CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – One of the key ingredients for the success and continued development of Mindoro, particularly the province of Oriental Mindoro, is the existence of “political peace” or political stability here.
Governor Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. and K4 President Nico Valencia echoed the statement when they addressed members of the local media during the recent celebration of the 25th year anniversary of Oriental Mindoro Media Club (OMMC) and groundbreaking of the proposed area for the club’s media center in this city.
In his message to the guests and members of OMMC, the longest existing newsmen’s group in the whole Mindoro Island, Umali said he is proud of the unity being shown by members of the media now in Oriental Mindoro. This, he said, is the same as those being displayed by the top political leaders here, boosting the island province's continued development.
“While there are still animosities that remain between some reporters and its groups, just like also in Oriental Mindoro’s politics, especially now that we are entering political or election season, I am still pleased with the harmony being demonstrated by all of us here in our province, which I think, is one of the keys for the continued success and easy life we Mindoreños are experiencing now,” the governor stated in the vernacular, adding that he remains confident that this stability in the province will continue.
For his part, Nico Valencia, also the chief-of-staff of his father, First District Rep. Rodolfo G. Valencia, expressed hope that in unity and cooperation of all sectors in the province, Mindoro will continue to develop.
Nico represented his father, who donated to OMMC some 100-square meter lot located at Sitio Calauang, Brgy. Lumangbayan in this city, where the media center being envisioned by the newsmen’s club will be built. According to Nico, the lot is valued at about P300,000.
OMMC, the pldest active media group in Mindoro, celebrated its 25th year. Most of its members, including OMMC President Joe Leuterio, are also part of the present Capitol Press Corps (CPC), a conglomeration of newsmen based in Oriental Mindoro who cover all activities of the provincial government here.