A group for independent online news content creators and social media influencers is ready to serve Cebu by sharing verified online news: Cebu Online News Press Corps. The newest online group of news presenters in town was organized by Robby M. Alugar, and had its grand launching recently at the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites.
This new gathering of journalists, bloggers, social media influencers and content creators is driven by the desire to achieve professionalism, enhance skills among its members as well as promote responsible traditional media use by sharing accurate information.
In his welcome address, Alugar underscored the importance of delivering factual news, especially since social media is constantly bombarded with fake news.
“With our cumulative vision, we can set forth a blueprint to improve the way we deliver news and be a noble instrument for economic progress,” said Alugar.
Despite its early conception, the Press Corp is already connected with premier Cebu and Mandaue-based business organizations such as Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and their respective Business Months.
Currently, the group is working on its partnership with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. in preparation for the popular ”Gabii sa Kabilin”project. The group is also open to brand partnerships, particularly in promoting Cebuano products and services.
Special guest Melanie Ng, Central Visayas governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, administered the oath of commitment to the members. “Keep up the responsible and accurate work, as in this age of lightning-speed communications, we need your relevant and timely support,” she told them.
Another guest, Philippine Information Agency Central Visayas Director Fayette Rinen, gave an inspirational message to the assembly. “The news presenters have the capacity to empower people, especially now that the same platform, the Internet, is being used to sow disinformation.”
Cebu Online News Press Corps founding member, Minverva Newman, then introduced the Honorary Consul to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Cebu, Virgilio Espeleta, as the evening’s keynote speaker, who reminded the Press Corps to anchor their purpose to deliver truth by adhering to the principles, tenets and code of ethics that every journalist must follow. Media can be the bearer of truth or lies which is evident in the existence of trolls.
Also adding his presence to the event was Manuel “Pocholo” de los Santos, a prime mover advocating for Mental Health in Cebu.