OVERVIEW
In commemoration of March 16, Kosen-rufu Day, the Young Successors Group (consisting of the Student Division, High School Division, and the Boys & Girls Division) launched the “New Human Revolution Generation” (NHRG), an avenue to tackle the pressing issues we face today in striving for peace and happiness.
The NHRG provides a platform for the youth to freely share their ideas, express their perspectives, offer innovative solutions, and empower others to take action and overcome powerlessness.
STUDENT / YOUTH PERSPECTIVE
MITSIKO DIANE A. SUZUKI
19 y/o, GHQ E, Laguna
What is the purpose of the media in these current times?
The purpose of media is to educate and entertain its audience by spreading information through different platforms.
How can the media promote the dignity of human life?
In terms of promoting the dignity of human life through media, it allows the user to take advantage of the broad selection and platforms available. As to why, media allows for wider coverage of the topic at hand. Examples include a video through YouTube, an ad or infographics while scrolling through Facebook, or even a song that focuses on the dignity of human life.
ADRIANNE JAY ANUNCIADO
21 y/o, NMGHQ, Cagayan de Oro
What is the purpose of the media in these current times?
In the digital era, practically anything is available at the touch of a finger through web searches, video viewing, communication, ordering, trading, and many other activities. There are three main categories of media: print, broadcast, and online. With the development of technology, the media has changed tremendously over the last several years. While many sorts of media are now available to everyone, making our lives simpler, media back then was so limited, information was primarily filtered and didn't reach everyone. Media has been a vehicle for globalization, enabling accessible engagement worldwide and promoting global and domestic economic impact. With various media, we can interact more with other SGI members globally through their experiences that are made available to us online and study materials that motivate us in our daily lives and strengthen our faith in our practice. Media helps us advance in our kosen-rufu movement.
How can the media promote the dignity of human life?
As an SGI member, one of our guiding principles in practice is the dignity of human life. Nichiren Daishonin and our three (3) founding presidents brought out the importance of human life since every one of us has an innate Buddha nature.
When utilized carefully, media can have a big impact on a lot of things, like how we see the value of human life. Through a variety of channels, kosen-rufu has achieved advances in promoting the dignity of life by the core principles of Nichiren Buddhism, respecting the dignity of human life.
ZYREL GELIN C. GALLARDO
22 y/o, GHQ D, Meycauayan
What is the purpose of the media in these current times?
In this generation, I believe that the youth are more advanced as well as prone to be influenced by new ideas. This is because it is considered in building advancement of technology and everything that involves our daily lives are accessible in one click which also includes the form of acquiring data and as well connecting with others. As a youth myself, despite of the overwhelming changes that happened within the use of media, it taught me to think critically of every situation and to always consider both sides [in order] to see the "bigger picture". With the societal problems of war and aggression, factors including health and profession, people know how they can act for change.
How can the media promote the dignity of human life?
As mentioned, the 21st century is becoming more advanced as well as an influential year for the youth, one of the subjects that the media promotes is the “dignity” of human life when people who suffered from mental health issues skyrocketed. Sadly, the subject of Mental Health and its effects are frowned upon or usually will equate to a lack of faith in experiencing such an inevitable situation. This became quite clear for the youth and everyone who is experiencing such a situation to promote awareness and advocate possible resolutions such as procedures of rehabilitation and therapy to combat the said situation. As a practicing Buddhist, I believe that keeping my belief as a basis helps me to be more compassionate and spread advocacy regarding the said societal problem. Also chanting for whom I care for, and participating in volunteering groups, are other ways to show everyone how life can be "dignified" once you also value the impact of the situation.
JARED EARL LEYSON
19 y/o, GHQ A, Valenzuela
What is the purpose of the media in these current times?
In my opinion, the media's function in the modern world is to support the advancement of justice and peace. The potential of the media to enlighten and educate people on the pressing challenges that our society faces, such as poverty, climate change, human rights, and wars.
The media has the power to raise awareness of these crucial issues, motivate people to take action, and encourage a better understanding of the many cultures and communities throughout the world.
