Samar Island Press Club, Inc.

A gentle reminder to our colleagues:

Journalist's Code of Ethics

1. I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts nor to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognize the duty to air the other side and the duty to correct substantive errors promptly.

2. I shall not violate confidential information on material given me in the exercise of my calling.

3. I shall resort only to fair and honest methods in my effort to obtain news, photographs and/or documents, and shall properly identify myself as a representative of the press when obtaining any personal interview intended for publication.

4. I shall refrain from writing reports which will adversely affect a private reputation unless the public interests justifies it. At the same time, I shall write vigorously for public access to information, as provided for in the constitution.

5. I shall not let personal motives or interests influence me in the performance of my duties; nor shall I accept or offer any present, gift or other consideration of a nature which may cast doubt on my professional integrity.

6. I shall not commit any act of plagiarism.

7. I shall not in any manner ridicule, cast aspersions on or degrade any person by reason of s*x, creed, religious belief, political conviction, cultural and ethnic origin.

8. I shall presume persons accused of crime of being innocent until proven otherwise. I shall exercise caution in publishing names of minors, and women involved in criminal cases so that they may not unjustly lose their standing in society.

9. I shall not take unfair advantage of a fellow journalist.

10. I shall accept only such tasks as are compatible with the integrity and dignity of my profession, invoking the “conscience clause” when duties imposed on me conflict with the voice of my conscience.

11. I shall comport myself in public or while performing my duties as journalist in such manner as to maintain the dignity of my profession. When in doubt, decency should be my watchword.

Approved by the Philippines Press Institute, the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines, and the National Press Club in 1988.

Congratulatory statement to 3 SIPC Members who "shined and shone" during the 4th EV Media Awards Night

[This maybe a late post but this moment of achievement shouldn't be ignored and unnoticed in our timelines.]

We, at Samar Island Press Club, Inc., are delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to all the outstanding recipients of this year's 4th Eastern Visayas Media Awards and Recognition of Media Partners hosted by the EVMWB last December 2, 2023 in Tacloban City.

Congratulations to the ff:

SIPC President Ricky Bautista for winning Best Environment Story of the Year Award

SIPC Director Ricky Brozas on his radio program "Tingog han Barangay" as Best Public Affairs Program.

SIPC Member Jasmin Bonifacio for winning the Best in Documentary in Digital Format.

The trio's exceptional dedication, unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence, and relentless pursuit of truth have rightfully earned you this prestigious recognition.

Your relentless efforts in upholding the highest standards of reporting, investigative journalism, and storytelling have not only distinguished you among your peers but have also significantly contributed to the integrity and credibility of the media industry.

We also congratulate all the media winners and partners for their achievements as it will serve as an inspiration to us all here at SIPC.

We also commend the leadership of Ms Miriam Desacada and the rest of officers of the Association of Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders (EVMWB) for your great and hard work, and contributions to the field of media. Your watching of our watcht dogs have not gone unnoticed, and we applaud your remarkable accomplishments.

Once again, congratulations to the EVMWB for the success of the 4th edition of the Media Awrds and to every one of the award recipients. Your dedication and excellence are commendable and serve as a beacon for all of us in the industry.

Best regards,

Samar Island Press Club, Inc.
December 6, 2023

STATEMENT ON THE SUDDEN DEATH OF A MEDIA COLLEAGUE JOEY MUÑOZ IN CATBALOGAN CITY

We, at the Samar Island Press Club, Inc., are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our esteemed colleague Joey Muñoz due to still unconfirmed cause on his health yesterday (Dec. 5, 2023) in Catbalogan City.

Joey is working as a cameraman at Leopards Cable TV and the man behind Live Coverages of some Local Events esp at DYMS Radio Station. He is close by heart to media people in Catbalogan City, and that, he was active in previous Relief Operations conducted by SIPC when a typhoon hit Northern and Eastern Samar.

His passion, dedication, and invaluable contributions to the field of media will always be remembered.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable presence.

He will be profoundly missed.

We surely missed your company Joey. May you Rest in Peace brad.

-- From your media friends at Samar Island Press Club, Inc.

