Media lauded for role in development

Saturday, January 28, 2012

ANGELES CITY – Officials took turns over the weekend in congratulating Pampanga media for its role in development.

During the 47th anniversary and induction rites of the Angeles City Press and Radio Club Inc. at Shanghai Restaurant in this city, attended by Kapampangan media practitioners, Governor Lilia Pineda, Representative Carmelo Lazatin (1st district, Pampanga) and Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, together with businessman and Knights of Rizal Supreme Commander Reghis Romero II, noted of the invaluable support of media.

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“Indeed, media plays a big role in Pampanga’s development. Nandoon parati ang full support ninyo sa mga namamahala. Nagbibigay kayo ng tamang impormasyon sa mga kaganapan. We will not be successful kung wala ang media,” Pineda said.

Lazatin also said: “You have always been our partners much that our accomplishments, past and future, are known. Tunay kayong matibay na mga kasama.”

Recalling what he branded as “snail-paced” resolution of the Maguindanao Massacre where media people were brutally killed, Mayor Pamintuan said that “media deals with a very valuable and important commodity, which is information, and its business and role in economic development.”

“The ‘despite atrocities’ phrase is however disturbing. I am aware of the risks of media professionals, particularly the media killings which I, as a human rights lawyer, deplore and denounce in strongest terms. Pero lahat ng risks ay buong tapang ninyong hinaharap in the name of truth and development,” added Pamintuan.

Romero, meanwhile, likened today’s media men and women, to national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

“Just like you, in his writings, he denounced atrocities and sacrificed himself in the name of freedom. I congratulate you all for helping us in business and taking seriously your part in economic development,” Romero said.