THE BusinessMirror, the Publishers Association of the Philippines (Papi) and the National Federation of Provincial Press Clubs (NFPPC) launched today the Community Press Network, a movement for the empowerment of the most neglected and impoverished sector of national society.
In a media forum at Casino Español in Cebu City this morning, BusinessMirror Publisher T. Anthony C. Cabangon said the movement will endeavor to bring to the attention of the government and the leaders of the business community the needs and sentiments of the disadvantaged and poor people, particularly those from the rural areas.
He said the movement will enlist the cooperation of local government officials whose reports on developments in their constituencies will be given priority by the BusinessMirror and the local press.
Papi President Nelson Santos described the launching as a watershed media event. He said the combined circulation and listenership of the BusinessMirror and the provincial publications and radio stations will be bigger than the combined reach of the national dailies.
NFPPC President Allan Sison expressed confidence that the sister-publication arrangement between the BusinessMirror and the media establishments in the provinces will enable the national government to have a feel of the people’s sentiments and needs.
Cabangon said at the launch that the media “should now help our less fortunate fellowmen receive their just share of the fruits of progress and development.”
“It is unfair and sad that, while the Philippines is now one of the most progressive nations in Asia, such progress has not filtered down to the marginalized and poorest sector of the nation,” he added.
Cabangon also challenged the leaders of the press community to spearhead the movement to help narrow the gap between the rich and the poor, describing the poverty incidence in the country as “severe and shameful”.
Papi President Emeritus Johnny Dayang said the movement will make the BusinessMirror and its affiliated publications in the provinces the biggest media cooperative whose combined circulation will be bigger than most of the national dailies.
High-ranking government officials invited to the event included Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpali, Cebu City Mayor Thomas Osmeña, Rep. Pete Calderon, Mandaue City Mayor Eduardo Gullas, and Provincial Board Members Razi Franco and Celestino Martinez.
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