23RD National Press Congress highlights science and technology
DOST Sec. Fortunato T. de la Peña holds a token and certification from the Publishers Association of the Phils, Inc. headed by PAPI national president Nelson Santos with Chairman Emeritus Johnny Dayang together with its national officers.
MANILA – The recently concluded 23rd National Press Congress by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI), held at the Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros, Manila has highlighted community development through enhanced public awareness on science and technology.
The annual event is mandated under Presidential Proclamation 1187 which declared December every year as the Month of the Community Press in the Service of the Nation, and designed PAPI as lead agency for its observance. The 23rd National Press Congress edition was held in collaboration with the National Capital Regional office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-NCR).
Spearheading the 23rd National Press Congress (from L-R) Sir Davis Pagayon, Bimbo Doran, PTFoMS Exec. Dir. Joel S. Egco , FISPC President Inv. Fransisco “Popoy” Pagayon, FISPC Treasurer Ed Evangelista, NPC President Rolando Gonzalo and Sir Edward Calvario of Healing Galing.
In his message, DOST-NCR Regional Director Jose “Jojo’ Patalinjug, III stressed the value of their partnership with PAPI on the media event which he said will hopefully help bridge the communication gap in their efforts to bring science, technology and innovations to the people. He particularly cited the event’s theme: “Science and Technology as Prime Movers of Developmental Growth.”
DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, who keynoted the press congress, also noted the theme’s clear message. “I appreciate that you have chosen the role of science and technology as prime movers of developmental growth for this year overall theme,” he said and emphasisized the importance of Press Freedom and value of communication and connections. “We stand to benefit tremendously from collaboration in sharing knowledge for the greater good,” he added.
The Publishers Association of the Phils, Inc. (PAPI) National President Nelson Santos (center) together with Department of Science and Technology headed by Sec. Fortunato T. de la Peña with DOST-NCR Regional Director Jose “Jojo’ Patalinjug III and PAPI Chairman Emeritus Johnny Dayang and its PAPI national officers signed and exchange notes concerning their partnership for the community and national development.
PAPI chairman emeritus Johnny P. Dayang acknowledged previous PAPI president Louie Areola who formally introduced Sec. Dela Pena, and incumbent president Nelson Santos for all their efforts to make their organization responsive to current development demands. “The information service of our people is dependent on our community press; we are the vanguard of press freedom as we deliver the right information to the grassroots,” he said.
Other highlights of the annual PAPI media event were the update by PCOO Undersecretary Joel M. Sy Egco, executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on related to the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre and related media killings and security, and the Senatoriables’ Forum.
Eight (8) senatorial bets spearheading the Senatorial Forum conducted by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) during the 23rd National Press Congress seated are from L-R) Atty. Romy Macalintal, Rafael Alunan III, Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, Prof. Edmundo “Toti” Casiño, Rizalino David, and Atty. Dan Rolida along with (standing) the PAPI National Officers led by President Nelson Santos.
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