The MetroPost editorial Journalism 101 for Government Officials (June 1 issue) reveals a misplaced personalism on the part of a top official of the Province who told the publisher: “Because I was hurt by that story that you published, don’t be surprised if I do something that may also hurt you.”
The top official’s reaction was based on what Filipino scientists call personalism, a value orientation of a traditional rural society that is marked by “sensitive amor propio (self-esteem), a keen sense of personal dignity, and high sensitivity to personal affront, insult or criticism”.
Publishing the “COA story” was never intended to insult the high government official. It was done to inform the reading public.
Personalism is out of place when it influences the feelings and actions of modern leaders who are expected to govern well.
It may lead them to place extreme importance on their power, and use this against those they believe have hurt or insulted them.
Personalism has no place in a modern community where the right to information must be upheld by a community newspaper.
Lorna Peña-Reyes Makil
Retired sociologist
