EDITORIAL

WRITING
Journalism
Caravan 2017

ABNER L. PUREZA
SSHT VI
Quezon NHS
THE COCONUT
 Focal points
ALL editorials are written for
persuasion.

Goals:
to drive home a point
to influence public opinion
to enlighten people
 PRELIMINARIES.

Choose a topic.
Current and timely
a. concrete events/issues
b. discrete events/issues
c. trending events/issues
Substantial for writing
passing on moral judgment

Obtain background information about the topic.

Observe, read, interview, research.
 Planning stage.

Identify your purpose and audience

inform, interpret, criticize, argue, suggest
reforms, urge readers to action.
Explain or interpret
Criticize
Argue
Praise
Persuade


Organize Information briefly outline

your facts logically before writing the piece.
Choose details
Order details according to importance
TOPIC PROS CONS

1. 1

2 2

3 3
 POTENTIAL TITLE.

The title of an editorial article is mostly

composed of only three words.
The title is a label head.
Example: Iwas droga Tapat na hangarin
Equal opportunity Election blues
Kiss of death
NOTE: The title must be striking to attract
attention
 introduction

Newspeg
Summary of a news item
Stand of the writer/ publication.
 Structuring the editorial
.
Human structure Problem/
Situation
model
(Head, Neck, Body, stand
Arms and Legs)
evidenceC CLAIMS evidence

S
R O
E L
U
C Y
A I
O
p
n
 Crucial agreement
(Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Amid the shifting conditions of the
historic bond shared by the Philippines
and the United States, the two countries
signed on April 11 the Child Protection
Compact (CPC). This is aimed at
reinforcing the battle against child abuse
and trafficking.
NOTE: This part presents the problem/
event/situation.


This agreement is a crucial one. Under

the agreement, the United States will provide
$3.5 million (P175 million) and the Philippines
Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (Iacat)
P40 million for programs and organizations. The
intention is improving the investigation,
prosecution, identification and monitoring of
those involved in online sex abuse and
trafficking.
NOTE: The stand is given in this paragraph, then
facts followed.

As horrific as it is to imagine, child pornography and
trafficking have been amplified by the vast reach of the
internet. Fighting these crimes now requires greater
resources and attention such as provided by the CPC. Let
us not leave no stone unturned in our avowed purpose to
protect our children. Let us send a message, a strong one at
that. Hurt our children, and we will come after you. And you
will not like it, Justice Secretary and Iacat chair Vitaliano
Aguirre II said at the signing ceremony. Let us invest in our
children. They are our hope. They are our future Anything
that debases or [dehumanizes] the dignity of a person is an
abomination that must end, said US Charg dAffairs Michael
S. Klecheski.
NOTE: The first argument is presented here.

The two countries have assisted each other in the recent
past to end at least one child porn case and trafficking
operation in Dasmarias, Cavite. In what has become the
common criminal practice, the sisters Elvie and Arlene Aringo
made children engage in sex, filmed them, and distributed the
videos online to foreign clients for up to $100. Some of the
clients reportedly even came to the country to engage in actual
sex with the children for at least P10,000. Based on information
shared by US sources, the National Bureau of Investigation
arrested the sisters in March, shut down the operation, and
rescued 13 minors.

NOTE: Specific INCIDENT(evidence)/ building up the argument



The hugely lucrative child porn trade

in the Philippines is intended almost
entirely for foreign pedophiles. There is
no interest in [viewing] child pornography
in our culture, Senior Supt. Gilbert Sosa,
director of the Philippine National Polices
anticybercrime unit, said last January. So
it is mostly production [of child porn videos
that is being done here].

Cybersex dens operate in various parts of the
country, with some families coercing their own kin to
perform lewd acts for profit. The internet provides
anonymity and protection from conventional attempts at
enforcing such laws as Republic Act No. 9995 (the Anti-
Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009), RA 7610 (the
Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse,
Exploitation and Discrimination Act), and RA 9208 (the Anti-
Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003). The PNP and NBI have
been shutting down one such operation after another, only
for new ones to spring up. The governments push against
online child abuse and trafficking seems difficult.
NOTE: Another argument is given here with references.

Filipino children are increasingly at risk. Last July,
the Department of Social Welfare and Development reported
that child abuse in the country was on the rise. The number of
cases of child abuse reported in the first quarter of 2016
(2,147) was almost half of that reported in the entirety of 2015
(4,374). Most of the cases involved sexual abuse (539).
According to Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, the
DSWD would intensify its efforts to stop child abuse through
information dissemination and implementation of
psychosocial interventions geared toward the recovery,
healing and reintegration of victims-survivors.
NOTE: Another argument is highlighted here, with statistics and
evidence.


Indeed, one country cannot go it alone.

