Kadayawan coverage 'not for free'

Friday, August 12, 2011

ORGANIZERS of this year's Kadayawan sa Dabaw is set to impose fees to media practitioners and photo hobbyists who wish to cover highlights of the festival on August 20-21.

Maria Felisa Marques, Kadayawan festival director, told reporters in Thursday's I-Speak forum at City Hall that they are still finalizing a system that includes the issuance of access pass to reporters, photo journalists, hobbyists and visitors who want to cover and witness the final showdown of the much-awaited Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan and the Pamulak, a floral float parade.

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Marques said they are mulling certain fees for photojournalists, Davao-based reporters and other media practitioners who will cover the major events, as well as photo hobbyists.

Bong Aportadera, city information officer, however, vehemently denied this, saying only hobbyists and non-media who want to take photos during the street dancing competition and the floral float parade are required to purchase access pass.

He said media practitioners are not required to pay. News organizations -- print, radio and television -- are only required to submit names of their staff -- reporters, photographers and cameramen -- for accreditation.

"And that's for free. No fees involved. No restriction. Why do we have to charge media practitioners? It's their job to cover and report about the events. That what we agreed during the execom meeting (Wednesday)," he said.

But Marques, during the I-Speak forum, said they are proposing two passes -- an access pass intended for Davao-based journalists who will cover the events with unlimited slots, but with a price that is to be deliberated.

The other is an all-access pass, which is limited to only 100 slots to be sold to hobbyists and visitors for P500.

The fees that will be collected from the access pass will cover the expenses incurred from the rental of risers that will hold photojournalists and covering journalists.

Marques said the difference between the two access passes is that the first type of pass will give an access to the bearer to all venues of the events. On the other hand, the all access pass will give its bearer a full access to all key events, including events at the Rizal Park.

According to Marques, both passes will only be valid on August 20 to 21.

Even as this developed, Marques vehemently denied rumors alleging that this year's Kadayawan has been commercialized.