CFBJ prexy promises perks for members

CEBU, Philippines -  The Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists (CFBJ), the largest media federation in southern Philippines, envisioned to uplift the conditions of its members as part of its continuing program and commitment.

CFBJ president Elias Baquero made his commitment during the federation’s 11th General Assembly where he and other newly elected officials took their oath of office. Baquero is on his sixth year as president of the federation.

“As another year commences for CFBJ, it also signals the start of even more tasks and challenges for all of us especially for you, my fellow officers. Let us show our solidarity once more and stand as one as we journey together to the road less traveled,” Baquero said in his message.

Part of the program he has instituted is the giving out of Compact Fluorescent Lamps to reporters. The CFBJ also handed P5,000 financial assistance to Norman Mendoza, president of the Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu City In Truth and Excellence (Armalite), who was recently hospitalized after meeting a road accident.

Baquero also reported yesterday to the general membership the influence that their organization has started to perpetuate by dominating the Board of the Cebu News Workers Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

“We are operating like a bank. The only difference is that we are under the control of the Cooperative Development Authority,” he said.

Baquero, who also sits as chairman of the newscoop, said that they are strictly implementing the automatic granting of P17,000 burial assistance to the family of a member who dies while P3,000 financial assistance to each member who is a victim of calamity.

“So, with the CFBJ leadership in the Newscoop, you can be sure that your money is in safe hands, especially that we hire experts to conduct diagnostic examination of our records,” Baquero added.   

The other CFBJ officers who took their oath yesterday in Café Laguna were Oscar Pineda, vice president; Liv Campo, secretary; Joseph Tubilan, treasurer; Flor Perolina, auditor; and directors Chito Aragon, Gabby Malagar, Gregg Rubio, Irene Sino-Cruz, Ryan Borinaga, Norman Mendoza, Alex Badayos and Rene Borromeo. Their term of office will end on September next year.

The federation has 11 beat organizations namely the court reporters’ Media Alliance for the Law, Liberty, Equality and Truth (Mallet), Capitol Association of Reporters in Tri-media (Cart), City Hall Association of Reporters in Media (Charm), Regional Journalists in Cebu (Rejoice) and Association of Reporters in Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu City In Truth and Excellence (Armalite).

The others are Media in Cebu South (Mics), Defense and Police Press Corp (DEPP), Entertainment Group (E-Group), Cebu Economic Journalists Association (CEJA), Sports Correspondents (Score); and Lens for photojournalists.—(FREEMAN)