CEBU, Philippines - With its important role in governance and power to influence government policies, the media is challenged to always serve public interest first.
Department of Public Works and Highways-7 Director Ador Canlas, who was the guest speaker in yesterday’s 15th General Assembly and Induction of Officers of the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists Incorporated, said the media should have freedom of information as well as freedom of access to any government agencies and freedom to publication.
He, however, said that the media, just like the government, must serve the interest of the public first.
He cited as example DPWH, which he said is not just expanding roads but is also widening public participation to ensure that they are implementing the right projects.
For 2016, he said, DPWH allocated P16.9 billion worth of infrastructure projects for Central Visayas, P9 billion or around 58 percent of which is allocated for Cebu.
On the other hand, Elias Baquero, CFBJ president, encouraged colleagues to also be an entrepreneur so they could have a good future and would be able save in case of emergencies.
“It is sad to note that based on our survey, majority of the members of the media have no house and lot (of their own) and do not even have savings for future business or emergency. I am urging you to change your mindset. Be an entrepreneur,” he said.
Also yesterday, CFBJ members elected their new set of officers, who took their oath of office before Canlas.
The event was part of the 21st Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration that kicked off last Sunday.
It was attended by beat journalists’ organizations Regional Journalists in Cebu; Media Alliance for the Law, Liberty, Equality and Truth; Capitol Association of Reporters in Tri-media; City Hall Association of Reporters in Media; Association of Reporters in Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu City In Truth and Excellence; Media in Cebu South; Defense and Police Press Corps; Entertainment Group; Cebu Economic Journalists Association (CEJA), Sports Correspondents; and LENS. — (FREEMAN)