QUEZON PROVINCE — In a historic move aimed at fostering unity among journalists, media practitioners in Quezon Province have officially formed the Quezon Media Sports Club (QMSC). The club, launched at the Fresh Air Hotel and Restaurant in Barangay Isabang, saw veteran journalist and commentator Gemi Formaran elected unanimously as president, with Ylou Dagos serving as vice president.

The initiative comes after years of division within the local media, often fueled by political and personal differences. The QMSC aims to use sports as a neutral platform to encourage camaraderie, mutual respect, and professional development among media workers. Thirty-six active journalists participated in the election, signaling strong support for the concept of bridging divides through shared activities.

Formaran emphasized the importance of keeping politics out of the club and focusing on professionalism, particularly for the benefit of younger media practitioners. Other notable members, including Sonny Mallari of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Benjie Antioquia of DZRH, echoed this sentiment, viewing sports as a pathway to easing tensions and opening doors for future collaborative programs.

While the formation of the QMSC is a promising step toward unity, it raises questions about the deeper challenges facing the media industry. Can recreational initiatives like sports effectively overcome entrenched divisions, or do structural issues, such as editorial bias and political pressures, require more systemic solutions? Will such initiatives influence the professional culture of media organizations, or remain a symbolic gesture?

As the QMSC embarks on its journey, it provides an opportunity to examine how common interests—beyond politics—can strengthen relationships and professional ethics within a sector that plays a critical role in shaping public discourse. (Larawan: John Bello / Facebook)