MetroPost publisher and editor-in-chief Alex Rey Pal was elected as one of three regional trustees of the Philippine Press Institute for the Visayas Tuesday, at the opening of its two-day annual press forum in Manila.
Pal was elected by the publishers of Visayas newspapers along with Dalmacio Grafil, publisher of Leyte Samar Daily Express, West Leyte Weekly Express, and Eastern Samar Bulletin.
Serving their second and final year as PPI trustees are Amalia Cabusao, editor-in-chief of Mindanao Times; Joenald Rayos, publisher and editor-in-chief of Balikas, which is circulated in Batangas; Sonia Daoas, executive director of the Cordillera News Agency; Adrian Amatong, editor-in-chief of Mindanao Observer; and Allan Mediante, editor-in-chief of Mindanao Daily News.
Mediante was elected to take over the post vacated by Atty. Salvador Diputado as vice-chairperson of the PPI Board and who was one of the trustees for the Visayas. Diputado is now the regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture (Region VII). Cabusao and Rayos remain secretary and treasurer, respectively, of the PPI Board.
Alfonso G. Pedroche, editor-in-chief of Pilipino Star Ngayon, was re-elected chairperson-president of the PPI. Completing the board is PPI executive director Ariel Sebellino. Other PPI trustees come from select member newspapers, namely, Manila Standard, Journal Group of Publications, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Malaya, and BusinessWorld.
The election was held during PPI’s annual membership meeting, one of the highlights of the yearly event, held at H2O Hotel at the Manila Ocean Park.
Marking its 53rd anniversary as the country’s premier association of newspapers, the two-day commemorative press forum, now on its 21st year, was themed “ASEAN@50: Beyond the Headlines.” As in previous years, it brings together representatives of PPI’s member publications, comprising mainly community newspapers and a number of national dailies.
Ambassador Rosario G. Manalo gave this year’s keynote speech during the PPI annual press forum. She, along with an ethnic Karen journalist from Myanmar, addressed the PPI members and guests on Thursday. (Kier Labrador, PPI)
