Local leaders cited in '888' 3rd anniversary

CEBU, Philippines - Aside from the induction of new members, special citations were given during the third anniversary of the 888 News Forum yesterday to local leaders for their efforts in the promotion, most especially, of the tourism sector.

Agnes Magpale, who heads the Provincial Board’s committee on tourism, was acknowledged for her role in Cebu’s tourism as well as her leadership in the protection of women and children as part of her advocacy.

Governor Edgar Chatto of Bohol was also awarded for his support in tourism projects and in “navigating the passage of the Tourism Act of 2009.” While Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes was acknowledged for his successful implementation of the environmental law in his city specifically the Solid Waste Management Law or Republic Act 9003.

The 888 was launched last August 8, 2006, headed by the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies of the Philippines founder Bobby Joseph Lim, with others from the tourism industry like Honey Jarque Loop, Jenny Franco, and Department of Tourism-7 regional director Aurora Patria “Dawnie” Roa.

It is a forum that invites various guests from all sectors and industries every Tuesday morning at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in barangay Lahug with members of the media and other participants to exchange views and raise questions for the panel to address.

Elias Baquero, of the local media and one of the first members of the forum, opened the celebration with the sharing of how it all started and how the forum has been a means of acquiring more information, not only for the media but also to the participants who learn from the open forum conducted with the guests.

Guest of the event was Senator Zubiri who saw the importance of the forum and how it has become a way for members of the media to tackle issues with the guests that are in the authority to answer certain matters.

Zubiri said that he also acknowledges the ability and attitude of the media in Cebu who he said are “very fair” and “write the news as it is, which is what the people need as they crave for honest news.” — AJ de la Torre/MEEV   (THE FREEMAN)