P-Noy to open national forum of Phl Press Institute

By Dino Balabo, www.philstar.com

MALOLOS CITY, Philippines – President Aquino will open the 16th National Press Forum of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) at Traders Hotel Manila next week.

This is the first time that the President will serve as keynote speaker of the PPI. He will deliver a message on the “protection and preservation of press freedom and democracy.”

This year, PPI is celebrating its 48th founding anniversary and 25th year since its reactivation in 1987.

An annual gathering of owners, publishers and editors from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao representing 72 publications, the PPI National Press Forum tackles issues concerning the industry that affect the professional and ethical practice of journalism.

This year’s conference theme “Media Accountability and Public Engagement” will serve as opportunity for the media to assess itself since the restoration of democracy over 25 years ago.

Some of the issues that will be discussed include the “Asian Media Barometer: The Philippine Study,” media self-regulation, and the safety and welfare of journalists.

Held since 2009, the annual National Press Forum is supported by leading daily newspapers based in Metro Manila, namely, The Philippine STAR, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Standard Today, BusinessWorld, and the Journal Group of publications.

Aquino will join Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, who will serve as keynote speaker on April 24 at the Community Press Awards, a yearly event that honors the best in civic journalism.

PPI was established in 1964 by publishers of the biggest newspapers in the country to address industry concerns.

The imposition of martial law in 1972 rendered the Institute moribund until July 3, 1986 when the reconstituted Board of Governors met for the first time. The following year the PPI was incorporated.

In the years that followed, the institute’s membership, training programs and advocacies expanded.

Major Manila-based national newspapers were represented in the board, while smaller newspapers served as regional trustees.