CATBALOGAN CITY — The board of directors of PPI News Commons met via Zoom on February 20, 2024, to address key aspects of the organization’s establishment and operations.
The meeting, attended by board members from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, that include Alex Rey Pal, Amalia Montecillo Bandiola, Dempto Anda, Dexter Aquino See, Franz Angelo, Joenald Rayos, Joyce Pañares, Merly Diaz Bantungan, Ricky Bautista, Sherwin De Vera, Rolando Estabillo, and Villamor Visaya Jr, along with the PPI Training Team led by Executive Director Ariel Sebellino, focused on the election of officers and funding plans.
During the online election conducted via Zoom, board members nominated and voted for officers. Joenald Medina Rayos was elected Chairman, Dempto Anda as Vice Chairman & President, Amalia Montecillo Bandiola as Corporate Secretary, and Alex Rey Pal as Treasurer.
The induction of the PPI News Commons officers was tentatively set for April 24 or 27, 2024, in Manila.
Chairman Rolando Estabillo, who presided over the meeting with PPI ED Ariel Sebellino, announced that the initial funding for PPI News Commons will come from SM Investments (SM) and International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI). The organization will also have separate registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between PPI and Manila Standard is scheduled for February 29, Thursday, 10 am at the Manila Standard Makati Office.
Chairman Estabillo requested Ms. Pañares to serve as the Executive Editor for PPI News Commons on a temporary basis, while Neitiviti Studios will handle the PPI News Commons website.
PPI News Commons, an online news-sharing community connecting local media outfits in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, was officially launched by the Philippine Press Institute. Open to all PPI member newspapers, the platform aims to collate and curate local news from across the country, providing a wider audience and securing the future of journalists. (rjb)
