PCOO chief administers oath to CDO journos

Andanar, meanwhile, expressed hope that the country’s oldest press club would still renew his honorary membership once it expires. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Sunday administered the oath of office to new officers and directors of the Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Press Club batch 2019-2020.

In his speech, Andanar, who grew up in Cagayan de Oro City, recalled how he started as a disc jockey and thanked the press club anew for receiving an honorary membership in November 2018.

“It’s a great honor, since my early days were spent here. This is the place where I started to listen to radio stations,” Andanar said.

He said he considered his honorary membership from the press club as one of his “biggest” awards, stressing how much he valued being accepted by his fellow Cagayanons.

“All of these accomplishments of mine would not sit at the end of the day if my fellow Cagayanons will not accept me as one of them. So when I was inducted as member of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, it was such an honor, such a great privilege. It was probably the biggest award that I’ve ever received in my life,” he added.

Andanar, meanwhile, expressed hope that the country’s oldest press club would still renew his honorary membership once it expires.

“I pray that these new set of officers will still give the privilege of appointing me as a member for the coming year because my membership is not a lifetime membership. That’s my only hope, wish, and prayer,” Andanar said.

He also vowed to support all projects initiated by the press club and told its members to reach him in his office in Malacañan Palace anytime.

“I will support every project of yours here in the Cagayan de Oro Press Club,” Andanar said, noting that he was “fortunate” how he is the first Cagayanon to be appointed secretary of PCOO.

“By virtue of being a member of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, you are more than welcome to see me anytime you want in Malacañang. If you have any projects, let me know if I could be of assistance,” he added.

He also asked members of the press club to treat him as one of their own.

“And when you meet me in the street, please don’t call me Secretary. Please consider me as your own, a fellow member of your Cagayan de Oro Press Club,” Andanar said.

The Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) 2019-2020 officers and directors are:

Jesus “Ritchie” Salloman, President
Philip Kenn Jaudian, Exec. Vice Pres.
Ricardo Ociones, Vice Pres. for Broadcast
Allan Mediante, Vice Pres. for Print
Jigger Jerusalem, Corporate Secretary
Ronello “Jao” Gumapac, Treasurer
Alfredo Soriano, Auditor
Leonardo Vicente “Cong” Corrales, Director
Joey Nacalaban, Director
Loui Maliza, Director
Hanne Pisos, Director
Rufino “Ruffy” Magbanua, Director
Joel Jacobo, Director
Nicole Managbanag, Director
Antonio Albania, Director

The CDO Press Club, which recently turned 67, is the oldest press club in the country.