KBP to help CITOM

CEBU, Philippines - Officials of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) expressed interest to help improve the image of traffic enforcers.

KBP Cebu Chapter president Marlon Baula proposed this in a meeting with re-elected Mayor Michael Rama and vice mayor-elect Edgar Labella.

“KBP can extend help in improving the image of CITOM. We can come in and help the city government through developmental plugs,” Baula explained.

Baula, who also heads Hot FM radio station in Cebu, however cautioned that the City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) must also maintain this image.

CITOM executive director Atty. Rafael Christopher Yap welcomed the initiative of KBP.

“The suggestion is very much appreciated. We will be sure to take them up on the offer as we prepare our thrust for the short, medium and long term plan for Mayor Michael Rama’s next term,” Yap told reporters.

But before the information dissemination, Yap said he has to sit down with KBP to identify the content and direction of the developmental plug.

“We have to know what kind of message, the core message of these plugs. We should look at the broader issue like traffic discipline,”the CITOM chief explained. Rama and Labella also welcomed the initiative.

During yesterday’s discussion with the two newly-elected city officials, Jun Tagalog of DYLA AM station asked how KBP may help the city since the broadcasters’ organization could not assist in terms of financial matters.

Rama pointed out the possibility of a joint project between the LGU and KBP. “KBP can very much help in the creative aspect. We can organize a joint project,” the mayor said.

While acknowledging the huge contribution of media in relief operations during the time of calamities, developmental and disaster prevention projects can be pursued.

“Nganung maghulat pa man tag calamity when we can do the reverse? (Why wait for calamities when we can do the reverse?) Why not help the government in information campaign on preventing these? For example, help the city government convince the residents about the restoration of three meter easements?” the mayor added.

Despite this, he still urged the media not to stop being government watchdogs. “Isuwat gihapon mi kung makita ninyo nga nasayop mi. Pero hangyo lang pud nako ninyo. Apila sad ug suwat kung naay kaayuhan. (Write about our mistakes but I request that you also write as well about good things we do),” Rama said.— (FREEMAN)