[OPINION] : UNFILTERED VIEWS
By Ricky J. Bautista
THE revival of the Samar Island Press Club’s bi-monthly presscon-style talk show, Himangraway ha SIPC, comes at a pivotal moment for Samar province.
After a hiatus exacerbated by leadership transitions and the global pandemic, the talk show is set to return, finally, as a crucial forum for addressing pressing issues in Samar, beginning with the urgent health crisis caused by the recent Dengue outbreak.
Scheduled to resume in September 2024, the upcoming episode will focus on the severe Dengue situation that has prompted the provincial government to declare a state of calamity. This Dengue Outbreak not only highlights immediate health concerns but also underscores broader challenges in public health management during crises.
The return of Himangraway ha SIPC signifies more than just a media revival; it represents a renewed commitment to delivering accurate and timely information to the Samar community. In an era where misinformation can spread as swiftly as the diseases themselves, a reliable information source is indispensable.
By addressing the Dengue outbreak, the show aims to provide critical insights into the situation, response efforts, and preventive measures. The involvement of experts from the Department of Health Region 8, the Samar Provincial Hospital, and Calbayog City RHU will ensure a comprehensive discussion of the health crisis. This collaboration will not only inform but also engage the public, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and responses.
The selection of Yolo Restaurant and Bar in Brgy. Mercedes, Catbalogan City, as the venue reflects a commitment to community-centric broadcasting, with live coverage across multiple media platforms. This approach will enhance engagement and ensure that information reaches a broad audience, including local residents and interested parties beyond Samar.
I thanked the owners of the Yolo Restaurant and Karaoke Bar for the Free Venue and our member Imelda Baronda for facilitating.
The revival of Himangraway ha SIPC represents a proactive step in Samar’s media landscape. It underscores the importance of informed dialogue in navigating crises and demonstrates a commitment to addressing critical issues effectively.
As the show prepares for its first episode in this new chapter, it is poised to make a significant impact on public awareness and response efforts, marking a hopeful advance for both the media and the community it serves.
I would like to extend my gratitude to my fellow SIPC members, especially Gina Dean and Myra Tambor, for their dedicated efforts in reinstating this important platform.
I hope for its continued success and active participation from press members and distinguished resource persons from various government offices.
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Congratulations to Catbalogan City!
UNKNOWN to many, Catbalogan City has been recently praised for its outstanding performance in the latest Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index (CMCI).
Under the leadership of Mayor Dexter Uy, Catbalogan has emerged as a strong contender in Eastern Visayas, securing fourth place among the region’s cities and ninth among 33 component cities across the Visayas.
This achievement underscores the city’s significant progress across essential pillars such as Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, Resiliency, and Innovation. Catbalogan’s excellence in Government Efficiency highlights the success of Mayor Uy’s #KaribhongKatbalogan Development Agenda, which has been instrumental in driving local economic activities and fostering sustainable growth.
Catbalogan’s rise in the rankings not only reflects its competitive edge but also reaffirms its commitment to strategic development and inclusive progress.
This recognition builds on last year’s accolade as the 2nd Most Improved Component City in the Philippines, showcasing how visionary leadership and well-implemented reforms can produce remarkable results. Congratulations to Catbalogan for this significant achievement—may it continue to be a beacon of progress and resilience in the region.
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Once again, congratulations to both SIPC and the City Government for their recent achievements. See you next week, folks! Kitakits!
(About the Author: Ricky J. Bautista is the current President of the Samar Island Press Club, Inc., and the President of the Region 8 Media Citizen Council. He previously served as Provincial Chairman of the NUJP Samar Chapter for a decade and is now a National Director of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) for the second consecutive term. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the 2023 Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship at Rappler, Inc. and the Lopez Jaena Community Journalism Program at UP Diliman 2016.)
