Friday, March 28, 2008

PAPI - APCI Launch “Kapehan Sa Aklan” In Kalibo on March 23

Aklan’s journalism leaders and opinion makers with top provincial officials of Aklan launched the “Kapehan sa Aklan,” a media-led roundtable discussion, on Sunday, March 23 in Kalibo, Aklan. In a grand launching ceremony, the occasion was graced by Aklan Public officials led by Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo. Hon. Rodson Mayor, Hon. Plaridel V. Morania were also present. It was also attended by Mr. Roy Mabasa, President, National Press Club with other media luminaries from Metro Manila and the Visayas. Mr. Isagani Yambot, Publisher of the Philippine Daily Inquirer also attended.
Initiated by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI), and the Aklan Press Club, Inc. (APCI), the media forum will address such issues as tourism, investments, culture and the arts, peace and order, employment and education among others.
Good governance involving local government units and the imperatives for working partnership with the media will likewise banner the discussions which will be analytical, incisive and in-depth, PAPI president Juan P. Dayang added.
“This forum will be an ideal platform to launch fresh, bold and innovative initiatives to spark a new climate of hope, change and development in Aklan,” Dayang said.
Dayang, a former Manila Overseas Press Club president, is the lead convenor of the “Kapihan sa Aklan” in his capacity as chairman of the newly formed Aklan Media Forum, a multi-sectoral grouping of opinion leaders in Aklan.
Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, APCI president, said the forum will feature speakers from national and local groups. Villorente said, the “kapihan” launching formed part of the series of whole day activities that were attended by municipal and provincial officials and tri-media journalists of Aklan.
Highlighting the event was the historic groundbreaking of the APCI’s proposed 3-storey building on a 250 square meters lot at Veterans Ave., Poblacion, Kalibo. The lot was donated by the provincial government of Aklan.
“This press club building will be a golden monument to the professionalism of the Aklan tri-media journalists and their unwavering commitment to the freedom of the press,” Dayang pointed out. Hon. Jerry Pelayo, Mayor of Candaba, Pampanga graced the groundbreaking of the building. In his brief but meaningful speech, he pledged for a big amount to help finance construction of the building. Likewise, Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo pledged a good amount for the building construction.
Also held on Sunday was the seminar-workshop on journalistic ethics and responsibilities conducted by competent journalists for the benefit of Aklan media practitioners and mass communications students. Mr. Yambot, of the Philippine Daily Inquirer made a power point presentation on ethics and responsibilities of journalists. Mr. Al Balato, Ms. RD Batoy and Dr. Romeo Zapra of UE, Communications Department all spoke on journalism ethics and responsibilities. Mr. Roy Mabasa of the National Press Club talked on journalism hazard.
A testimonial dinner, in honor of the participants and guests was held in the evening at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center in Kalibo, Aklan capped the whole day affair with His Excellency, Bishop Jose Romeo O. Lazo, of the Diocese of Kalibo, as guest of honor and speaker. /MP

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