■ Rimaliza A. Opiña
Notwithstanding the spread of false information packaged as “news”, those in mainstream media are still far more credible.
Benguet Rep. Eric Yap underscored this when he inducted the 2024-2025 set of officers of the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC) on Feb. 21, in Baguio City.
Yap said the media such as the BCBC officers and members continue to be trusted by the public and by his observation, grievances against the government referred by the media are quickly acted upon as opposed to complaints made in other platforms.
Yap, who was also inducted an associate member of the group, said to protect the industry, journalists should strengthen its group and carry on fulfilling its mandate of reporting accurate and balanced reports.
“Your duty is to ask questions no one would dare ask. ‘Pag nawala ang media, mawawala ang balance. Huwag mapagod ilabas ang balita. Ilabas ang mali kahit sino pa ang tamaan,” Yap told the newly-inducted officials.
BCBC president Thomas Picaña has assured he will continue the projects of past presidents that aim to improve the competence and skills of its members. He also said the officers are planning on negotiating with a company for insurance for Baguio journalists.
“High risk kasi ang trabaho natin kaya mahirap i-insure ang mga journalist,” Picaña said.
The officers will also look for an office, to which associate member, Councilor Leandro Yañgot Jr., said he will donate some painting materials to spruce up the room.
The 2024-2025 officers are Picaña of Amianan Balita Ngayon; Dexter See of the City PIO as vice president for print; Dionisio Denis of DZWT as VP for radio; Freddie Rulloda of Eagle News as VP for television; Eufeldion Lobien of RNG TV as secretary; Malen Catajan of North Luzon Monitor as treasurer; and Mauricio Victa of Rappler as auditor.
The Board of directors are Roderick Osis of North Luzon Monitor, Harley Palangchao of Baguio Midland Courier, Frank Cimatu of Rappler, Aldwin Quitasol of Daily Tribune, and Joseph Cabanas of Radyo Pilipinas.
