22 August 2013 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) successfully hosted 18 Chinese media professionals who took part in the event, “Chinese Media Familiarization Tour,” which was held from August 13 to 17 in the Philippines.

The Chinese media delegation was composed of representatives from newspapers Global Times (Chinese and English editions), Chongqing Economic Times, Chongqing Morning Post, Guangzhou Daily, Guangxi Daily, South China Morning Post, Sing Tao, Macau Post Daily, Macau Business Daily, Xiamen Daily and Xinmin Evening News; TV stations TVB Pearl of Hong Kong and Xiamen TV Station Channel 2; and the Wenhui-Xinmin Group of Shanghai. A freelance political columnist also joined the delegation to represent the “journalist-blogger” community.

On August 14, the Chinese participants joined members of the Philippine media in the “Forum on the Evolving Role of Media in Philippine and Chinese Societies” at the Grand Ballroom, Solaire Resort and Casino. Veteran journalist Teodoro “Teddyboy” Locsin, Jr. spoke on the theme “Media in Social Progress,” stressing that “Critical media has played a role in social progress; but rarely and only in times of crisis....Criticism is not an essential part of what mainstream media does....The role of media was and remains to report the news and not to make it.”

News5 Operations Head David Jude “DJ” Sta. Ana discussed the opportunities and challenges posed by new media to journalists. He observed, “Media and news are now undergoing another evolution: with the rise of new media, social media and mobile news.”  However, he noted, “The challenge is that people are now posting their own updates, own stories - they generate own content. It is good for news because we have a new source of news but it is fraught with dangers: news should carefully vet sources. We are also trying to find a way to reach or be relevant to the new audiences - they still want news but not necessarily want the news you come out with.”

Former ABC News Beijing bureau chief and China expert Chito Sta. Romana synthesized the Forum discussions, highlighting the “cultural differences” in Filipino and Chinese thinking that create gaps in understanding. He cited the importance of the building a “bridge” that can close the gaps and help improve the relations between the Philippines and China.

After the Forum, Dr. Clarita Carlos, political analyst and the Executive Director of the Center for Political and Democratic Reforms, Inc. (CPDRI), briefed the Chinese participants on Philippine political system and foreign policy. She extolled the participants to avoid “provocative” language in their reporting and to keep in mind that we are moving into a borderless world.

The briefing was followed by a welcome dinner at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel, with entertainment provided by no less than the Bayanihan Dance Company.

On the following day, the participants visited Bahay Tsinoy in Intramuros, Manila, where evidence of the significant contributions of the ethnic Chinese in Philippine life are documented.

Afterwards, they interviewed Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on Philippines-China relations and issues related to Hong Kong and Taiwan. In response to a question on the dispute in the West Philippine Sea, Secretary Lacierda reiterated that arbitration is a friendly and peaceful approach to resolving the disputes.

The Chinese media delegation, together with DFA Spokesperson Raul S. Hernandez and other DFA personnel, then traveled to Bohol to take a tour of the province’s many natural and cultural attractions, including the Chocolate Hills, Bee Farm, Loboc Tarsier Conservatory, and Loboc Eco-Adventure Park.

In Bohol, the participants and accompanying DFA personnel were received, on behalf of Governor Edgar Chatto, by officials of the provincial government, led by Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio II, Social Economic and Environment Management Cluster Head Liza Quirog, and Foreign Relations Officer Romulo Tagaan.

The participants were also treated to top notch performances by the Loboc Youth Ambassadors Band and Loboc Children’s Choir.

The Chinese Media Familiarization Tour was a major activity under the Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges (YFE).

 “The Years of Friendly Exchanges is a joint initiative that marks the steadfast commitment of the Philippines and China to the strengthening of mutual understanding and respect between our peoples at a time when there are serious challenges to our bilateral relationship. It is, in fact a most fitting tribute to the Philippines’ and China’s long history of amity, and a testament to our resolve to tread the path of harmonious and just relations,” DFA Spokesperson Raul Hernandez remarked.

The Chinese Media Familiarization Tour was a collaborative effort among the DFA’s Office of the Undersecretary for Administration (OUA), headed by Undersecretary Rafael E. Seguis; Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (ASPAC), headed by Assistant Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro; Public Information Services Unit (PISU),  headed by Spokesperson Hernandez; and the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Shanghai and Xiamen.

It was also organized in cooperation with the Bohol provincial government, Solaire Resort and Casino, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Bahay Tsinoy, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Travel Village and The Bellevue Resort in Bohol.

The participants departed Manila for their respective bases in China, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR on August 17. END