Are you an aspiring journalist? Take this advice from Ka Doroy Valencia, Dean of Philippine journalism

 Are you an aspiring journalist? Take this advice from Ka Doroy Valencia, Dean of Philippine journalism

This article is dedicated to the father and pillar of Philippine journalism: Teodoro or "Ka Doroy" Valencia (center). His column Over a Cup of Coffee shaped the thinking of his readers, and influenced the decisions of leaders in his time.

Dr Abe V Rotor

 Teodoro or "Ka Doroy" Valencia (center) father of Philippine journalism. Ka Doroy influenced me in becoming a journalist and a painter. My columns, particularly the current and only continuing one in Bannawag Magazine, basically follow the basic guidelines set by Ka Doroy. As an artist, Ka Doroy commissioned me to paint on-site favorite scenes of his boyhood along Tanauan River in 1972. 

Like "Ka Doroy" an aspiring journalist must -
1.      Be inquisitive
2.      Be constant in his purpose
3.      Be fair and balanced
4.      Be genuinely interested in people
5.      Seek the truth
6.      Be resourceful
7.      Have guts
8.      Master his grammar
9.      Know his medium
10.    Read, read and read.

Above all, he must be God-fearing, compassionate, and true to his country and fellowmen. And uphold journalism as a profession and institution.
(Excerpt from a lecture by Dr Abe V Rotor, journalism professor at the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters.)
  
Teodoro F. Valencia (May 7, 1913 - May 4, 1987)

"Teodoro F. Valencia, better known as "Ka Doroy," was widely regarded as the Dean of Filipino Journalists. His many civic undertakings made him a legend, particularly his knack for raising funds to help the underprivileged and the less fortunate. Known as the "Builder of Rizal Park," Valencia was largely responsible for developing Rizal Park into one of the best parks in Asia.

Ka Doroy was born in Tanauan, Batangas where he finished his elementary and high school education. He earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Sto. Tomas in 1935 and took up Law at the Philippine Law School where he graduated in 1941.

Pursuant to Republic Act 6836 renaming Agrifina Circle to Teodoro F. Valencia Circle and in grateful recognition of his life-long service to the Filipino people, the National Parks Development Committee under the Department of Tourism, dedicates this circle as a living memorial to Teodoro F. Valencia on this 7th day of May 1990. City of Manila" (Internet)