DESPITE the threat from Typhoon Feria, journalism educators from eight ASEAN countries including other regions in the country, came to Manila to participate in the regional workshop on the UNESCO Model Journalism Curricula. The purpose was to examine the new model and how it can be adapted to suit the cultural peculiarities of each country. Too, there is recognition that country priorities are changing because of dynamic changes- within each country, the ASEAN as a regional entity, and the global community. First, there is the perception that journalism should be elevated to the category of the more established disciplines like medicine, the natural and social sciences. Another concern is that traditional newspapers, at least in the West, are phasing out in favor of online journalism. But the most important concern from the view of the organizers is that, in our knowledge economy, information is the most important resource.
Universal consensus on policies that would ensure survival of democracy, peace, social justice, and human rights, as well as the preservation of our planet would require an informed leadership and citizenry. Such responsibility would fall on those who manage information. The Journalism Curriculum although specifically designed for formal education, can be adapted for the training of information personnel, both in formal and nonformal learning settings. It recognizes that the environment is fast changing and that there is need for new knowledge, a new set of attitudes and new skills in the sourcing, processing and delivery of information.
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