GOVERNOR Alfredo Marañon Jr. inducted the officers of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)- Negros Occidental chapter for 2014-2015 at the L’Fisher Hotel Tuesday night (June 17).
The officers are Serafin Plotria (iFM)—chairman, Leilani Alba (ABS-CBN)—vice chairman, Grace Visitacion (dyVS)—secretary, Paul Moles (Magic 106.3)— treasurer, and Jeony Bigay (RMN)— auditor.
The board of directors are Renee Brillantes (dyRL), JJ Deocampo (Aksyon Radyo), Jerry Mayordo (RJ FM), Divine Grace Cuello (Bombo Radyo), Gelzar Gumilla (Star FM), Fr. Ireneo Gordoncillo (dyAF) and Loel Katalbas (dyAG).
Executive officers are Roberto Pabulayan and Jun Lapu-os, while executive secretary is Joy Pastoral (dyVS).
Standard performance officers are Francis Muñoz (Love Radio, Easy Rock), Harold Limbo (ABS-CBN), Buddy Ferrer (RPN) and immediate past chairman emeritus is Ralph Belzunce’
Their induction theme is "Broadcasting Toward a Greener Future."
Plotria said in his speech, “Imagine the world without mass media? We are here not only because of economic necessity or mere creativity, but of profound purpose. In my own view, that purpose is to become the catalysts that help bring out the best in our society.”
In his keynote speech, Marañon appealed to the KBP officers and members to campaign actively on climate change and one-island region for Negros.
The governor said it is high time the clamor of Negrenses, both from the Oriental and Occidental sides, to become one region come true.
Speaking on the induction theme, Marañon also underscored the Negrenses' harrowing experience when super typhoon Yolanda struck Negros Occidental last Nov. 8.
The KBP theme is the most important concern of government nowadays because "climate change is here to stay," he said.
"The province has yet to fully recover from the wrath of Yolanda, the strongest typhoon to ever hit us. We have to learn from that experience. We are fortunate though, because unlike other areas in the Visayas, Negrenses did not suffer casualties but only damages on property," he said.
The governor also renewed his call for the protection of coastal communities in the province, as he stressed the need to continue mangrove reforestation efforts.
“The KBP and the media are a potent and influential force, if not very powerful, as channels of information. You have to make a difference by helping government in our advocacy on environmental protection,” Marañon stressed.