Catholic communicators join in national media confab in Davao

DAVAO CITY — Communicators from different parts of the Philippines will converge in Davao City for the 4th National Catholic Media Convention August 6-9, at Mergrande Ocean Resort, Talomo.

With the theme: “Ako ni, bai! (It is I!),” the confab is set to tackle about fake news and journalism for peace during its duration.

“The best antidotes to falsehoods are not strategies, but people: people who are not greedy but ready to listen, people who make the effort to engage in sincere dialogue so the truth can emerge,” said Pope Francis which also served as the inspiration for the 4th National Catholic Media Convention.

The convention also hopes to deepen the spirituality of those working in the Catholic media. This will also be participated in by the Diocesan Church Media Directors and Workers.

Aside from that the convention also wants to focus on the practice of Journalism that is less concentrated on breaking news but to explore the underlying causes of conflicts.

The workshop will gather different speakers whose expertise range from peace building to Journalism and Catholic media, namely:

– Rev. Fr. Jessel Gerald M. Gonzales, SJ
– Ms. Sally Jo Bellosillo, a filmmaker
– Sec. Jesus Dureza of Office of the Presidential Affairs on the Peace Process (OPAPP)
– Benito Antonio De Leon from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
– Eduardo Pacana of Association Council of Lay Associations and Integrated Movements (ACLAIM)
– Rev. Fr. Pete Lamata, GKK Coordinator of the Archdiocese of Davao
– Mahmod Mala Adilao of the Ulama League of the Philippines
– Antonio Apat of the Archdiocesan Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue (ACEID)
– Rev. Fr. Leonardo Dublan of Archdiocesan Social Action Center of Davao
– Chris Herron, Former Director of Development and Fundraising of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

Archbishop of Davao Romulo G. Valles is set to preside the Holy Mass at San Pedro Cathedral during the opening while at the same time, the keynote speaker during the formal talks.

The Archdiocese of Davao and the Social Communications Apostolate of Davao hope for the success of the 4th National Catholic Media Convention as this is the first time that the city hosted this event.