The beat reporters

Why are beat news reporters called "beat"? Because one senator called them the most beaten-up of all journalists. (More on this later.)

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Thanks to the Sister of Charity who sent me an estampita with a prayer for those "Living Alone." The prayer is in light verse and ends with: "I live alone, dear Lord, yet have no fear because I feel your presence ever near."

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Millions of seedlings have already been planted in different mountain areas of Cebu in connection with the reforestation program of the government. Thanks to civic-oriented groups. Has there been an inventory of the seedlings that have already become full-grown trees?

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The question was asked by Dr. Hernani Tacandong, who calls himself "a consummate and passionate lover of trees." Dr. Tacandong said he has reliable information that less than one percent of the seedlings planted five years ago have grown into fully developed trees.

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Dr. Tacandong was quoting one landowner whose hilly land was the site of tree planting activities of students, corporate employees, government workers, etc. five years ago. "Many or most of the seedlings died because of no proper care after planting," he was told.

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The true and accurate picture of the beat newspaper reporter was painted by Sen. Teofisto Guingona II in his speech before the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists recently. The senator said the beat reporter is the most "beaten up" member of any newspaper staff.

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Addressing the beat reporters (in Cebu competently led by my friend Elias Baquero), the senator said: "You are subject to many pressures. Yes, you are beaten up a lot. You are scolded by your editors. You are betrayed by your assets and sources. Your interviewees lie to you. Your publishers expect you to generate as many stories as humanly possible. You must really be in love with the journalistic profession to allow yourselves to be subject to such pressures."

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OVERHEARD. A retired journalist who heard what Senator Guingona said, commented: "It is the beat reporters who keep newspaper readers abreast of what's happening in the community and the world." Another retired journalist agreed saying: "Bitaw. Ang beat reporters maoy tigpahibaw sa katawhan unsay nanghitabo. Dili ang editor, dili ang publisher, labi nang dili ang mga columnist."