IN a ceremony filled with the spirit of unity and professionalism, five members of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club Inc. (COPC) Board of Directors took their oaths on Saturday evening.
The event, held at Philtown Hotel, was centered around the theme “Respect breeds solidarity.”
These members failed to attend the induction ceremony on March 16 earlier due to the urgent coverage conducted by the city’s created fact-finding investigation on the city’s water district contract with Metro Pacific.
The board members, who were part of the 15-person team elected on February 12, took their oaths before City Councilor Roger Abaday.
With the induction, they reinforced the COPC’s dedication to unity and the highest standards of respect within the journalism community, recognizing its crucial role as the fourth estate.
The five inducted directors are esteemed members of their respective media outlets: Dr. Ronnie Waniwan, station manager at Radio Lampornas; Jao Gumapac, the Barangay Captain of Baikingon; broadcast journalists Ric Ociones, Fred Soriano; and Rose Mondejar.
Dr. Waniwan, in his welcome message, emphasized the need for professionalism in their collective duties.
He called on his colleagues to maintain a high level of respect for one another to foster a more united and effective press club.
Waniwan, along with the other directors, pledged unwavering support and service to the club’s mission and principles.
“We’re here for the common good, to practice good and responsible journalism and not abuse it,” Dr. Waniwan asserted, demonstrating the board’s commitment to integrity in their work.
The evening’s guest speaker, Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Jeremy Jonahmar “Jigjag” G. Pelaez, addressed the gathering with a message of appreciation.
Like Councilor Abaday, Pelaez expressed his gratitude to the members of the COPC for playing a pivotal role in raising public awareness on various issues.
Vice Gov. Pelaez also praised the media for their role in supporting the government’s comprehensive national approach.
The two government officials, in their speeches, emphasized the media’s importance in promoting public transparency, a key factor in establishing legitimacy and accountability in governance.
The COPC’s new board directors have taken a stand to foster a sense of camaraderie and support within the club.
By advocating for a professional environment based on mutual respect, they envision a vibrant press club that can effectively serve the community and uphold the values of responsible journalism.
The event concluded with a sense of renewed dedication among the COPC members, who now look forward to a future where solidarity and respect are the cornerstones of their esteemed organization.
Through their collective efforts, the directors hope to strengthen the club’s role in society, ensuring that it remains a beacon of truth and a strong pillar of democracy.
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