VETERAN journalist Froilan Gallardo is seeking re-election as president of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC), the country’s oldest press organization. The annual elections are set for Feb. 8 at Philtown Hotel in this city.

Gallardo, currently serving his first term, is vying for a second and final term. He faces competition from Honey Pie Pisos-Abris and Jao Gumapac, who have also declared their candidacies for the presidency.

A distinct feature of the COPC election process is that the 15 elected Board of Directors (BOD) members will immediately select the club’s officers from among themselves following the general membership vote.

As of 5 pm on Feb. 4, at least 20 members have filed their candidacies for the 15 BOD seats.

PRESS CLUB BETS. Diamond Press Corps president Menzie Montes endorses the candidacies of (from left) Cong B. Corrales, Froilan Gallardo, and Amor Barlisan. Photo courtesy of Cagayan de Oro Press Club

Candidates for Board Positions

Several incumbent officers are seeking re-election, including Executive Vice President Pisos-Abris, Corporate Secretary Steph Berganio, Treasurer Gal Banaag, and Auditor Joey Nacalaban. Incumbent directors Antonio Albania, Amor Barlisan, and Alfredo Soriano are also running to retain their seats.

Former directors aiming to return to the BOD include Cong Corrales, JB Deveza, Joel Jacobo, Richard dela Cruz, Nicole Managbanag, Philip Kenn Jaudian, and past president Uriel Quilinguing.

Seven newcomers have also entered the race: Edwin Iyo, Romy Capinpuyan, Rod Ociones, Behua Malfori, and Marlon Merlin.

Only members in good standing, who have paid their 2024 annual dues, are eligible to vote.