Scouring Sources


Scouring Sources
Published: October 20, 2023

The Department of Public Works and Highways' tarpaulin details its construction
of the PGH Diliman Resettlement. Taken on October 5, 2023.
(Courtesy: Mervin Manaois)

Finding one source is essential in the formation of a meaningful investigative report. However, one must remember that a single piece of information obtained through physical or digital means would not suffice, supplement, or support any arguments one may produce. Throughout my journey in my course so far in journalism, I have realized that one must strive to gather information or knowledge from varying sources to reinforce and complement a report. Moreover, it is substantial to cross-check and fact-check primary and secondary sources of information to ensure that the investigative process has no inaccuracies. Furthermore, I realized that not all things are easy. Acquiring relevant knowledge requires time and careful consideration of the source’s credibility.

Our progress on our case on investigating the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Diliman Project threatening the UP Pook Arboretum saw us with another obstacle. After our adventure in finding and talking with two community leaders at the Arboretum, I found gathering information from three general sources is difficult, especially when tackling an obscure topic. First and foremost, when mapping possible interviewees, I noticed how convenient it was to search for the former through government directories or institutional Web pages. Then, we found acquiring documents and datasets difficult because not many news outlets or other students conducted reports or research about the PGH Diliman Project and its threat of disturbing the biodiversity of the UP Pook Arboretum. One potential reason for the minimal reportage is it remains a developing story. Furthermore, it then made me realize that creating an investigative report on underreported topics is an added challenge, so adapting to changes because of the process’ unpredictability throughout our investigative report is not far off.

As we gathered the necessary initial documents, datasets, and people, we started researching the respective sources we obtained. One aspect I found positive throughout our crusade in scouring sources is that once we found relevant information about our topic – it is a minor achievement I find fulfilling. Acquiring knowledge through various sources so far is one difficult obstacle throughout our investigative process. I expect our group will encounter more future challenges that may require us to modify our initial hypothesis and ideas to fit the developing cases of our report.

Ultimately, obtaining relevant information from various sources is significant despite its strenuous nature. One must not falter in acquiring pertinent information. In the few instances one cannot see further knowledge available online, one may resort to finding sources physically. From my experience, sometimes seeking primary sources in the field may lead one to significant leads and breakthroughs.

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