BAGUIO TOURISM COUNCIL CELEBRATES DECADES OF SERVICE: HONORS LOCAL JOURNALISTS AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY

September 24, 2024 Lifestyle

BAGUIO CITY

The Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) celebrated the invaluable contributions of 64 local journalists during its general assembly on Monday at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center. Led by BTC Chair Gladys Vergara, the event honored media practitioners for their years of service in informing and promoting Baguio City and the Cordillera region. Representatives from the hospitality, events, and restaurant sectors also gathered for the day-long occasion.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to distinguished veterans of the media: Jimmy Lozano, Eliral Refuerzo, Rolly Fernandez, and David Leprozo Jr. These individuals have become iconic voices and pillars of Baguio journalism, shaping the local media landscape over decades. The 40 Years in Service Award was presented to media stalwarts March Fianza, Victor Loakan, Jaime Bernabe Sr., Christopher Bartolo, Malou Laxamana-Pascual, Aurora Alambra, Richard Valdez, Joseph Esteras, Primo Agatep, and Joel Arthur Tibaldo.

In recognition of their contributions spanning three decades, the 30 Years in Service Awardees included Nonette Bennette, Atty. Antonio Pekas, Alfred Dizon, Romeo Gonzales, Joseph Cabanas, Andre Amadeo, Samuel Bautista, Aileen Refuerzo, Gabriel Baban Keith, Thomas Antonio Picaña, Fernando Zapata Jr., Vincent Cabreza, Eladio Landingin, Edgardo Espiritu, Franklin Cimatu, Rizaldy Comanda, Helen Tibaldo, and Joseph Zambrano.

Those who have served for 25 years were also celebrated: Darius Bajo, Irene Buenaventura, Jonathan Munar, Jonathan Llanes, Eufeldion Lobien, Ernesto Calinao Jr., Jimmy Ceralde, Miguelito Velarde Jr., Andrew Pinero, Flordeliza Galao, Dexter See, Joseph Manzano, Mauricio Malanes, Artemio Dumlao Jr., Mauricio Victa, Eddie Carta, Dhobie de Guzman, and Harley Palangchao. Journalists with 20 years of service honored at the event included Briccio Cesar Domondon Jr., Rose Malekchan, Maria Elena Catajan, Roderick Osis, Jordan Tablac, Jane Cadalig, Rimaliza Opiña, and Alah Sungduan. These individuals continue to play vital roles in shaping public opinion and keeping the community informed.

The 15 Years in Service Award went to up-and-coming media professionals like Hanna Lacsamana, Redjie Cawis, and Rico John Ferrer, representing the next generation of journalists committed to covering the stories that matter in Baguio. Throughout the event, BTC Chair Gladys Vergara presented her report on the council’s activities, followed by Baguio Tourism Officer Aloysius Mapalo with the secretary’s report, BTC Treasurer Jeffrey Ng discussing the financial health of the council, and former City Councilor Elaine Sembrano delivering the auditor’s report.

Honoring the Legacy of Baguio’s Media

The BTC’s tribute comes as Baguio’s media industry faces changes, with the recent closures of key publications like the Baguio Midland Courier and SunStar Baguio. However, the event emphasized that despite the challenges, the legacy of Baguio’s journalists endures. These individuals have not only documented the city’s growth but have also been pivotal in promoting tourism through initiatives like the annual Lucky Summer Visitors program. The honored journalists represent decades of commitment, having witnessed and reported on Baguio’s transformation, ensuring the region remains informed, and playing a key role in the city’s development.

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