President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday rallied the Association of Philippine Journalists (APJ) – Samahang Plaridel Foundation Incorporated to continue championing a truly free and safe environment for all media workers.
In his speech during the oath-taking of the Board of Trustees of the APJ–Samahang Plaridel Foundation in Malacañang, President Marcos commended the organization’s contributions in upholding freedom of the press and good journalism amid unregulated social media, fake news, and artificial intelligence.
“Indeed, the APJ-Samahang Plaridel Foundation is crucial in all of these by upholding the freedom of the press, fostering accuracy in journalism, and policing errant practitioners within your ranks,” President Marcos said.
The President also expressed faith in the organization that it would continue to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards of journalism to maintain the integrity of the profession.
During the event, 16 newly-elected board of trustees took their oath before the President.
They included Evelyn D. Quiroz as president; Fernando T. Sevilla, vice president; Assistant Secretary of Department of Trade and Industry (DoTr) Hector A. Villacorta, secretary; Carmelita V. Valdez, auditor; Rowena C. Ocfemia and Joey G. De Guzman as public relations officers (PRO).
For the trustees, the foundation has named Eduardo N. Andaya; Raymond Robert C. Burgos; Vito E. Barcelo Jr.; Dante Francis Mariano Ang II; Medarlo Emilio E. Rivera; Marc Anthony E. Reyes; Reynaldo L. Delos; and Ramoncito M. Henares.
The President urged the journalists to continue holding activities that promote rapport within the organization to expand its reach and endeavors.
“Let your commitment to responsible, ethical, and fair reporting be the guide in inspiring your colleagues and aspiring journalists to follow in your footsteps in the Fourth Estate,” the President told APJ-Samahang Plaridel.
Samahang Plaridel is a non-profit organization established in 2003 by veteran journalists to propagate the journalistic ideals of the Father of Philippine Journalism, Marcelo H. Del Pilar. PND
