Providing information they can trust

Bibo kid (Active kid). This has been Jamal Pandapatan’s monicker as S’bang Ka Marawi’s community patroller. He is an active member of a lot of youth organizations with different advocacies including peace education, mental health and women’s rights. He also serves as the Majority Floor Leader of the 1st Ranaw Youth Parliament. Despite this, he does not forget the importance of telling the community’s stories and giving them information they deserve. 

At first, Jamal was hesitant to join the team because of self-doubt. Despite having training and background on Journalism in school, he was not sure if he is ready to face the real world and produce news about it. His first report got a lot of good feedback and this drove Jamal into making more. Being in the field, he has learned a lot that contributes to his experience and character. 

“I get to learn new things, and get to meet amazing people who are part of the nation’s development. I am inspired by how educators, advocates, and influencers contribute to the community, and I strive hard to be like them.” 

He also shared that being in the field taught him how to be patient. Travelling and waiting for interviewees require patience. There are times when he just feels exhausted but he knows that what he is doing would greatly contribute to the community and this serves as his driving force. Jamal realizes that the opportunity to voice out the concerns of the people is bigger than his personal growth. 

Being in the field, Jamal continuously sees the importance of access to verified information. He has seen the rampant spread of misinformation and disinformation, and how dangerous this could be especially for those who do not have access to verify it. 

“As a community patroller, I see how misinformation greatly affects the people. Through SKM, the people, not just in Lanao del Sur but also in other parts of the world, have access to the most relevant and verified information they deserve.”

Jamal believes that S’bang Ka Marawi has served more than its purpose. It did not only provide the people of Lanao timely and verified news and information, it also raised the concerns of the people. And Jamal is grateful and proud to be part of it.