Urgent Support Needed for Media Workers Affected by Floods in NS

Dear Friends and Media Partners,

I hope this message finds you well. As you may be aware, our media community (esp in Northern Samar) has been significantly affected by the recent devastating floods that have swept through Samar provinces.

Many of our colleagues and their families are facing immense challenges and hardships due to the aftermath of this natural disaster.

The floodwaters have not only caused extensive damage to homes and livelihoods but have also disrupted the operations of media organizations particularly in Catarman, Northern Samar, making it incredibly difficult for them to continue their press work in providing timely and accurate news, information to the public.

In light of this situation, the SIPC is organizing a Relief Drive soon and, I am reaching out to appeal for your support and solidarity with our fellow media professionals who are currently in urgent need of assistance.

Your contribution, whether it's through donations, resources, or any form of aid, will go a long way in helping our colleagues rebuild their lives and continue their vital role in keeping the public informed during this challenging time.

We are coordinating efforts to gather support and assistance for our affected colleagues. Your generosity and kindness will make a meaningful difference in helping them recover and resume their crucial work in journalism.

If you would like to extend your support or discuss how you can contribute to these efforts, please feel free to contact [09122885769] or message Samar Island Press Club, Inc. FB page for further information.

Let us stand together as a unified community and show our solidarity and support for our colleagues in need during this difficult period. Your kindness and compassion will make a significant impact in helping them overcome these trying circumstances.
Thank you for your consideration and support.

Warm regards,

(Sgd.) Ricky Bautista
President
Samar Island Press Club, Inc.
09122885769
[email protected]

P.s. (To all SIPC members, pls share to our friends and our fb wall pages. Ty)

Samar press condemns killing of radio broadcaster in Misamis Occidental

The Samar Island Press Club, Inc. strongly condemn the latest incident of media killings in the Philippines.

Radio broadcaster Juan Jumalon (Johnny Walker), 57, was shot to death by an assasin while broadcasting live inside a radio station 94.7 Calamba Gold FM around 5:35 a.m., November 5, 2023 in Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

CCTV footage showed that the unknown assailant entered the announcer's booth and shoot the victim on his "lower lip towards his back portion head." He was pronounced dead on arrival in the hospital. The assasin immediately escaped after the incident.

These acts of continues media killings are a blatant violation of press freedom and human rights, undermine democracy and the ability of journalists to report the truth.

We call on to authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident and prosecute those responsible in the killing of Jumalon. We also appeal for an speedy investigation on the previous media killings that are still unsolved until today.

The safety of every journalists is crucial for a free and informed society.

STATEMENT OF PROTEST vs POLICE SURVEILLANCE
OF JOURNALISTS IN EASTERN VISAYAS

In light of recent reports on police surveillance and confidential investigation (CIs) against media practitioners in Eastern Visayas, done purportedly as part of their data collection process, the Association of Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders Inc. (EVMWB, for short) would like to express its concerns over this unfair and uncalled-for government direction.

The EVMWB thus protest to the national government against this breach of data privacy, and calls for a transparent and accountable probe into this illegal investigation, which is disturbing and threatening as this action is confined and exclusive only to the region.

Let us clarify though that, firstly, we respect the state’s imperative direction to ensure national security and secondly, the police mandate to maintain public safety. However, while any personal data gathering is not prohibited absolutely, any police surveillance or CIs into journalists is already an exaggeration in basic data collection, which borders now on violation of the law, and personal rights.

We also clarify that we are not against the police obtaining our names and addresses, which are basic in any registration process by public and private entities, but we condemn the police conduct of CIs or stealth inquiries over other personal data of the journalists concerned.

We learned that this has been going on for a while, the most recent of which was against a radio station manager in Tacloban City, without clear and justifiable purpose, or hint that may prompt a surveillance.

Police probe on journalists is obviously anchored on the presumption that we are engaged in illegal activities, which we protest to be an unfair prejudgment considering that there’s not a bit of bases from which such police action is postulated to start with.

What makes it worse is that the investigation is done stealthily, similarly applied only on crime suspects, or on one who is most probably the perpetrator in a crime under investigation.

