Speaker cites media’s role in nation building

MANILA, Philippines — Keep playing your role in nation building.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez issued this call to the newly-elected officers and board of directors of the United Print and Multimedia Group (UPMG) as he emphasized media’s role in serving the national interest, just like what is done in the executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Romualdez had a lengthy discussion with the leaders of the various publications under the UPMG on key issues confronting the media landscape after the House Speaker administered their oath of office at the House of Representatives in Quezon City recently.

“For the past years, the UPMG has proven itself to be the premier association of the biggest publication companies in the Philippines. As a giant in the media industry, your contributions in nation-building truly deserve the highest commendation,” Romualdez said.

Considering the Philippine media not as an adversary but a partner in nation building, the Speaker also pointed out that being the invisible fourth branch of government, it is incumbent upon media to provide the public service they truly deserve with factual and untarnished information on the pages of their newspapers and magazines as well as their online sites.

He also added that “media reports – be it positive or negative – give us, government officials, relevant and timely feedback from the public with regard to our official acts. They also provide us with a platform on the issues that need to be discussed with the bigger public.”

As active participants in the media industry, he called upon UPMG to continue to help in getting across the new administration’s message to a larger audience.

“Our message is unity for a bigger purpose and our vision is a Filipino nation with its people living comfortably and secured in their environment. The task ahead may be full of challenges, but there is nothing we cannot achieve in unity with our people,” the House Speaker said.

Serving once again as UPMG president is Barbie L. Atienza, head of external affairs and human resources development at Manila Bulletin. PhilSTAR Media Group Sales and Marketing director Jay R. Sarmiento was also again elected as vice president of UPMG. Angel V. Guerrero, Adobo Magazine’s president and editor-in-chief, takes on the UPMG secretary position. Sherly O. Baula, credit and collection manager of Chinese Commercial News, is the new treasurer. Elected as the auditor is Manila Times vice president for Sales and Marketing Roda Alonzo-Zabat and Jong R. Arcano, AVP/Key Relationship Officer at the Philippine Daily Inquirer, as public relations officer.

Meanwhile, the newly elected directors of UPMG are Viviene A. Motomal, AVP-Sales & Marketing of Journal Group of Publications; Annie F. Grefal, OIC-Sales & Operations of Manila Standard and Jeanette F. Dominguez, advertising manager of BusinessWorld. Rowena D. Dote of ABS-CBN Publishing’s Admin & General Services takes on the role of Credit & Review Board head. Manila Bulletin’s Public Relations/Corporate Social Responsibility manager Badette M. Cunanan will continue serving as UPMG’s chief of staff.

The organization comprises over 30 member publication companies, including Abante, ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc., Adobo Magazine, Balita, Bandera, Bulgar, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Chinese Commercial News, Daily Tribune, Diyaryo Pinoy, Gadgets Magazine, Hinge Inquirer Publications Inc., Malaya Business Insight, Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp., Manila Standard, Mediawise Comm / MUSE Books, Mindanao Daily News, One Mega Group Inc., Opinyon, Panay News, People’s Journal, Pilipino Mirror, Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine STAR, Pilipino STAR Ngayon, SunStar Philippines, Tempo, The Freeman, The Manila Times and United Daily News.