This is why the renewed commitment and
crucial collaboration of the Philippines and the
United States in battling online sex crimes
involving children acquire the utmost urgency.
It is hoped that this crucial agreement really
curb the widespread online porn business in the
country.
NOTE: This part presents the recap of
arguments and the concluding sentence.
 The human structure model

Introduction 1st paragraph

Stand second paragraph
Arguments 1,2,3 (with evidence/reference)
in the next paragraphs
Recap of main point
Conclusion.
 The SPECS Model.

Situation
background info.
Problem arising from
the situation.
Explanation
(evidence, example,
extra detail)
Conclusion
Specific Solution.
 sample SPECS editorial

BEGIN WITH A NEWS PEG- a news peg contains statement of the issue
with immediate reaction or stand of the publication.
Example: The current Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) mounts its
priority project of installing 10 Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras
within the vicinity of Quezon National High School (QNHS), which will
materialize before PTAs term ends as per assurance of president Ariel V.
Babilonia. This project comes as a respite from the fangs of theft, gang
clash, drug trade, and other untoward incidents happening inside the
campus.
ISSUE: CCTV installation
Reaction/stand: The project comes a sound solution to address untoward
incidents in school.
NOTE: From the news peg, the writer can build his arguments. He needs to
support his stand on the issue
 Sample(The Coconut 2015-2016)
Curbing illicit activities

The current Parent-Teachers Association

(PTA) mounts its priority project of installing 10
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras within
the vicinity of Quezon National High School
(QNHS), which will materialize before PTAs term
ends as per assurance of president Ariel V.
Babilonia. This project comes as a respite from the
fangs of theft, gang clash, drug trade, and other
untoward incidents happening inside the campus.

GIVE FLESH TO THE BODY- the
presentation of logical arguments and
strong supports to the news peg.
Present the situation and support it with
illustrations and arguments.
Provide statistics if possible, related
incidents, or references.
Compare or contrast, present analogies,
allusions if possible.


Quezon High has an average enrolment of

10,000 students annually. What springs from the big
population is also a big problem not only in terms of
physical facilities but also on safety for both
students and teachers. As a melting pot of students
from all walks of life, scale of values comes in
different shades. Some are good and obedient while
some are the exact opposite. This makes peace and
order situation a serious matter needing closed
monitoring and supervision.
NOTE: The SITUATION is presented here.

Within the first two quarters of the current school year, three cases of
prevalent thefts happened in the campus. These occurred separately on
different dates. The common denominator is that all these cases happened
when major school activities are being held. While some students left their
belongings inside their classroom, these thieves attack. There is a big
possibility that the crime is committed by an organized group of erring
students. The most recent happened during the rehearsals of wellness
program of the MAPEH department. The thieves cut through the grade
seven classroom and stole an expensive new DSLR camera, laptops,
money, and other valuables that students bring for their presentation and
projects in school. What worst is that even teachers room is penetrated by
these intruders stealing teachers bags, money, cellphones, and other
valuables.

NOTE: PROBLEMS (3rd paragraph) arising from the situation.


Early this October, a grade 10 student stabbed a
school mate because of heated arguments. The onset of
cases like these, alarm QNHS community. For this reason,
the PTA officers and the school administration think of a
comprehensive scheme to address the problem and that
is to install surveillance cameras within the identified
areas. As much as Php112,000 PTA fund will be spent for
CCTV installation. Its a big amount indeed, but with big
purpose too.
Note: argument on the need to take the
proposed solution as mentioned earlier in
the news peg.

The CCTV cameras are advantageous to QNHS
grounds. It reduces fear of crimes. Numerous studies have
determined the presence of cameras in public places
lessen fear of crime in people who use the area. There is
some reduced level of fear of felony among people in CCTV
areas, since people are aware that they are under
surveillance. It also encourages people to be more security
conscious. CCTV camera evidence can be compelling. In a
big school like QNHS, the long-range effects to crime
prevention can be beneficial.
NOTE: Another argument that explains why there is a
necessity for the proposed solution.

It is a common knowledge that some outsiders enter the
campus despite tight security measures. There is a chance that
crimes such as drug trade happen using students as couriers.
There have been reports about it, though witnesses fear to
testify. In serious matters like this, police intervention is
required. The potential of a CCTV system plays an important
role in drug trade prevention; it contributes in a detection role.
Camera footage can also help identify potential witnesses who
might not otherwise come forward to the police.

NOTE: Further argument to support the proposed solution.



Relatively, CNN Philippines report for

instance confirmed that a month after 32 CCTVs
were installed at Pasig Rotonda last May 2015,
weekly theft and robbery cases in the area went
down from 50 to 10 to three cases an 80 to 94
percent decrease. This implies the effectiveness of
surveillance cameras to lessen untoward incidents.
Thus, if CCTV cameras are fully installed in QNHS,
the same probability in reducing thefts, drug trade
and gang troubles will surely have positive result.
Note: Related incident/ reference/ statistics

What can be said at this juncture is that CCTV inside QNHS
aids in monitoring suspected intruders and their movements in
a less intrusive manner. So, despite some teachers negative
reaction on privacy matters, QNHS community in general finds
a silent partner in curbing unlawful incidents inside the school
premises.
The Coconut staff gives its full support to this noteworthy
partnership between the PTA and the school administration
hoping that not only 10, but more CCTVs must be installed in all
vantage points of the campus.

