Press assembly for local practitioners

A nationwide assembly of local Press practitioners is set on June 24 to push forward media advocacies in view of the post-election dynamics.     
    Johnny Dayang, chairman emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) and chairman of the convenors group, said “amid the threats of disinformation and fake news in social media, there really exists an urgent need redefine the way media pursues its critical role as a social catalyst.”
    According to Dayang, the whole-day assembly, convened jointly by the country’s leading media groups, will seriously dwell on:
    Catalytic role of the provincial press under the New Dispensation;
·         Creation of local press council in cities and provinces;
·         Establishment of a cooperative news agency;
·         Expanding the role of the community press organization in tackling critical issues.
The media gathering will also endeavor to recommend:
·         Legislation pushing for the passage of a law to Decriminalize Libel;
·         Endorse to Congress the Passage of Stringent Laws against Fake News;
·         Propose to Congress Bill that Defines Human Rights and the Press; and
·         Pass a Law that Protects Legitimate Media Organizations and Practitioners;
    The community press, is also expected to discuss its vital role in pushing economic development and nation-building.
    A joint project of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc., Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines, Inc., and the Boracay Global Press Corps, Inc. in cooperation with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Horizons news publishing house, the Local Press Assembly will take place at the PEZA Auditoruim located at DoubleDragon Center West Bldg, DD Meridian Park, Macapagal Ave., Pasay City and at the Makati Sports Club for its fellowship dinner and raffle games.
    Expected to participate are print and broadcast journalists, publishers, editors, provincial media organization officers and members, commentators, writers, columnists, school campus journalists, journalism students, book authors, vloggers, online journalists and other digital media practitioners, some trade and press attaches, representatives of foreign chambers of commerce, public relations and information officers.     
Individuals and institutions interested to participate may contact 09491294777 or email pressclubsfed@yahoo.com.