It may encourage mutual respect and empathy among people and provide them with a forum to express their thoughts and opinions, promoting healthy debate. The media may also be a source of motivation and hope by telling the stories of people and groups trying to change the world for the better. The media may inspire people to act and help create a better future by doing this.
In general, the role of media today is to inform, educate, inspire, and bring people together around shared ideals. We can work together to create a more peaceful and just society by utilizing the power of the media.
How can the media promote the dignity of human life?
I firmly believe that the media can play a powerful role in promoting the dignity of human life. One of the most important ways that the media can promote human dignity is by providing accurate and reliable information that empowers people to make informed decisions about their lives.
For example, the media can highlight stories of individuals who have overcome great adversity or made significant contributions to society. By sharing these stories, the media can inspire people to strive for excellence and to believe in their potential.
In addition, the media can promote human dignity by exposing and addressing social injustices and inequalities. Through investigative reporting and critical analysis, the media can bring attention to issues such as poverty, discrimination, and human rights abuses. By shining a light on these issues, the media can help to hold those in power accountable and promote greater social justice and equality.
Ultimately, the media has the power to shape our understanding of the world and our place in it. As such, media professionals must approach their work with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to promoting the dignity of human life. By doing so, the media can help to create a more just, equitable, and compassionate society for all.
KATE BARCELA
24 y/o, GHQ F, Manila
What is the purpose of the media in these current times?
Through the media, we get new information. Before, we only got news from newspapers and television. But now, we get new information anywhere anytime through the help of the internet. We can also get news from other countries. Recently, we got news from other countries that Russia is trying to invade Ukraine. We get news about Asian attacks from the US as well. Things that we usually we not know of since we don't reside in that country. But through the help of the internet, we become much aware of the recent happenings and situations both locally and abroad. Although, new information is more accessible now. However, in the Philippines, fake news is prevalent. People often mistake fake news for real news. We can see that the internet may bring a lot of advantages to us but it also makes it easier to spread fake news to everyone as fast as the real news.
How can the media promote the dignity of human life?
Media has a big impact. Everyone relies on the media. A country is united through the forms of media. Hence, it is important that the media delivers well. It should deliver real, relevant, and value-adding information. In recent events, a lot of life has been taken from guns and weapons. It has taken our dignity, our life for granted.
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda said, “Unless we take one step forward, we cannot take the next, much less a thousand.” Everything starts with the little things. It starts with small actions. Small things that we do in our everyday lives. It starts with us. Every small action matters. If we share the importance of human life, more people will acknowledge it. More people will talk about it. It will reach the media and it will reach more people. If we share the importance of human life, that every human life is important, everything should be resolved through communication, everyone should be treated with respect, and everyone should share the importance of peace. If we make our lives shine so bright, more people will also be encouraged to be like us. Everyone will be encouraged to respect one another, to talk to one another, and to promote peace towards one another. Eventually, everything will fall into place. I really believe that there is always a better way to resolve things, and making war, and shouting at one another is not one of them.
PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
ELLA HERMONIO
• News Associate, Manila bureau of a Japanese publication (2019 to present)
• Former Senior News Researcher, CNN Philippines (2013 to 2019)
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE MEDIA IN THESE CURRENT TIMES?
The duty of the media today is to stand its ground and uphold its objective, ethical, and responsible reporting.
In the current information landscape pervaded by misinformation and disinformation, the integrity of established and credible mainstream media outlets is being attacked. As if reporting based on facts and sound judgment is wrong. Political voices creep behind the desks and cameras to forward their personal intentions, pretending to be the messiahs of truth while compromising the essence of journalism.
Current technologies may also introduce novel ways of delivering news, but this should not affect the media's thorough vetting and balanced editorial process in its day-to-day operations. Despite the modern challenges, the media should never digress from its long-standing professional standard of keeping the public properly informed.
An old adage says that journalism favors no one. I believe, though, that the news’ only bias is for accuracy and truth. The more fake news spread, the more the media should continuously amplify what is right.
HOW CAN THE MEDIA PROMOTE THE DIGNITY OF HUMAN LIFE?
More than anything, I believe that news always centers on people’s stories. Human stories. What affects the basic necessities of the common Filipino? What the government plans for its citizens. What touches people’s hearts? What impacts everyone’s livelihoods? What gives them pride and self-determination? What kills them? Although several stories may appear depressing and disheartening, in the end, news provides information that helps everyone get by each day.
