THIS Saturday’s induction of new officers of the Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Press Club Inc. (ZPPI) will pave the way for a new breed of proficient and service-oriented journalists, said Charnyl Albarracin, president.
Albarracin, who admitted that he was also concerned with the local organization’s attempt to further media’s economic rights and progress, added his leadership will be a “working management” with other officers, members and partners.
He added in a conversation that he will bring about a leadership by example that will set aside self-interest and produce impressive programs and projects for the good of all.
For 2010, much work needs to be done to improve journalists’ economic rights as well as advance media’s interests with other groups in the region, he explained.
The ZPPI changed guards last Dec. 5 with the election of its news officers headed by Albarracin who manages and edits the Pagadian Express.
He replaced Elmer Maghanoy of RMN-DxPR who served his full term while ex-board member Dinah Marasigan of RMN-DxPR was chosen executive vice president.
The vice presidents who will sit in the respective media divisions are Leo Santillan (MIT-RTVN) for broadcast; Jong Cadion (Mindanao Balita Local-Frontline Mindanao Online) for print; and Michael Medina (Zamboanga Peninsula News) for online.
Provincial press officer Radem Gutang was re-elected secretary while Vanessa Cagas of Baganian Broadcasting Corp. (BBC) is the new treasurer and Zamsureco information officer Levi Cabatcha as auditor.
Tony Bayamban (Mindanao Biznews), freelance journalists Leah Agonoy and Lualhati Belen, and Vic del Pilar (Mindanao Balita Local-Frontline Mindanao Online) compose the members of the board, in addition to the three past presidents: Marive Jongco of BBC, Remai Alejado of DA-RAFID and Maghanoy.
The induction ceremony will be held on Dec. 19 at Café Ilang-Ilang at 6:00 in the evening with Judge Benjamin Lanzaderas as inducting officer.
Mayor Samuel Co, wife Ilang-Ilang, and other invited provincial and city officials confirmed they will attend along with other veteran media personalities.
Meanwhile, Ann Lu, editor of the Pagadian Times, sent in her wish to the new officers and congratulated Alabarracin through a text message to this paper.
“As a neophyte, it is not easy running an organization like ZPPI. I congratulate him for his courage to lead the group, even with the conflicting views and attitudes of members,” Lu said.
“He may be new to this responsibility but I’m sure he will be able to lead ZPPI with the help of the committed members and the veteran media personalities in the locality,” she added.
More wishes for ZPPI, this time from Marasigan: “Malaumon ko nga mamahimong usa ka malambuong organisasyon ang ZPPI ug mapadayon ang nasugdan na sa grupo.”
Del Pilar butted in: “Charnyl is the timely guy to rule the club. With him, we hope a new image and new challenge will emerge.”
For Julius Breva of Mindanao Chronicle and Agonoy, both recognized the fresh and unsullied personality of Albarracin, who, they said, will bring innovation to ZPPI.
“This is a welcome development and Charnyl has integrity to lead. Mas makaayo kini alang sa media in Zambosur. May we practice this sense of volunteerism and always think of development for the group and not for personal interest,” they said.
Jong Cadion of NUJP-Pagadian City-Zamboanga del Sur Chapter also said that he is 100 percent supporting Albarracin’s leadership. “Aduna siya’y aggressiveness ug isip batan-on pa, he will be idealistic but nevertheless I will support him.”
After the induction, ZPPI will start working on the compliance of the Securities and Exchange Commission annual report, create a constitutional amendments committee, clean its roster of members and occupy the office space in Agora, as pledged by the mayor, according to Albarracin.
The ZPPI is an accredited non-government organization in the city.
REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA
