GOOD NEWS! Reclaiming part of BPC’s past
Hi BPC members and friends!
Good morning! I walked into the house of former Malaybalay mayor Edilberto Mamawag (Sr.) past 6p.m. on April 18 for some last ditch research for my thesis on “Reporting Human Rights in Bukidnon during Martial Law.”
I knew he was the Bukidnon correspondent of the Manila Times of the good old days (same prominence as the PDI in our days).
I learned from the 84-year old journalist turned grains trader and town mayor that the Bukidnon Press Club started as the “Bukidnon Press Club,” not as the Bukidnon Press and Radio Club (on? Oooops! specific date reserved for formal announcement).
Back then, he said people were not really too receptive of the BPC. Maybe just like our birth pains this year?In the 1960s the original group of 10 to 15 BPC members met at the ground floor of the defunct Balbon Inn, which building still stands along Guingona Street of present day Malaybalay. That was 50 years ago. It’s good to hear they were holding press conferences in a private hall like the coffee shop of an inn. This is something we are contemplating to do, again. Also, back then, they were talking about putting up a building already!
And I found something more. The Bachelor or Arts in Economics graduate from the Rizal Memorial College in Davao City is ACTUALLY the FOUNDER of the Bukidnon Press Club.
He said he was inspired by fellow Manila Times correspondent for Cagayan de Oro Noli Olarte, so he gathered a group of correspondents and government information officers to lay the foundations of the province’s oldest surviving home-bred media organization — the Bukidnon Press Club.Towards the end of our conversation, he said he was very happy we are tracing our roots and found him along the way.
(In fairness to our past president, Bro. Nestor Ponteras, he was the one who tried to reconnect with Mr. Mamawag about four years ago.We are only picking up the pieces of the past.)
He said a striking phrase just before I wrapped up my interview. He said “if you cannot reclaim your past, your future will be shaky. Your future builds upon your present, which builds, too, upon your past.”
By the way, watch out for photos of the BPC, of grand old old old days.
Hopefully, this reconnection will bring us more blessings from our loving God and redeemer.
We can actually celebrate the BPC Golden Anniversary this year (God willing)!
Best,
Walter B.
BPC Update on the proposed consolidation of Freedom of Information bills
Proposed FOI Consolidated – 15th Congress – House2
Here is a copy of the Proposed Consolidation of the Freedom of Information Bills by Deputy Speaker Lorenzo R. Tañada III Chairman, Technical Working Group for the Consolidation of FOI Bills Committee on Public Information, House of Representatives
By the way, just a warning: it’s a 23-page document that requires some reading time.
For your information and guidance. Please share to others.
For the BPC Education and Training Committee,
Walter
Bukidnon Press Club President’s Message on the KBP Bukidnon chapter Broadcasters’ Month celebration
We join the KBP-Bukidnon chapter in the celebration of the Broadcasters’ Month in Bukidnon. We see the celebration as a showcase of unity and camaraderie among KBP officers and members in the province and the broadcasters nationwide.
Broadcasters and journalists in general play an important role in the growth and development of Bukidnon.
The harmony between the BPC and the local KBP chapter is noteworthy.
We encourage all BPC members, especially those from the print media, to actively join the activities set for the month of April.
We hope that our unity will bring us more success and benefit as vanguards of press freedom and democracy in Bukidnon.
In the first week of May, the BPC will also spearhead the commemoration of the Press Freedom Week with the KBP and the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (Bukidnon chapter).
We also hope that these endeavors will help the public understand better the role of the media as watchdog and as beacon of light; and also, for us, to understand more the public’s aspirations when we become bearers of their agenda.
Our warmest congratulations to KBP Bukidnon Chapter!
Sincerely yours,
Walter I. Balane
KBP Broadcaster’s Month Opening Program Schedule
Hi Members of the Bukidnon Press Club and friends,
The Bukidnon Press Club will be joining and supporting this year’s celebration of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas Bukidnon Chapter’s Broadcaster’s Month. (attached is a copy of the official schedule)
It will open on April 7, Thursday, at the Bukidnon State University Covered Court in Malaybalay city
The day will start with a Motorcade from 6:30 to 8a.m. Please assemble at the area in front the Bukidnon Forest, Inc. in Sumpong, Malaybalay City.
