UNDAS: Safety is Priority
The editorial that I have chosen to state my opinion on is entitled “Safety during Undas” published on September 15, 2020 by The Philippine Star.
(Link: https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2020/09/15/2042449/editorial-safety-during-undas)
While reading and examining the editorial that I have chosen, I have noticed that the editorial writer was motivated by 4 societal values, namely: Right to Health, Humanity, Safeguarding the vulnerable and Quality of Life as well as 3 Journalistic principles such as Accuracy, Truth and Humanity.
First of all, the editorial writer was motivated by the value of Right to Health because of the ongoing health crisis which is COVID-19. UNDAS is a tradition where many people would go to the cemeteries to visit their departed loved ones, but due to the health crisis, the local government of Manila has decided to shut down cemeteries on the days of Oct. 29- Nov. 4, which will affect the days where people would usually go to the cemeteries and have gatherings with family and relatives. The editorial writer was motivated by the fact that people should look after their health and the health of the people around them by writing the editorial in a manner that will also inform people about the situation and how to observe the yearly tradition of UNDAS. The editorial writer was also motivated by the concern for humanity. Knowing that the cases of COVID-19 in NCR increases every day and the season of UNDAS fast approaching, the writer was concerned for his/her fellow countrymen and their lives during this battle against COVID-19 while also keeping the traditions alive.
The writer was also motivated by the value of safeguarding the vulnerable because UNDAS is a tradition where people would bring along children and senior citizens, who are the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, to pay respect to the departed ones and knowing the threat of COVID-19, many people could easily be infected at once. Lastly, the writer was also motivated by the wanting of a good quality of life for everybody who is looking forward to UNDAS. The fact that COVID-19 takes a lot away from an infected person, the writer aimed to inform people how they can still go on with UNDAS while also maintaining a healthy life during this time of pandemic.
Journalistic principles such as Accuracy, Truth and Humanity also motivated the writer of this editorial to go on with writing the piece. Accuracy motivated him/her in a way that it is relevant to the current situation. It also contains all the relevant facts that people need to know. Truth is essential to every journalist, as this is every journalist’s first obligation. Truth also served as motivation for the writer because in this current time of fear, anxiety and panic, people need to know the truth about what is going on around them and this editorial served just that. The concern for humanity also motivated the writer because he/she chose the right words to build the story and made sure that no words would be hurtful to the audiences who will be reading said editorial.
This specific editorial is designed for one purpose and that is to serve the public. In this current situation of the pandemic, people will look to the news for updates regarding the things that they can and cannot do, where they can and cannot go. Even in the spirit of the UNDAS tradition, people still need to know how they can go on with celebrating it and respecting their departed loved ones while also keeping themselves and the people around them safe from the virus. This editorial was able to hit that goal when it informed the people about what rules the local government has implemented, the days when the cemeteries will be closed and the limitations and policies that will be observed once one has gone inside the cemetery.
The editorial is well-rounded and well-balanced as it was able to state all the facts that needs to be stated and it was not biased at all. It was able to produce a clear and concise message for the people. Therefore, it meets the standards of truth-telling, balance and fairness as it did not take any sides or any biases, it was able to provide a clear picture for all the citizens to view the full reality of the world that is surrounding them and it was able to point out all the views and thoughts of the news organization.
(Submitted on September 18, 2020. Writing Assignment #3)