Marcos to Malacanang Press Corps, other new officials: Remain models of excellence, integrity

October 5, 2023 Planet Philippines (Full Attribution Below) 218 Views 0 Comments

SAYING “public service is no easy task,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged the officers of the Malacanang Press Corps (MPC) and other newly-appointed officials of various government agencies to continue to demonstrate excellence and integrity in performing their duties.

THE MANILA TIMES’ OWN TMT’s chief of photographer Rene H. Dilan and senior reporter Catherine S. Valente pose for a photo at the oath taking of the officers of the Malacanang Press Corps before President Marcos Jr. (not in photo) on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. Valente was elected MPC secretary. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Marcos led the oathtaking of the officers of the MPC, the Malacanang Cameramen Association, the Presidential Photojournalists Association, and the Press Photographers of the Philippines in a ceremony in the Palace on Wednesday.

In his speech, the President lauded the new officers as “exemplary and honorable individuals who have been, and who will continue to be, assets to our country.”

“As appointed leaders, your unwavering commitment and even your mere presence daily are crucial to the sectors that you serve [and] to the performance of your respective mandates. As such, I trust that you will remain models of excellence and integrity, especially to your staff, stakeholders, and communities,” Marcos said.

“These individuals are leaders and trailblazers in their own professions — exemplars of patriotism, of excellence, and wholehearted service throughout their careers and endeavors,” he added.

The President said he bestowed on them “the challenging but rewarding responsibility that their respective positions will entail,” saying “this is indeed a pivotal moment with you and your loved ones–because this is a big break that will change the course of your future.”

“Public service is no easy task. Leading an office or a group with such a significant and influential role in the nation’s affairs will be difficult both for them and for you,” Marcos said.

“Life in government will always be hard and challenging, but every service delivered brings purpose, it brings fulfillment,” he added.

The new set of MPC officers were Pia Guitierrez of ABS-CBN (president), Anna Felicia Bajo of GMA News Online (vice president for online), Maricel Halili of TV5 (vice president for television), Nestor Corrales of Philippine Daily Inquirer (vice president for print), Leonilet Narciso of dzRH (vice president for radio), Catherine Valente of The Manila Times (secretary), Helen Flores of Philippine Star (treasurer), Haydee Sampang of Far East Broadcasting Company (auditor), Alexis Romero of Philippine Star (public information officer), and Maria Aileen Taliping of Abante and Job Anthony of ABS CBN News Online (sergeants-at-arms).

Apart from the media organizations, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-las, Philippine Coast Guard Commander Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria, and Special Envoy to the Republic of Korea for Digital Transformation Dennis Anthony Uy and newly-appointed officials of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology also took their oath before the President.

Meanwhile, Marcos said his administration would continue to provide support to the said offices to ensure continuing development in their sectors and enjoined them to work for the betterment of the country.

“This administration will spare no effort to provide the support necessary to address the pressing concerns that hinder development in the sectors of our communities under your authority,” Marcos said.

“For the families and loved ones who are present here today: I ask that you give our newly appointed officials your wholehearted support as they embark upon this very important path,” he added.