Mass will be celebrated from 8 to 9a.m., then an opening program. After lunch and fellowship, there will be sports activities and bloodletting in the same venue.
Closing program will be held at 4p.m.
We invite all members of the BPC and applicants for membership to join.
BPC will be preparing, too, for the Press Freedom Week in the first week of May 2011.
See you!
Best,
Walter I. Balane
BPC President
NUJP Bukidnon statement on Ms. Maribel T. Del Campo, reporter of Radio Abante
Dear Bukidnon Press Club members,
News of the incident concerning Ms. Del Campo have probably reached you.
I decided to wait for the investigation conducted by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Bukidnon Chapter for their assessment.
Here is the statement from NUJP after their investigation.
For your information and comments. This will be included in the agenda for the BPC general assembly meeting on April 6, 2011.
Walter I. Balane
BPC President
NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES (BUKIDNON CHAPTER)
Based on the investigation conducted by NUJP – Bukidnon Chapter last March 29, 2011, the cause of the case of Ms. Maribel T. Del Campo, reporter of Radio Abante, Maramag Bukidnon is purely personal in nature and not related to her work as a media practitioner basing on the testimonies of the witnesses interviewed by NUJP, affidavit presented by both parties and police blotter extract.
Therefore, NUJP Bukidnon Chapter has no jurisdiction on this matter.
Case is already filed at the Prosecutors Office, Malaybalay, City and we respect whatever the decision of the court. We commend the PNP for their initial investigation and urged them to conduct further investigation regarding this case.
END OF STATEMENT
STATEMENT OF THE BUKIDNON CLUB PRESIDENT ON KAAMULAN COVERAGE ROW
Gikasubo nato nga niabot na ani nga punto ang panaghisgut mahitungod sa mga gipagawas nga mga posisyon sa Bukidnon news media.
Ang ato lamang tumong mao ang pagplastar unya sa relasyon sa matag-usa aron nga ma-improve ang coverage sa Kaamulan 2011 ug uban pang mga panghitabo ug issue dinhi sa atong palibot.
Nag tuo ko nga kon matubag lang ang mga isyu nga gipagawas, possibling maguliay ang buot sa tanang mga nalambigit —og maka focus na kita sa atong trabaho. Unahon sa unta nato ang trabaho ug dili kita magpadaladala sa atong emosyon.
Ang Bukidnon Press Club, maghimo ug pagtuon aron ma plantsa kini nga kasinatian. Angkonon nako nga duna gayoy mga valid issues nga dapat matubag o mapaklaro ug kini angayang lingkoran.
Apan, Unta mahunong sa nato ang panagbangi labi na kong mahimo na kining babag sa atong trabaho. Mahimo nga magfocus usa kita balik sa atong mga trabaho.
Paningkamotan nato nga maplantsa nato kini.
Nagtuo usab kita nga dapat respituhon sa tanan ang press freedom, gipanagiya kini sa katawhan ug gisalig dinha sa media. Kini nga kagawasan sa pagpahayag usa sa mga paagi nga nakatabang pagbalik sa atong nasudnon nga kagawasan nga gipakita sa katawhan sa EDSA people power revolution.
Giawhag nato ang mga public opisyal nga padayon nga mamahimong abri sa pag-utingkay sa katawhan in the spirit of transparency and accountability. Naa sa haring lungsod, ang tinuod nga gahum sa people power.
Dili angay nga mamahimong onion-skinned kon over sensitive sa mga batikos. Ang angayng buhaton, tubagon ang mga issue aron masabtan sa kadaghanan; ug ayohon ang pagserbisyo.
Nagtuo pod ko nga collectively daghan pa ang angayang iimprove sa atong mga sakop sa media, hagit kini ug dili babag sa iyang tahas isip fourth estate o watch dog.
Uban sa tanang sakop sa prensa nga niduyog sa amo, wala kami laing tumong niani nga posisyon kon dili ang pagpausbaw sa mas maayong coverage dinhi sa Bukidnon alang sa kaayohan sa kadaghanan.
Daghang salamat.
