Big Data, an automated system of collecting the profile of every individual by which the products are tailor-made according to the particular taste.  These are used by popular companies such as Netflix, Facebook, and even politicians.  She expressed concern on how we use social media.

"Develop critical thinking; why are we giving this information?" challenged Sally.

Meanwhile, the ECSC shall embark on a digital media assessment to assist dioceses on how they can best and effectively engage their audiences.

Affirmative journalism

Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Sec. Jesus Duresa’s message was read by OPAPP Communication head Sonny Mendoza.

He underscored the need to use the moral compass as a condition for affirmative journalism.

"How would this post have an impact on the work that I do?  What good will they do me?  Will it provide enlightenment and unite the people?" challenged Sec. Dureza.

"Vanguards of truth and justice go beyond media releases and press conferences.  Words yield too much power.  Truth and accuracy must never be sacrificed."

The delegates were divided into five groups and given quick orientation on their projects covering 5 topics: 911, Public Safety and Security, Archdiocesan Nourishment Center, Muslim Community, Cultural Village, and Sagop Kinabuhi Program II.

At 6 p.m., the Holy Eucharist was presided by Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Pena, MSP, DD who shared updates on the rehabilitation of Marawi.

Afterwards, the delegates were treated to a sumptuous dinner and cultural presentation before retiring for the night. /J. Jopson, CBCP ECSC

Catholic Communicators, men and women of prayer - B. Mylo

Photo courtesy of Randy Alvez, Pasig Soccom Ministry

DAVAO CITY, AUGUST 7, 2018 -  Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara led the participants in the Holy Hour of the 2nd day of the 4th National Catholic Media Convention held here in Mergrande Ocean Beach Resort.

Bishop Mylo focused on the 52nd World Communication Day message as a way of conversion, taking off from Archbishop Valles’ homily yesterday.

“Fake news, distorted and sensationalized, have far-reaching effect locally and globally… Gossips destroy the persons, communities, and nations.”

What is the difference between secular and Catholic media?  We are men and women of prayer… If we want to combat fake news and be journalists of peace, as men and women of prayer, being exposed to Jesus, we clearly realize the font and source of what we proclaim, Jesus who is our truth, no one else but the prince of peace.”

Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, in his keynote address, reminded the Catholic media practitioners on the truth and reality of their mission which is the grace of their office: the proclamation of the kingdom.

Speaking from personal experience of opening for the fourth time their local Catholic radio station, the Archbishop said, “I was fearful and hesitant at first; but now, I can say with grace, it is the work of God that we are surviving in the social communication ministry in the Archdiocese of Davao.  God is guiding us and helping as we keep the core truth of the soccom ministry which is not money but the proclamation of the gospel.

He also brought out wish lists for the social communication ministry.  These are:

First, a soccom ministry that develops and promotes among the people the capacity to discern or promotes discernment, starting with oneself;

Second, a socomm ministry that gives prime attention to the communicators themselves, with the hearts and minds to be close to the One who said, “I am the truth”;

Third, a soccom ministry that develops the language of news into the language of mercy and compassion;

And fourth, a soccom ministry that develops the language of a Christian into joy and humor.

Meanwhile, Fr. Jboy Gonzales, SJ gave a powerful inputs on fake news and how to understand media manipulations, where they operate, what motivates them, what they use, why we are vulnerable to them, and how to address fake news.

He recommended the following:

First, cling to the truth.  God is truth;

Second, be an army of God using the language of dialogue, goodness and responsibility;

Third, encounter people at the peripheries;

Fourth, fulfill the mission of reconciliation;

Fifth, enflesh the truth by living it out;

Sixth, know the importance of credibility and integrity in media;

Seventh, use creativity and intellectual engagement;

Eight, evaluate religious life and technology;

And ninth, engage actively and conscientiously. /J. Jopson, CBCP ECSC

4th Catholic Media Convention opens in Davao City

photo courtesy of the Diocese of Novaliches Soccom Ministry

DAVAO CITY, Aug. 6, 2018 - The opening of the 4th National Catholic Media Convention of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communications coincided with the 21st Episcopal ordination anniversary of Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles as he celebrated the Holy Eucharist at the San Pedro Cathedral of last August 6, 2018, with Auxiliary Bishop George Rimando and ECSC Chairman and Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara concelebrating.

There were 45 priests, 7 religious sisters and 85 lay for a total of 137 delegates to this year’s National Catholic Media Convention.

The Archbishop focused on three qualities which could be imbibed in the heart of every Catholic Media practitioner.  These are:

First, joy and delight.  “To be a media person that would convey to the community a message that is filled with joy and delight is so wonderful,” the archbishop observed.

Second, the ability to articulate and portray the truth in situations of good and evil.

Archbishop Valles said, “The capacity to detect the mysterious presence of evil and good and the hand of God in the situation and articulate it in the community takes great talent using visuals and words and let the people be there in the experience.”

The third quality is a heart that is filled with confidence and hope.

“In any situation, whether it be a difficult situation or a situation of success that would make us forget there’s a God, we must be mindful of the truth.  Media people serving the church should remind themselves that in the end, everything will be alright and that good and grace will triumph.” /J. Jopson, ECSC