GMA Network's Raquel is new PRSP president

GMA Network vice president for corporate communications Butch S. Raquel has been elected president of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) for 2009-2010.

This is the second time Raquel is serving as PRSP president. He is joined in the board by first vice president (internal) Eduardo Alcaraz from ESA Consultants, and second vice president (external) Barbie Atienza from The Manila Bulletin. Ed Timbungco of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide is secretary while Bayan Telecommunications, Inc.’s John Rojo is treasurer. Cathy Ileto of Business Processing Association/Philippines was elected internal auditor.

The other members of the board are Gizelle Camua of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc., Chito Maniago of Pilipinas Shell Petoleum Corp., and Ritzi Ronquillo of Manila Electric Co. Appointed as advisers were Maximo Edralin of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Elpi Cuna of Meralco, and Sonny Valencia of Unilever.

Raquel appointed the heads of various committees that will serve the society. Alcaraz was tasked to chair the Anvil Awards committee, Atienza will head the PR Congress and publicity committees, Maniago will lead the student affairs committee, Timbungco will spearhead the accreditation and ethics committee, Ileto will take care of the finance and social outreach committees, Rojo will focus on membership, Camua will concentrate on the general membership meetings committee, and Ronquillo will head professional development and publications. Melvyn Martin heads the legal committee.

The new officers will be inducted during the Anvil Awards Night on Feb. 20 at the Isla Ballroom of EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.