Walter I. Balane
President
(Read over Radio Station DXDB Imprumptu public affairs program on February 22, 2011)
A Prayer for Journalists
May the God who said “Let there be light” bless us in our search for truth
and our quest to bring light to dark places.
May God give us the grace to resist the temptation
to create a story with little regard for truth,
to assassinate character with little regard for mercy,
to slant reports with little regard for accuracy
in order to curry favour or earn dishonest reward.
May God give us inspiration
to tell the turth as we see it without favour,
to report oppression and violence without fear,
to stand by the innocent and defend the(ir) right,
to encourage the good and denounce evil.
May we recognize the power of the word
and not use that power irresponsibly,
nor for personal gain, but rather
for the welfare of the community as a whole
and particularly the hungry, the homeless and the poor.
May we find blessing
as we write courageously to give true pictures,
as we seek to bring hope where there is despair,
as we influence people to search for truth,
as we increase understanding of issues
and as we contribute to the happiness of all.
May God, the compassionate and loving Creator,
protect us in times of danger,
guide us in situations of perplexity,
uphold us in the experience of failure
and encourage us in times of success.
-John Johansen-berg
England
This prayer originally entitled a “Blessing for Journalist” is from the book “A World of Blessing: Benedictions from every continent and many cultures, compiled by Geoffrey Duncan, Canterbury Press, Norwich.
Bukidnon Press Club Areas of Concerns and Committees
(Appointment in progress)
1. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Goal: Active and participative membership
Chair: Loui Tapdasan
Vice-chair: Ana Ninfa B. Caballero
Member: Ruby Balistoy, Rudy Tagimacruz
Target/ Areas of concerns/priority areas
Policy on membership/recruitment
Official roster of members
Issuance of ID card preparation and distribution after complying with basic and supplemental requirements
Membership requirements: 201 files/Resume or at least Biodata
Monthly dues (in cooperation with Finance and FunDev
Regular Updates: E-group
Directory (for Birthdays other purposes)
2. SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE
Goal: Secure Registration Requirements and initiate special projects
Chair: Armand Benabaye (VP)
Vice chair for SEC registration: Anecito Romano
Vice chair for BPC Building/Lot: GM Jun Aroa
Member: Phil Calumba
Target/ Areas of concerns/priority areas
SEC Registration, BIR for OR (if not yet included)
Other special projects/legal requirements that the organization needed in order to proceed with its vision.
3. MEDIA AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Goal: Meaningful, useful regular activities and updates
Chair: Rudy Tagimacruz
Vice chair: Mary Ann Noble
Member: Ruby Balistoy, Aida Jagudilla, Rommel Pacheo, Johny Failago
Target/ Areas of concerns/priority areas
Kapihan sa Bukidnon Press conferences (BPC-initiated and requested)
Media Affairs (like Kaamulan) and issues (like lobby for posting of agenda of legislative bodies before session and minutes after session, if possible, FOI, right to reply)
4. FINANCE AND FUND DEV COMMITTEE
Goal: Financial Viability and organizational sustainability
Chair: Nonita Rosales
Vice chair: Annabelle Tenorio
Member: Rommel Pacheo
Target/ Areas of concerns/priority areas
Regular collection of Monthly Dues/Fines
Donations/Sponsorships
Partnerships
Conduct Income generating projects
Transparency in transactions
Special Project: Lot and Building
5. EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Goal: Professional and well trained news media community (Proactive)
Chair: Walter Balane
Vice Chair (North): Romeo Lapiceros, Jr.
Vice chair (South) Gideon Cabahug
Members: Jun Dano (North) Melodina Molejon (South)
Target/ Areas of concerns/priority areas
Media Continuing Education Program: Advance and Basic Reporting, Media Law, and Media Ethics
Special Training Programs
Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP)
6. STANDARDS AND GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE
Goal: Ethical and Well-respected news practitioners (Responsive)
Chair: Angelito Paraguya
Vice Chair: Tanny Baguinda
Member: Vicky Aquino, Fr. Jonathan Tianero, and Pete Maguale Jr.
Target/ Areas of concerns/priority areas
Encourage public to direct their complaints on the media to the proper channels (Letter to editors/station managers, request for side/erratum or write/complain to the BPC (instead of threats or attacking media)
Grievance Committee/Hear and recommend action on members and the public’s complaints against a media practitioner/station
7. MEDIA-PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Goal: Relevant and good public rapport
Chair: Pacifico Estore, Jr.