Ignorance, meanwhile, is the core of prejudices and hatred. Not knowing where people are coming from and not understanding their ways of life makes us tend to impose our own beliefs above theirs. That, I think, is where the role of the media comes in. Being informed of the many faces and narratives that exist around us makes us more responsible members of our community with empathy and respect towards each other.
Along with that, media ethics is established for news agencies to abide by on how reports should be delivered in ways that preserve people’s rights. These are guidelines to ensure that the media uses its privilege as the country’s fourth estate in a responsible manner that contributes to nation-building. Especially in this modern society, it is very important to be aware and sensitive to diversity in many aspects: race, beliefs, gender, politics, and social status, among others. A credible media entity treats every news story they produce with utmost thoroughness and commits to its bigger responsibility and accountability towards the public.
Disinformation can deprive people of their basic rights and liberties. Misinformation shortchanges the people in demanding what they rightfully deserve. The media, given its leverage, capability, and power, should always uphold, fight for, and promote the value of truth and justice, especially when others’ rights are being trampled upon.
ANY MESSAGE TO OUR FILIPINO YOUTH?
Being the most technologically-literate generation, the youth should be vigilant. They should be circumspect of everything that they see online and offline. They should be mindful of the sources of information that they subscribe to and share from. They should educate themselves enough to generate objective and sound opinions on different matters that are important to them. They should be active in flagging and addressing lies and falsehoods, even if it comes from the adults whom they trust or respect the most. This is not being discourteous, but rather only being rightful. The youth should always remember that in a few years or so, they will be responsible adults who will build and run our society next.
Almost everything is right at the tip of your fingertips. It is up to you how you will use and harness that advantage to good use. This age group’s priorities may still be fickle at times, but they should never compromise our society’s common values toward the betterment of ourselves and our communities.
The youth should always be beacons of truth and never of fake news.
MARY GRACE A. JINGCO
• Works in the various facets of TV and Broadcasting for over 15 years, (GMA Network, Inc.) with a special course on news writing and documentary production in the early days of media engagement (ABS-CBN, Center for Arts & Communications, 2002) which requires daily deployment in the Police Precinct to cover crimes and special documentary works for unorthodox stories to educate viewers (sample works: Are Exotic foods considered beneficial for health? Research works on the medical stand for exotic foods, People claiming exotic food as a form of medicine, therapy to various illnesses; Children in Conflict with the Law, featuring Rugby boys)
• Worked closely in the entertainment production specifically managing press conferences for the print and broadcast media promotion
• Substantially supports news broadcast by providing data and video research in the News & Public Affairs programs
• Co-hosted "Let`s Talk About Soka" a defunct Radio program aired at DZRJ Station which particularly discusses SGI Pres. Ikeda`s Peace Proposal to United Nation with regard to the world issues facing humanity
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE MEDIA IN THESE CURRENT TIMES?
Generally, the purpose of the media is to provide truthful information to the public. With its different facets, I think it would also be appropriate to define what media is all about.
Media is a channel of communication readily available in our day-to-day living which includes the processing of printed paper to digital data in disseminating news, entertainment, education, or any information necessary for the public to get informed with the aim of preventing them from misguided views.
While information is readily accessible in this day and age, the rapid growth of fake news or distorted information is also evolving.
This generally affects the media literacy of the viewers as they may easily dwell and be influenced by the twisted information despite the existing code of ethics that includes public accountability and proper attribution when producing news.
SGI Pres. Ikeda in his 2021 Peace Proposal synopsis, explores three (3) approaches to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in building a peaceful society and humane values.
One of the approaches he mentioned in his proposal is the spread of misinformation regarding Covid-19 that can possibly fuel discrimination. And this is actually happening even in our country, as there are some recorded incidents, especially among the medical frontliners while providing health care to the patients.
HOW CAN THE MEDIA PROMOTE THE DIGNITY OF HUMAN LIFE?
Past (11) years ago, our Company, launched a campaign "Think Before You Click" as a way of reminding the viewers to be more responsible for everything they post on social media as it can vehemently destroy human dignity.