We ask the police to respect the law where there’s presumption of innocence and due process, and the right to privacy upheld.

According to Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012, the collection of personal data must be “freely given, specific” … and that the “data subject agrees to the collection and processing of his or her personal, sensitive personal, or privileged information,” which means that “consent shall be evidenced by written, electronic or recorded means.”

But then the manner of the police in Eastern Visayas in the profiling of journalists, through surveillance or CI, breaches sensitive personal data, as there’s no consent in the first place, and strips the subject of all protection provided for by law.

The EVMWB is protesting the police’s non-compliance of the data privacy law because police monitoring of journalists can be considered a threat to press freedom, as it is unjustly invasive to the private life of the latter who may, in turn, be impeded to carry out their work for fear of unwanted interference.

Press freedom, while being a cornerstone of a thriving democracy, also include protection of journalists from unfair treatment and abuse by those in power. It is therefore incumbent upon the police to act within a framework that respects democratic values, the rule of law, and human rights; definitely not by dubious means of surveillance or CIs.

The EVMWB thus asks the national government for protection from this illegal and threatening police investigation against journalists of Eastern Visayas, as well as to do something to stop this police breach on the rights of people in the region

-Miriam G.Desacada
President
Sec.Gen NUJP Leyte Chapter

Pagsaludo at pakikiramay sa isang beteranong mamamahayag ng GMA7 na si Miguel "Mike" C. Enriquez. Sya ay pumanaw ngayong araw sa edad na 71.

Sabi ng pahayag ng nasabing network, na binasa ni Mel Tiangco: "It is with profound sadness that GMA Network announces the passing of our beloved Kapuso, Mr. Miguel 'Mike' C. Enriquez, who peacefully joined our creator on August 29, 2023."

May you Rest In Peace sir Mike, kapuso at idolo!

Induction of Officers @ Big Boss Cafe Catbalogan with Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy, August 19, 2023. Twenty (20) media personalities from tv, newspapers and radio stations from the cities Catbalogan, Calbayog and Northern Samar attended the event.

1st official board meeting of the newly elected officers of Samar Island Press Club, Inc. shortly after taking oath administered by Mayor Dexter Uy August 19, 2023 @ Big Boss Cafe Catbalogan. 📸 Miriam Timan

Inviting old members and new applicants to join us in our next event, which is the Induction Party and Fellowship. No final date yet but venue is Catbalogan City. 🙏

Luisa Tangpos: Happy 62nd Birthday to our dearest Treasurer of the Samar Island Press Club, Inc. !!! Thank you so much for your Loyalty and Service to the Club!

SIPC elects new set of officers

CALBAYOG CITY -- The Samar Island Press Club (SIPC) Incorporated elected its new set of officers in a reorganisation meeting held today, July 29, 2023 at Northwest Samar State University, Calbayog City.

The new set of officers for the year 2023 - 2024 were the following:

President: Ricky Bautista, editor of Samar Weekly Express and a GMA7 Regional TV stringer for Samar;

Vice President: Gina Dean, station manager of Kauswagan Radio Calbayog and chair of NUJP Samar;

Secretary: Gerwin Babon, anchor of Kauswagan Radio;

Treasurer: Ma. Luisa Tangpos, anchor of Radyo Pilipinas Calbayog;

PIO: Ricky Brozas, station manager of Infinite Radio Calbayog; and

Auditor: Leviresa Barnizo, contributor of Infinite Radio Calbayog.

Elected Board of Directors were:

Samar:
Rene Castino, station manager of DyMS-FM and Jun Arsenio.

Northern Samar:
Tito Tepace, station manager of 106.1 FM Radio Pilipinas, and Elmer Siervo of Radyo Nation San Roque (appointed in absentia).

Eastern Samar:
Joe Pido, Radyo Natin Guiuan Eastern Samar (appointed in absentia).

A seasoned journalist Bautista, is one of the national directors of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines previously served as Provincial Chair of NUJP Samar for more than a decade.

