Some mediamen now brgy officials

CEBU, Philippines - From making a life about public officials to being public servants themselves.

A number of media practitioners entered politics via the October 28 barangay elections where some won and others didn't.

The FREEMAN reporter and Tejero barangay councilman Garry Lao will soon be starting his third term after finishing number one among the elected kagawads. He has kept the number one spot for two terms. He won his first term at number six in 2007.

"In one way or another. Nakatabang gyud ang pagka-media kay ang mga kaubanan nga taga-media kay nagtinabangay man pud. Overall, ang makatabang gyud nimo is ang imohang pagka-ikaw. Kung unsa imong mahatag nga serbisyo didto sa mga tawo. Kay mag-unsa man imong pagka-media if di ka andam og tagana nga muserbisyo. It applies to all. Ang pagserbisyo biya di tungod sa media ka or ilado ka," Lao said.

DYSS radio reporter Gabriel Bonjoc, another third-termer councilman in Poblacion, Talisay City, does not discredit being in the industry but also stressed that people skills is important in successfully entering public service.

"Dili maka-help kay naay plus factor. Ang reality sa tawo karon nga naa na gyud ang kwarta. Naa la'y ikasuporta nga pakaon ba. Ang makapadaug sa tawo ang imohang kinaiya. Ug makatabang sad nga dagha’g parente kay mao man gyud nay scenario sa barangay level," Bonjoc said.

Bonjoc ranked third in his first term, fifth in his second and third again in his coming third term.

Both practitioners are juggling the worlds of media and public service stressing it entails hard work, sacrifice and time management.

Cebu Catholic Television Network host and anchor Malou Tabar is another favored by the recent barangay elections, making a comeback as a barangay councilwoman in barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

"I was already in politics at the age of 18, even before I was part of the Cebu media, so I credit the major part of my political success to my grandfather's legacy of public service and love for Banilad. But my being in the media helped a lot by molding me to be a brave and confident leader and public servant nga dili muatras bisan kinsa basta katawhan ug kamatuoran ang gidapigan. Media life taught me well especially in discerning situations, people, and options and how to appropriately deal with people from all walks of life," Tabar said.

Bombo Radyo reporter and anchor Johnley Bayking is the youngest media practitioner who ran for public office during October 28 barangay elections at 21.

"It helped a lot. It was so helpful since I gained strong credibility. My popularity as an anchor was also a great factor since I have lots of listeners in our barangay. I also became a bit influential to my listeners who were also voters in our place," Bayking said, explaining how being in the media helped his candidacy for barangay councilman in Lutac, Naga City.

Like Tabar, Bayking was previously a Sangguniang Kabataan official before joining the media.

Other media practitioners who won in the barangay election include former ABS-CBN TV reporter and third-termer Apas barangay captain Ramil Ayuman with his councilor and DYSS reporter Allan Majait.

Unlike Majait and Bonjoc, two others from DYSS did not make it like anchors Gerry Auxillo and Jeffrey "Jepoy" Tumulak.

Auxillo lost in his bid for council in Barangay Quiot while Tumulak failed to snatch his third term from being consistent number one councilman for the past two terms in Barangay Kamputhaw.

DYLA radio reporter Dario Gil also lost in Barangay Poblacion, Argao, as did Brigada News FM's Bernie Cabusao, who was not favored by voters in Barangay Malubog, Cebu City.

Other media members who were not elected to office include DYRF reported Rowena "Wangwang" Capistrano and The FREEMAN assignments editor Fred Languido who vied for council in barangays Mambaling and Kalunasan, respectively.  — /BRP (FREEMAN)