CONCLUSION AND SPECIFICATION OF SOLUTION

 The I-PO-RO-SA-C pattern

Introduction
Point of the
opposition
Reject the point of the
opposition
Strong arguments
Weighing in
Conclusion
 Sample The Coconut 2016

NEWSPEG Effective this school year, extra -

curricular activities will have no bearing
in the selection of honor students as
stipulated in DepEd Order No. 36, series
of 2016 dubbed as Policy Guidelines on
Awards and Recognition for the K to 12
Basic Education Program. This mandate
compels students to focus on their own
strengths and excel in that area leaving
behind other skills that need to be
harnessed.


Point of The strongest point that this DepEd Order

rationalizes is giving equal opportunity among
the students to excel in relation to the standard set by
opposition the curriculum and focus on their own
performance rather than to compete with one
another. DepEd simply states that student
achievements in the academics are totally
separated from the extra-curricular activities.
Reject the Indeed, it sounds interesting, but it fails to
address the potentials of honing the multi-
point of the dimensional skills of students. Students will then
opposition soar with their strengths neglecting their
weaknesses. Holistic development is on high risk.


Strong Reality check: Potential student-achievers will focus on

academics alone since they target a slot in the honor role.
arguments They wouldnt dare joining relevant contests anymore since
to support representing the school in outside competitions has no
the rejection bearing in the selection of the honor students. Now, it is ironic
to see them just sitting in the classroom and boxed by the
made urge to hone their academics alone.
Moreover, the academic average to beat ranges from 90
to 94 for with honors; 95 to 97 for with high honors; and 98 to
100 for with highest honors. To meet these standards, bright
students may opt to stay in the classroom and be grade-
conscious. Opportunities for hands-on learning experiences in
the outside co-curricular competitions such as press
conferences and the like will be taken for granted. As a result,
the school will produce theoretically bright students, but less
exposed to the outside world.


The 70 percent for academics and 30 percent for

co-curricular activities scheme in selecting honor
students must therefore be reconsidered. While theres
other meritorious awards such as: classroom awards,
leadership awards, conduct awards, learning area
award, special recognition for winning the competitions,
perfect attendance awards -- still it takes prestige to be
in the honor roll. If the potential honor student focuses
only in academics they will not show interest in outside
school competitions.

Weighing in The bottom line is that the former 70-
30 scheme assures balance on the
academics and social dimensions a
student can get out of representing the
school in various contests.
At this juncture, The Coconut staff
Conclusion appeals to the DepEd policy makers to
(Call for
action) reconsider extra-curricular activities as
an integral part of the honor rolls
selection.
 I-PO-RO-SA-C: In focus

INTRODUCTION (NEWSPEG)
Pull in facts and quotations from the sources which are
relevant.
Additional research may be necessary.
BODY (PRESENT POINT OF THE
OPPOSITION)
Use facts and quotations to state objectively the opinions
of the opposition.
Give a strong position of the opposition. You gain
nothing in refuting a weak position.

Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs.
You can begin your article with transition. (Republicans believe
public television is a "sandbox for the rich." However, statistics
show most people who watch public television make less than
$40,000 per year.)
Pull in other facts and quotations from people who support your
position.
Concede a valid point of the opposition which will make you
appear rational, one who has considered all the options (fiscal
times are tough, and we can cut some of the funding for the
arts; however, ).

Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies
In defense of your position, give reasons from strong to
strongest order. (Taking money away from public television
is robbing children of their education )
Use a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility
and perceived intelligence (We should render unto Caesar
that which belongs to him )
Conclude with a PUNCH
Give solutions to the problem or challenge the reader to be
informed. (Congress should look to where real wastes exist
perhaps in defense and entitlements to find ways to
save money. Digging into public television's pocket hurts us
all.)
 In a nutshell.

Remember the formula in editorial writing.

State the problem/situation
Give your position on the problem
Give the situation and background of the
problem
offer solution and give evidences to support it
Weigh in.
Craft a conclusion: Whos going to be affected
and how? Concretize the solution to the
problem.

 Always remember.

1.Simple style
Avoid high sounding words
Learn to develop a simple, clear, direct
and vigorous style of writing
Choose your words that will accurately
describe or explain a point or issue

2.Sound reasoning (be witty)



3.Brief, exact & concise

Complex sentences and long paragraphs
are wearisome and dull the senses
Be direct to the point

4.One-editorial, one-point rule

5. Use third persons point of view.

 Thank you
for listening.