By Gabriela Baron
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) paid tribute on Tuesday, March 14, to veteran journalist Luis V. Teodoro who passed away on March 13.
Teodoro served as dean for the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication from 1994 to 2000.
“Dean Teodoro, the staunchest advocate for the best in the profession and the most savage critic of its worst practices, has touched and inspired the lives of countless in our ranks and will continue to be a guide for journalists,” NUJP said.
NUJP said the “strict standards” Teodoro set for his students and for his colleagues “will remain among our guiding lights.”
The journalism guild also recognized Teodoro’s contributions to press freedom.
“Although he often refused to speak before big crowds, Dean Teodoro struggled with his stage fright and called for justice for the Ampatuan Massacre victims in one of our protest actions in Mendiola. His mere presence never failed to boost our morale,” the group said.
NUJP said Teodoro “inspired the alternative media and community media practitioners.”
He founded independent media outfit Altermidya in 2014 and also supported the Graciano Lopez Jaena Fellowship for Community Journalism.
“He was always generous with his time and wisdom, never saying no to requests for training,” NUJP continued.
“The current and the future generations of journalists have been gifted by Dean Teodoro’s lessons on journalism. We pledge to continue his legacy of wielding the pen in the service of the people.” -ag
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