by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
Kapihan sa Aklan guests on its 4th Foundation Day are (l to r) Kalibo Mayor William Lachica, Pres. Megs Lunn, Mr. Johnny Dayang, Atty. Ronquillo Tolentino, and Prov’l Administrator Diego M. Luces
March 24 marks the 4th Foundation Day celebration of the Kapihan sa Aklan, a weekly public affairs program aired over Kalibo and Aklan Cable TV networks. The celebration honored a departed media stalwart William “Billy” Arguelles, a man who dedicated his life to help strengthen the Aklan Press Club, Inc. with missionary zeal. He was APCI treasurer when he died middle of last year. The loss was deeply felt by those who loved him especially his wife, his five children and the corporate media.
Giving life and color to the occasion are local pillars of tri-media namely: Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, Atty. Diego M. Luces, Mr. Juan P. Dayang and Mayor William S. Lachica.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Robert S. Sitjar the public ministry of Jesus Christ in John 7:40 – 52 was marked by controversies over his claim as source of living water therefore Lord and Messiah. A quick background check shows that Jesus was a son of a lowly carpenter from Nazareth, unschooled and therefore an impostor. Nevertheless many believed him.
Truth will always have different responses from people because of their individual perception and prejudices. Acceptance of truth comes with an open mind but a closed mind rejects it. Mediamen also experience the same predicament and dilemma of presenting public issues and concerns although strictly from a human perspective. In the case of Jesus’ ministry He spoke with power and authority. To His detractors, Jesus said, my teaching is not mine but His who sent me. John 7:16. “No man ever spoke like this man.” In essence, truth must be presented with a consuming passion not respecting persons, boundaries or creed. Truth matters for ultimately it will set us free.
Mayor Lachica said that APCI will always be an invaluable partner in Kalibo LGU’s advocacy for transparency and accountability in governance. He credited the institutionalized Kapihan sa Aklan in crafting excellent ideas and opinion particularly on tourism, peace and order and infra development.
Speaking in behalf of Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, Atty. Diego M. Luces portrays media as mirror of society. It is a great force in building public consensus and serves as feedback mechanism to strengthen the delivery of basic services.
Atty. Quimpo believes that excellent leverage of democracy could only be achieved through the power of media. Where the media is weak or muzzled so is democracy because complacency and corruption step in. We must build Aklan as model of democracy and bastion of press freedom said the ex-solon.
The commemorative program held at Kusina sa Kalibo featured the New Jerusalem choir and vocal duet of Aliw-iw Pioquinto and Dustin Arguelles, son of Billy and Lyn in their finest performance. It is a welcome sight to have family members of the deceased grace the occasion for rare moments of sharing and bonding with active media practitioners.
Kapihan sa Aklan may be a toddler but undeniably, it has made significant impact to public governance and quest for a better life. Thanks to able leadership and vision of its former officers and now the banner is carried high by its lady president Megs S. Lunn. Mabuhay! /MP
No comments:
Post a Comment