Vice hair: Mel Velez
Members: Kim Telos, Diana Fe M. Quinco, Pina Cuales
Target/ Areas of concerns/priority areas
World Press Freedom Day
News Media Week (Press Freedom Run)
BPC Schools Press Conference
Education of the public on the role of media (appearances in school events or federations and other groups
Citizen reporting initiatives
8. MEDIA SAFETY AND WELFARE COMMITTEE
Goal: Safe and economically viable news practitioners
Chair: Eric Cacay
Vice chair: Diomedes “Boy” Demit
Member: Mel Madera, Edgar Emparado, and Evie Tipon
Target/ Areas of concerns/priority areas
Facilitate training/reminders on safety/connect with safety officers/authorities on safety of the media personnel
Check safety considerations: health and accident insurance/ health check ups/compensation or economic upkeep of media workers
Help find ways for media practitioners to augment livelihood or acquire additional skills. (End)
Bukidnon Press Club Elected Officers (2011)
The new set of Bukidnon Press Club officers take their oath with RTC Judge Benjamin Estrada on February 14, 2011 at the PPDO Conference Hall in Malaybalay City
Walter I. Balane (President)
Armando C. Benabaye (Vice President)
Ana Ninfa B. Caballero (Secretary)
Ann F. Noble (Asst. Secretary)
Nonita Rosales (Treasurer)
Annabelle Tinorio (Asst. Treasurer)
Pacifico Estore, Jr. (Auditor)
Tanandato E. Baguinda (Asst. Auditor)
Rudy Tagimacruz (Media Coordinator)
Hermelo Tapdasan (Asst. Media Coordinator)
For inquiries contact: bukidnonpressclub@gmail.com
Statement of the Bukidnon Press Club on Kaamulan coverage
BUKIDNON PRESS CLUB
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
MANIFESTO
We, the members of the Bukidnon Press Club, express our continuing support in the celebration of the 21-day Kaamulan Festival, through our balance and fair coverage of its events, visitors, and issues.
The Kaamulan Festival is an important annual undertaking of the province and we actively cover it to bring news and information to our readers and listeners.
We commend the holding of the Media Briefing to guide the members of the news media in its coverage of the festival.
Based on the minutes of the Bukidnon Press Club’s 1st Executive Committee and Board of Directors meeting on February 9, 2011; however, we would like to manifest our desire for a mutually agreed and beneficial engagement with the organizers.
In the tradition of posting members of the media to serve in the provincial government’s Media Action Center, we seek clarification about the role of the reporters in the center. We understand the tourism office has its information center to guide the public and there are bill boards that show the schedules of events.
For us, the present center can serve as the media’s “tambayan” where there is no need for media members to be posted on duty. We are saddened by reports of misunderstanding between organizers and some media members who were asked to serve in the center especially on provisions.
Further, we believe that the real need of the members of the media is a working site that can serve as conference hall/interview area with access to VHF radio, telephone, computers, and internet.
With this, reporters can go to the field and provide timely, accurate, and comprehensive coverage.
On coverage of performances and presentations in the Capitol Grounds, we request that the Bukidnon media be provided with appropriate number of seats on stage, in the front line on the ground, and in the viewing towers, if any. This is one step to avoid complaints of alleged media violations on proper coverage decorum.
In connection with this, we seek better guidelines in the release of the Kaamulan coverage I.D. and on assigning “special” ID cards for access to viewing points.
We also request better coordination in events where media coverage and participation are highly expected, like the presentation and selection of the “Darling of the Press” award of the Bb. Bukidnon beauty search.
We want to stress that we have never demanded additional budget but there is clamor for transparency in the use of funds intended for the media during the Kaamulan and on solicitations reportedly made on behalf of those who serve in the Media Action Center.
This manifestation is intended to iron out some concerns for ease and better coverage and a more harmonious relationship among stakeholders.
Released on February 14, 2011, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines.
Attested by:
Rodolfo Tagimacruz
Media Coordinator
Chair, Media Affairs Committee
Ana Ninfa Bago-Caballero Walter I. Balane
Secretary President
