Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez delivers his message during the 72nd Anniversary of the National Press Club at the 5th Floor of the NPC Bldg. in Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.
By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
MANILA — The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) marked its 72nd Anniversary on Tuesday (Oct. 29) with the theme: “Powering through at 72”.
A holy mass at. 4pm preceded the climax of the celebration on Tuesday night.
The “Fellowship Night” was attended by government officials, press clubs in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, and other stakeholders in the media industry.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez, and Raymond Burgos, Special Assistant to DSWD Secretary (SAS) Rex Gatchalian, among others, graced the occasion.
SAS Burgos is also a lifetime member of the NPC.
Also present were the officers and members of the Camanava Press Club, Nueva Ecija Press Corps, Manila City Hall Press Club, PaMaMariSan-Rizal Press Corps, NCRPO Press Club, Quezon City Press Club, EPD Press Club, NCRPO Press Association, and Camarines Norte Press Corps, MACHRA, among others.
Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Dr. Persida V. Rueda-Acosta also graced the occasion.
The NPC has been granting scholarships to deserving students through the years.
In his welcome remarks, NPC President Leonel “Boying” Abasola acknowledged the presence of PCO Secretary Chavez, SAS Burgos, other lifetime members, the Camarines Norte Press Corps, and the local government unit of Naga City.
A journalist himself, Chavez recalled two persons he was with in the 80’s, namely NPC Director Aya Yupangco and Estong Reyes.
Chavez was happy that Camarines Norte, which was widely devastated by Super Typhoon Kristine, was able to make it on Tuesday’s event.
In the Cabinet meeting Chavez said, they talked about the sectoral “ayuda”, which made 4,000 beneficiaries of 4P’s (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) finished their college studies.
“Dapat may graduation from one family to another” he quoted DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian as saying.
Chavez, a broadcast journalist from DZRH himself, said that it’s a great honor to be with his former colleagues in the field of journalism.
“Politicians come and go. Regimes come and go, but the NPC remains and powering at 72,” he said.
“For 72 years, we have tendered the flames of journalism. Mabuhay and congratulations to NPC,” he added.
In her inspirational message, PAO Chief Dr. Persida V. Rueda-Acosta said that PAO and the NPC had a MOA (Memorandum of Agreement).
The PAO provides free legal assistance to the members of the media who are facing charges in the performance of their official duty.
Acosta came straight from a jail visit and she made it sure to come to the NPC’s 72nd Anniversary celebration.
“People come and go pero ang NPC ay nananatiling matatag,” she said.
Acosta said that the NPC is 20 years older than the PAO as the PAO has just celebrated its 52nd Anniversary.
“Mula noon at hanggang ngayon, si Persida ay mananatiling lalaban para sa hustisya,” she said.
Acosta was recognized for her unwavering support and commitment in the pursuit of justice for the members of the media.
Dr. Emilio C. Yap III and his family were presented with a plaque of appreciation for shouldering the cost for the repair and rehabilitation of the NPC Medical Clinic, which is expected to be completed by April 2025.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the City Government of Manila also expressed their respective support to the NPC and greeted them in their 72nd Anniversary.