By: Joy V. Estrellado
Congresswoman Lianda B. Bolilia of the 4th District of Batangas Province was the guest speaker and inducting officer at the 3rd General Assembly and election of the Prime Alliance of Pubishers, Editors, and Reporters (Ph) Inc. a.k.a. PAPER held February 3 to 4, 2023 at the Dona Josefa Garden and Events Place in Taysan, Batangas. The event brought together members of the media industry from across the country to celebrate outstanding journalists and honor their commitment to excellence in reporting.
In her keynote address, Congresswoman Bolilia highlighted the vital role of a free and independent press in a democratic society, saying that “the media is what the people listen to and believe in.” Many people would doubt the word of a politician, but not of a mediaman, she said.
She also welcomed the attendees to the beautiful province of Batangas stressing how the media practitioner just like politicians, put their lives in danger in order to fulfill their duties.
On the lighter side, the adorable congresswoman explained why she was called “Siling Labuyo,” comparing herself to the small but terrible chili fruit. She ended her speech with the saying “Welcome to the Province of Batangas, ang probinsya kung saan maubos na ang yaman, wag lang ang yabang.”
As the inducting officer, Congresswoman Bolilia honored the newest set of Board of Trustees and Officers of PAPER. She congratulated them on their achievements and encouraged them to continue their work with diligence, integrity, and a commitment to truth.
The new set of Board of Trustees and Officers are as follows: Chairman, Bonifacio C. Dacayanan; President, Louie C. Angeles; Vice President, Terrence Servillon; Secretary, Joy V. Estrellado; Treasurer. Milagros L. Bagaporo; Auditor, Hsamfrel Caracas; PRO, Gina A. Dean. In addition, Lourdes M. Aclan was appointed as the Head of the Committee on Membership while one of the founders, Nena E. Mallari, was appointed as the lifetime Chairman or Chairman Emeritus.
Among the members of the Board of Trustees are: Ronald Dizon, Jerry Ancheta, Webster Ace Paginag, Dr. Elvira Angeles, Ronjie L. Daquigan, Joenald M. Rayos, Jessiely Pilapil, Lourdes Aclan, and Flordeliza Agana.
The event was attended by several prominent members of the media, including reporters, editors, and publishers from major news outlets, as well as representatives of advocacy groups and industry associations. Many of them expressed their gratitude to Congresswoman Bolilia for her support and for her dedication to the cause of press freedom.
The event was also graced by the Philippine Air Force’s Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command from Fernando Air Base in Lipa City. They had a dialogue with the media as headed by 1LT Rowell L. Mauhay PAF, Executive Officer, CMO, AETDC with TSg Gerald M. Guce PAF, and A2C Rolly Roben PAF.
PAPER is a nonprofit organization that promotes the highest standards of journalism and advocates for the rights of journalists. It was founded in 2019 and has been an influential voice in the media industry for many years. PAPER. PH ReportoriaL Team
