CFBJ meet features self-defense course

As part of the Press Freedom Week celebration, members of the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists got a crash course on self-defense during its annual general assembly at SM City Cebu's Conference Hall yesterday morning.

Aside from the usual meeting to discuss the federation's issues and activities, reporters got a demonstration from Banat News associate editor John Rey Saavedra, who is also a martial arts teacher, on various self-defense techniques. There were live demonstrations and participation from the audience as well.

Later during the meeting, broadcaster Bobby Nalzaro, who is also officer of the Cebu News Workers Foundation, announced that every active member of CFBJ can now avail of the P4-million funds sourced out by the foundation from the Countrywide Development Funds of Cebu City south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco and north district Rep. Raul Del Mar.

Nalzaro said this was sort of a medical insurance, wherein every active journalist can avail if he or she is hospitalized or just needs medicine, but he clarified that the foundation will only shoulder P25,000 for every hospitalization of the patient, depending on the assessment of his or her medical needs.

Yesterday's annual meeting also had a few intermission numbers and raffling of prizes. - Liv G. Campo/BRP