MANILA — With only two publishers coming from the provinces who were elected chairman and president since 1964, Atty. Jesus Dureza, publisher of Mindanao Times based in Davao City, is now the third one to be elected head of the Philippine Press Institute after Atty. Zoilo Dejaresco Jr. from Bohol in 1989 and Leonilo Claudio from Davao 1993.
Dureza was former cabinet secretary during Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration. Now on his third year as member of the PPI Board, Dureza was first elected trustee for Mindanao in 2011. He now joins the illustrious list of past PPI leaders such as Ramon Roces, Chino Roces, Raul Locsin, Zacarias Nuguid, Eugenio Lopez Jr., and Isagani Yambot.
For his contribution as long-time chairman-president of the Institute, Amado ‘Jake’ Macasaet, publisher of Malaya has been bestowed the recognition chairman emeritus, the first-ever title for a past president. He was chairman and president for sixteen years. He still represents Malaya in the PPI Board.
Also during the Annual Membership Meeting of the 17th National Press Forum on June 14, two other positions in the PPI Board are now in the hands of Ruevivar Reyes, publisher of Southern Leyte Times from Maasin City as vice-chairman and trustee for Visayas, and May Anne Cacdac, editor-in-chief of Sun.Star Baguio from Baguio City as corporate secretary and trustee for Luzon. Al Pedroche, editor-in-chief of Pilipino Star Ngayon representing The Philippine Star is the only officer from the NCR. He remains treasurer.
The other members of the PPI Board are representatives from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Standard Today, BusinessWorld, Journal Group and executive director, Ariel Sebellino.
The PPI, also known as the national association of newspapers, will celebrate its 50th year in April 2014. (PR)