FVR Speaks for PPI @ 50

Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos rendered his joke-laden and challenge-provoking keynote speech for the golden anniversary celebration of Philippine Press Institute PPI held at Traders Hotel, Manila last May 1.

As a professional soldier who championed EDSA 1 that led him to the highest office in Malacañang, Ramos stressed that PPI has become and must continue to become the stalwart of credible press. “Credible press must be earned,” Ramos emphasized. “Remember VIA: veracity, independence and accountability,” he added.

Ramos also handed the awards and citations of the winners of the 2013 civic journalism community press. Bearing the theme “PPI @ 50 and Beyond”, it was the 18th National Press Forum of this 64-member association of local and national newspapers throughout the country.

The awards for the weekly were: Best edited community newspaper – Baguio Chronicle; Best editorial page – Baguio Chronicle; Best in business and economic reporting  – Business Week Mindanao; Best in environmental reporting – Baguio Midland Courier; Best in photojournalism – Baguio Midland Courier; Best in culture, arts and history reporting – The Mindanao Cross; and Special award : Coke Bayanihan Award on Best Reporting on Disasters – The Bohol Chronicle.

For the daily publication: Best in community newspaper – Edge Davao; Best editorial page – Cebu Daily News; Best in Business and economic reporting – Visayan Daily Star; Best in environmental reporting – Sun Star Davao; Best in photojournalism – Cebu Daily News; Best in culture, arts and history – Sun Star Baguio; and Special Award: Coke Bayanihan Award on best reporting on disasters – Cebu Daily News.

DCHerald columnist Atty. Jesus Dureza, chairman of PPI, who was reelected for another term for two years, happily welcomed back DCHerald, a long time member to the fold of this prestigious association. (dcherald)