Press group elects new officers

Press group elects new officers

Philippine Press Club Ontario

The Philippine Press Club Ontario held its annual general meeting on June 2, ratified its constitution with proposed amendments and elected a new set of officers and members of the board of directors.

Elected for the term of two years are: Ricky Caluen, President; Rubi Talavera, Vice President; Jonathan Canchela, Secretary; Noel Perada, Treasurer; Imelda Suzara, Public Affairs and Communications Officer; Members of the Board of Directors: Eva Agpaoa, Rolly Cabrera, Jess Cabrias, Jess Carlos and Eugene Deocareza.

Outgoing president Rose Tijam delivered her report of the past activities of PPCO which included several public forums on the Spratlys issue, provincial election and the second anniversary of the Ampatuan massacre, and the 10th anniversary gala night and the work of the Constitutional Amendments Committee. The body voted to adopt her report.

Outgoing Treasurer Mogi Mogado’s financial report with a healthy positive bank balance was also adopted by the body.

Members of the adhoc commission on election were Geny Toribio, Catholic Community Services for York Region Board Chair, and Marlene Mogado, York Catholic School Board Trustee.

An unusual situation arose during the nominations for elective positions wherein many nominees declined to run for office. This led to four positions where each had only one nominee and all four candidates were voted by acclamation. Only the position for the presidency, with two candidates, and the board member positions where six competed for the five positions, were subjected to voting by secret ballot.

Newly elected officers took their oath of office in the same meeting. They were sworn into office by Geny Toribio.

Newly inducted Ricky Caluen thanked the members for the fresh mandate and trust given to him and his board by the PPCO members. He announced that members are welcome to attend board meetings when these are not held in camera, meaning when no confidential matters are in the agenda.

Outgoing officers spoke toward the end of the meeting and thanked the body for a successful annual general meeting and a productive two-year term. They were Rose Tijam, former president; Hermie Garcia, former vice president; Mogi Mogado, former treasurer; Jess Cabrias and Jonathan Canchela, former and reelected board members.