CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – To boost its strategic communication efforts for peace and development, the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division recently activated its Division Press Corps (DPC) and conducted an Induction and Oath Taking of its newly-elected set of officers during the Media Christmas Fellowship held at the Officers’ Clubhouse, Headquarters 4ID, Camp Evangelista, Brgy. Patag this city on Friday, December 8, 2023.
The establishment of DPC aims to strengthen and empower the Public Affairs Office of 4ID in sustaining engagement with the media sector in its area of responsibility in Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions. It also institutionalizes the invaluable partnerships that have been cultivated for the past years and boosts cooperation and future undertakings.
4ID Commander, MGen. Jose Maria R Cuerpo II presided over the induction and oath-taking of the DPC set of officers for calendar year 2023 – 2025: President – Ms. Menzie Montes, RMN DXCC Cagayan de Oro City (CDOC); Vice President – Ms. Stephanie Berganio, MisOr Radyo; Secretary – Nef Luczon, Philippine News Agency Northern Mindanao; Treasurer – Ms. Angie Alsado, Magnum Radyo CDOC; Auditor – Ms. Mona Lagbas, Mindanao Reporter CDOC; PIO – Mr. James Paolo Yap, GMA Regional News/One Mindanao.
Also designated as representatives for the Infantry Brigades in 4ID AOR are the following, namely: Agusan Del Norte/Butuan City – Kris Maravilla, Radyo Serbato and Manuel Egay, Netz TV; Agusan Del Sur – Alexis Cabardo, PTV and Richard Grande, Lips FM; Surigao Del Sur – Ms. Queenie Casio, Infinite FM Tandag City and Ms. Judith Suarez, Sure FM Tandag City; Surigao Del Norte – Mr. Tirso Clerigo, RPN and Ms. Jocelyn Ferol, RMN Surigao; Bukidnon – Ms. Chirlita Castuera, DXRC Radyo Commando and Ms. Rusty Marie Codino, XFM Malabalay City.
Also took their oath were the elected and appointed Committee Chairman and Members, namely: Election – Chairman: Amor Barlisan, Radyo Natin, Members: Edwin Iyo, Mindanao Gold Star Daily and Mr. Sean Sulugan, Benta Birada; Finance – Chairman: Mr. Richard dela Cruz, Eagle News, Member: Mr. Aries Joseph Señara, Brigada News FM and Mr. Philip Kenn Jaudian, COPC BOD; Ethics – Chairman: Ms. Rose Mondejar, RPN, Members: Mr. Marlon Merlin, Radyo Bandera Sweet FM and Mr. Ipe Caingin of Mellow Touch; Membership – Chairman: Anne Jane Duhaylungsod, Member: TV – Ms. Cheryl Macale Cariaga, Mellow Touch, Radio – Mr. Noel Registros, Brigada News FM, and Online/Print – Mark Francisco, Mindanao Daily News.
Moreover, among the highlights of the said fellowship are the Palarong Pinoy games in the afternoon and the media night in the evening, encapsulated in the giving of due recognition to media partners, distribution of giveaways, and raffle prizes as part of the simple thanksgiving of 4ID.
In her message, Ms. Montes, the DPC President, urged her fellow media practitioners to instill discipline and set aside differences as they perform their duties to provide the public with the rightful information, especially on matters pertaining to peace, security, and development in support of the 4ID campaign.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Cuerpo II cited the significance of the role of the media in amplifying the positive impact of the 4ID’s peace and development efforts, promoting transparency, and engaging with the public in a more comprehensive and accessible manner. “This milestone reflects our continuing dedication to building trust, fostering understanding, and promoting unity among our partner stakeholders like the media. This will not only enhance the accuracy and depth of news coverage related to military activities but also ensure that the public receives a well-rounded perspective on 4ID’s efforts in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region. With this, I would like to congratulate all the newly-elected officers, members, and representatives of the DPC and we will always look forward to working hand in hand with you in promoting peace and development in the areas that we serve,” He added.
