Rainy Revelations

 

Rainy Revelations
Published: October 6, 2023

Myrna Replada (left), Block Two Ledaer, telling their story to Paulo(middle) and Glecelyn (right)
(Courtesy: Mervin Manaois)

Paulo, Glecelyn and I went off to UP Diliman’s Pook Arboretum – one of (if not) the last urban forests in Quezon City – and interviewed two local leaders from Block One and Two as the starting point of our investigative report. On September 5, 2023, it was the day I realized, similar to my past documentary class, that investigative journalism is an intricate process. I feared as we gathered at Plaridel Hall, we would not collect any valuable data during our trip. Also, I doubted early if our initial topic and efforts about Pook Arboretum would be futile.

Inclement weather welcomed us upon leaving Plaridel Hall to Pook Arboretum. “Ang lupaing ito ay ipinagmamay-ari ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas,” are the texts written on several signs near Pook Arboretum, indicating that we were on track. We then spent time walking and asking nearby residents where we could find community leaders to get further background and updates on the construction of Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Diliman. Some residents were inconsistent in giving directions to where Block One or Two were (homing two separate community leaders). Moreover, when we found Block One, we spoke to one of the residents, who pointed us to their community leader, who then referred us to Block Two’s leader.

Rose Marie El Defonso and Myrna Repalda’s stories explained their recent situation with the PGH Diliman’s construction, especially Repalda’s narrative. She said that their area, Block Two, is the first place where construction will occur. She added that contractors are building settlements to house the affected residents, but the latter’s initial plans were to transfer the residents to Rizal. Such a deal led affected locals to rent apartments nearby at higher prices because many have livelihoods in Quezon City – a significant revelation for us. Furthermore, their stories drove us deeper to investigate the developments of PGH Diliman and the impact on the residents of Pook Arboretum. Similar to Paulo’s sentiments, despite losing the energy to continue with our degree program, the stories we sniffed from the community leaders of Block One and Two are some instances of why we see our course as crucial in amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals and enlightening the public about social affairs.

Ultimately, the investigative process is a strenuous yet fulfilling experience. Making small progress, such as finding sources and information that benefit one’s study, is a substantial feat throughout the investigative journey. Also, it is important to remind one of the purposes of journalism should one lose motivation in the course – to deliver the truth to the public and society.

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