"Waray kita iba nga hingyap kundi igpadayon an mga natikangan na nga mga mag-upay nga programa han nakalabay nga administrasyon, mga programa nga nakakabulig dire la ha aton igkasi media kundi lakip na an pagbulig ha mga nanginginahanglan ha komunidad ha aton AOR," Bautista said in his short message.

Previously, the SIPC partnered with the An Waray Partylist in conducting "Bulig nga Bulong" Outreach Program aimed to help and distribute free medicines to the community via media outlets in each provinces.

The club also spearhead the distibution of relief to the media in distress especially during typhoons.

SIPC started in 2009 as Samar Press Club (SPC) and later on named as Samar Island Press Club (SIPC) composed of members from three Samar provinces.

The club was formed by journalists, reporters, and media professionals to promote camaraderie, uphold press freedom, and advocate for the welfare of its members. It often serve as a platform for journalists to network, share experiences, and discuss issues related to their profession.

The forming of the club is essential in fostering a sense of community among media practitioners, and they may also organize events, seminars, and workshops to improve the skills and knowledge of their members.

New SIPC casual shirt:

FINAL CALL FOR SIPC MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION:

The Samar Island Press Club, Inc. (SIPC) will accept applications for membership as well as reinstatement to the roster of members until July 29, 2023.

For Regular Membership, qualified to apply are active media practitioners, or those currently connected with or working in a news media organization.

Former media practitioners, and or any campus journalists can apply as Associate Members without voting privilege.

Members -- both regular and associate -- who have failed to pay their dues or participate in the annual election for at least two years have been dropped from the rolls but may avail Amnesty (on unpaid dues) and can still re-apply to reinstate their membership.

On July 29, 2023, the Samar Island Press Club, Inc. will have a reorganizational meeting and orientation of new member applicants to be held at NwSSU campus in Calbayog City.

Application Forms are available at the venue or contact the SIPC Board Secretary. SIPC shirts are also available for a minimal fee.

Requirements for Applying SIPC Membership:

-- Filled out Application Form with endorsement/sponsorship from at least 2 regular SIPC members
-- Certification from Employer (editor, station manager, head of media outlet) for those who are active media practitioners

For inquiries, you may contact the SIPC Board Secretary @ 09122885769.

Thank You!

As agreed in an online voting, the SIPC will have its BOD meeting and GA in Catbalogan City on November 20, 2021.

We will post additional details soon as we're still finalizing everything including the program. (Old pic courtesy of Chris Elmer)

Trivia: Did you know that Samar Island Press Club, Inc. was adjudged as Most Outstanding NGO for 2009 by the Armed Forces of the Philippines? The SIPC, whose media members are based in Samar, Northern and Eastern Samar (Catbalogan, Calbayog, Calbiga, Basey and Catarman, Laoang, Las Navas, Borongan and Guiuan) then received this Award on April 1, 2010 during an occasion of the 8th Infantry Division in Catbalogan City. The Press club engaged not only in covering news in conflict and development but also helping the Army in bringing the government closer to the people.

Resharing SIPC's September 2019 Annual Fellowship featuring Media Camp in Basiao Beach, Sohoton Cave Exploration and Kayaking to Natural Bridge.

Reposting our May 30, 2020 Relief Operation in Eastern Samar.

STATEMENT

February 28, 2021

The Samar Island Press Club (SIPC) mourns the passing of ELADIO PERFECTO, our former colleague in the press club. He is 62.

Perfecto, who also served as former Provincial Chair of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines - Northern Samar chaper, was our Vice President of SIPC some years ago.

Having served as Board Director for the Visayas of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI), he is also the Publisher and Editor of a local community newspaper Catarman Tribune.

He had joined media trainings along with many of us.

For us and to many of his fellows, he is a true-bloodied Press Freedom defender, and brilliant advocate of Truth.

Sadly, he passed away on February 27 due to an illness which he had been battling for quite some time. His death is not COVID-related, according to the family.

He was a persistent newsman and a good friend to his media fellows. He never surrendered until the end.

For those who wish to attend, Interment is on March 9, 2:30pm at Bobon Private Cemetery. Burial mass at Bobon Parish Church, the family said.

We extend our sincere condolences to his family. Rest in Peace, bok Elad!

SIPC Family