Thursday, June 28, 2007

PAPI Launches ‘Man of the Year Award’

By Boy Ryan Zabal
For the first time in 33 years, the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc (PAPI) launched the ‘Man of the Year Award’ as "a fitting tribute and recognition to a Filipino with unquestioned probity and integrity and outstanding traits of enlightened leadership."
PAPI President Juan P. Dayang said the project was launched on June 24 during the 2007 Executive Session of Publishers and Editors at the Ayala Hall of Makati Sports Club, Makati City, M.M. "PAPI will tackle the emerging challenges facing the media in the countryside as the landscape of the mass media is fast changing, hence, our sense of urgency to adapt to the working realities in our social, political and economic milieu," Dayang said in a statement.
Bannered by the theme, "Emerging Global Environment: Challenges and Opportunities of the Community Press," some 100 publishers, editors, and journalists, from print and broadcast discussed topics on press freedom, ethics, libel, borderless communication, global publishing, community press and experience.
PAPI, the oldest and largest organization of journalists and publishers in the country, also established partnerships with the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, Instituto de Cervantes, and Federation of International Cable TV Association of the Philippines (FICAP), and PhilNews Service for its projects.
"The Man of the Year must be a man in times of peace or crisis, a leader worthy of emulation and respect. He stands out rallying the people to close ranks behind national goals and crafting new ideas that permeate through the diverse fabrics of society," said Dayang, a native of Aklan.Other projects of PAPI like the Philippine media directory, Dr. Graciano Lopez Jaena Journalism Academy and Awards, and its 12th National Press Congress on December 7 to 9, 2007 was also launched in the executive session, revealed Dayang.
"The Man of the Year must be unassuming with selfless devotion to a chosen career, either in government or the private sector. He must be a leader, who dares where others fear to tread, exploring the realm of possibilities of promoting national interest and welfare within the spheres of intellect, wisdom and belief in the Almighty God," Dayang said.
Through the years, PAPI has evolved as a national institution by itself, drawing on the collective strengths from its general membership nationwide.
"The Man of the Year Award" reflects the continuing effort of PAPI in its quest for a commonality of interests, needs and aspiration with the people with whom it has established linkages through its advocacy of free flow of information as a cornerstone of the sanctity of freedom of the press," Dayang stressed.
Aklan Jail Bans
Cell Phones
The Aklan Rehabilitation Center (ARC) has banned cellular phones from its premises for security reasons.
Retired Colonel Cristito Angob, provincial jail warden, ordered all jail guards to strictly enforce the ban, citing reports that some inmates have mobile phones.
According to Angob, inmates and visitors are prohibited to bring in and use cell phones while inside the detention center. If there is any attempt to break the implementation of "no cell phone policy" the jail personnel will suspend some special privileges of inmates.
"The visitors must also observe the proper visiting hours and subject themselves to inspection before entering detention centers," said Angob.
A thorough inspection of inmates and visitors would deter the entry of firearms, cell phones, illegal drugs and bladed weapons, stressed Angob.
There were reports that inmates managed to sneak in cell phones inside the detention facility using the back perimeter fence of the Aklan provincial jail.
Angob pointed out that detainees are strictly monitored by ARC and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) officers to ensure the security of detention facilities located at Brgy. Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan.
"ARC does not tolerate inmates with cell phones, even their visitors are strictly inspected to comply with the policies of the detention centers," Angob warned. /MP

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