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Senators, colleagues mourn passing of ‘pillar of broadcast journalism’ Joe Taruc

By NICOLE-ANN C. LAGRIMAS, GMA News

Public officials and fellow journalists joined the family and friends of late veteran broadcast journalist Joe Taruc in celebrating his life in a mass held Monday night.

Radio GMA Network Inc. (RGMA) President and GMA Consultant for Radio Operations Mike Enriquez and fellow broadcast journalists Orly Mercado, Rey Langit, and Noli De Castro attended the mass honoring Taruc, born Jose M. Malgapo, Jr.

Senators Franklin Drilon and Joel Villanueva, and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, were present as well.

"Dekada kaming magkatrabaho ni pareng Joe. Kahit di kami pareho ng himpilan at network, marami kaming trinabaho ng mga bagay na common. Parati siyang active, ika nga, sa mga bagay-bagay na may kinalaman sa pagtaguyod ng malayang mamamahayag at para sa kabutihan ng mga mamamahayag," Enriquez said in a report by GMA News' Mav Gonzales.

Taruc, regarded by many as a "pillar" of broadcast journalism in the country, died in his sleep on September 30. He was 71.

Taruc, known as "Manong Joe" to many, started his 49-year career in radio broadcasting in 1969, three years before the declaration of Martial Law.

In 1977, he became an associate producer of "Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko," a public service program he co-hosted with fellow broadcast journalist and former senator Mercado.

Taruc also joined radio dzBB and hosted programs with actor and commentarist Rod Navarro for four years.

After the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, Taruc accepted an invitation to join the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), under the news team of radio dzRH.

He would stay with the MBC as the vice president of dzRH. His programs included "Liberty in Action," "Damdaming Bayan," and daily morning newscast "Balitang Bayan."

Manong Joe's son and fellow journalist Jay Taruc, who hosts GMA's documentary programs "I-Witness" and "Motorcycle Diaries" said his father had actually initially discouraged him from pursuing a journalism career.

"Lahat ng klase ng pag-susuway sa akin, pag-didiscourage, natikman ko," Jay said of his father.

"'Mahirap ito, maraming sakripisyo, ang oras mo kakainin para sa pamilya. Walang pera dito, bakit mo ba gustong maging isang journalist?'" Jay recalled his father telling him.

But Manong Joe came around, too, when he realized Jay's passion was similar to his.

"Hanggang sa kalaunan nakita niya na ang puso ko nandito sa broadcasting, after no'n, one hundred percent na ang suporta niya sa akin," Jay said in the report.

When the elder Taruc died on Saturday, politicians and colleagues in the industry expressed their mourning for the late broadcast journalist.

Malacañang, in a statement, expressed its condolences to the Taruc family.

"Manong Joe was an institution in the radio broadcast industry. A multi-awarded journalist, Mr. Taruc became the pillar of DZRH where he held several key positions," a statement from Malacañang said.

"The nation mourns the passing of radio broadcast giant Joe Taruc. He will be missed," it added.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, a former broadcaster, posted on Facebook a photo with the "legendary" Taruc. "I will forever be grateful," Andanar wrote.

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Senator Sonny Angara, for his part, called Taruc an "institution" in the broadcast industry.

 

 

Senator Grace Poe called Taruc a "voice of truth" in a statement, while Senators Villanueva and JV Ejercito also condoled with the Taruc family.

Joel Villanueva:

 

JV Ejercito:

 

According to the report, Taruc's remains will be cremated on Tuesday afternoon. A wake will be held Tuesday night until Wednesday at Arlington Memorial Chapels, and on Thursday, his remains will be brought to Gapan, Nueva Ecija, where he will be buried on Saturday. — MDM, GMA News

Tags: joetaruc, jaytaruc, mikeenriquez
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