PAJ to hold annual confab on June 26

The Philippine Agricultural Journalists, Inc. (PAJ) will hold its annual convention and election on June 26.

Venue of the activity is the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) auditorium along the Elliptical Road in Diliman, Quezon City.

Among the matters to be taken up are the PAJ president’s and treasurer’s reports. Plans to amend the organization’s constitution and by-Laws will also be discussed.

The affair will be capped by the election of new officers.

One of the country’s associations of journalists, PAJ was established on Sept. 10, 1976 to unite the country’s agricultural writers and communicators and to strengthen the agricultural journalism profession through seminars and training workshops.

It also aims to contribute to agricultural development through the dissemination of vital and relevant information; to help improve the communication system for the agriculture and food industries in accordance with the ethics and standards of journalism; and create an atmosphere for better understanding among the stakeholders of agricultural development, specifically the farmers, government and the consumers.

PAJ has at present about 300 members who belong to the national and community newspapers, radio, television, and cyber press; and information writers of state colleges and universities, research and development (R&D) institutions, and the private sector.

It is currently headed by Roman F. Floresca, The Star agriculture editor.

Other PAJ officers are Sanny Galvez, vice president for internal affairs; Dr. Mary Ebitha Dy, vice president for external affairs; Ruby Lumongsod, secretary; Florecita Notario, assistant secretary; Inez Magbual, treasurer; Antonio Rodriguez, auditor; Noel Reyes, business manager; Rudy A. Fernandez, PRO.

Board members are Joaquin Espino, Thelma Tolentino, Ram Alvarez, Ric Pinca, Michael Alunan, Fermin Diaz and Ramon Epino.

Advisers are Agriculture Secretary Luis Lorenzo Jr., Jesus Tanchanco Sr., and Louie Logarta.