Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar brings his ‘Press Freedom Caravan’ to Cavite where he had a dialogue with media practitioners at Gerry’s Grill and Restaurant, District Mall, Imus City on Thursday (Jan. 24, 2019). (PNA photo by Gladys S. Pino)
IMUS CITY, Cavite — Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar took the time to sit down and have lunch with Cavite’s media practitioners to learn about their concerns, as his ‘Press Freedom’ caravan went on its Cavite leg at the Gerry’s Grill and Restaurant, District Mall here on Thursday.
The PCOO chief has been meeting with journalists around the country, “so, together, we can address all media issues and concerns and I am here to personally hear it from you,” he said.
Before the consultative engagement, Andanar highlighted the Duterte administration’s commitment to ensure the protection and welfare of journalists with the release of Administrative Order No. 01 which created the “Presidential Task Force on Violations of the Right to Life, Liberty and Security of the members of the Media”
“Kung no. 1 ito, ibig sabihin n’yan e priority kayo (If this is no. 1, that means you’re the priority),” he said.
Andanar said the Duterte administration is also serious in promoting government transparency and accountability with Executive Order No. 2, or the Freedom of Information, where the public – especially journalists – can now request information about government transactions and operations under the executive branch.
“This (the media engagement) is just the start,” as he committed to continuously work with the Cavite media to create a better working environment for journalists.
Andanar listened to a wide range of concerns; from membership issues with the National Press Club and Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP), medical support to journalists, and other PCOO programs affecting the sector.
He likewise committed to be the conduit for some concerns with other agencies under the executive branch, like the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITx) query.
Thursday’s event was organized by the Cavite Province Publishers’ League, Inc. (CPPLI), in partnership with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 4-A (Calabarzon).
Also at the event to lend their support was CPPLI president Rebecca Velasquez and PIA Region 4-A Director Cristina Arzadon.