The extent of irresponsible posting of misinformation, and prejudice may result in a rapid chain reaction of netizens making matters worse for the family of the person involved to suffer from further humiliation on social media.
As an SGI member engaging in the media industry, I humbly embraced the words of SGI Pres. Daisaku Ikeda in making the 21st Century, A Century of Life by valuing human dignity.
I was a High School student when I heard and read about the fabricated stories attacking Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, published by some international newspapers. The pain of knowing the injustices inflicted on Soka Gakkai and Ikeda Sensei is etched in my heart. I wanted to protect his dignity but I honestly don't know how to start. Growing up, it became my determination and prime point to protect Soka Gakkai and Ikeda Sensei.
In my long years of service in the Television and Broadcasting Company, I have seriously engaged in several talks and written some letters to the CEO of our Company, executive producers, and news reporters about the Soka Gakkai ideals and how Ikeda Sensei is working tirelessly in building a culture of peace and harmony for the sake of humanity.
In return, our CEO personally writes a letter to Sensei, recognizing his unparalleled efforts in the peace movement. Ikeda Sensei acknowledges the heartwarming letter with much appreciation. The letter was eventually published in the Seikyo Shimbun.
This paves the way for several news coverages of SGI Philippines`s big events such as the Anti-Nuclear Exhibit where the CEO sent a representative to further discuss the issues on Nuclear weapons in the SGI Philippine Culture Center (PCC), Youth Festival, Gusi Peace Prize Award, and Ikeda Symposium.
I am deeply grateful to our Company for also valuing the Happy Tales program in promoting human values. It was well-received and has earned a higher program rating according to Nielsen. To further promote the moral lessons of the anime series, I humbly reached out to the Vice President of TV Programming for the possible re-airing of the program during holy week and I was surprised to know it was easily granted.
I believe that each one of us, engaging in social media has the ability to promote human dignity as long as we are sincerely valuing human rights.
And for the media to promote human dignity, it should ideally advocate and support activities or events that empower people in reforming society under Social Responsibility.
ANY MESSAGE TO OUR FILIPINO YOUTH?
In view of Pres. Ikeda`s arduous commitment to peace, I would wish that the youth will somehow help in promoting awareness of the possible effects of spreading misinformation, fake news, and cyberbullying and the ways to promote fact-checking through a series of webinars or forums.
Thank you very much.
RELATED GUIDANCE OF SGI PRESIDENT DAISAKU IKEDA
The unchecked spread of misinformation or incitement, often referred to by the neologism "infodemic," can intensify discrimination and prejudice, eroding the very foundations of human society. This is another kind of pandemic, one that parallels the spread of the actual disease.
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The dangers arising from failure to thoroughly expose errors by challenging falsehoods and misinformation are not limited to the resulting dearth of correct information and knowledge. Of even graver concern is the risk that existing discrimination and prejudice will interact with fears of infection to spur runaway suspicion that deepens the fractures within society and undermines the human rights and dignity that must be protected for all people.
- Excerpt from SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s
Peace Proposal 2021: Value Creation in a Time of Crisis
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Sakae Tsunoyama, a professor of Wakayama Univerity, remarked, "Film has a direct impact on the audio and visual senses, and as such I believe its mission is to elevate the human spirit."
- Excerpt from The New Human Revolution Vol. 18
Lion’s Roar Chapter p. 25
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Mr. Toynbee's article stirred a furious response in England. The Turks, on the other hand, were very pleased with it, because the truth of their situation had been communicated to Europe. The newspaper thus earned an enduring reputation as a journal that did not succumb to Christian prejudices against Islam.
The truth can never be known if we only look at one side of reality. The more points of view we take, the more of the real situation we can see. Accurate knowledge is necessary to make accurate judgements. Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the first president of the Soka Gakkai, used to say, "Never judge something you know nothing about."
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Mr. Toynbee refused to hole himself up in the ivory tower of acadamia. He was a man of action who went personally to the scene of an event and spoke with as many witnesses and participants as possible.
- Excerpts from The New Human Revolution Vol. 16
Dialogue Chapter pp. 103-104