Coloma stresses media’s role in nat’l development

By Fayette C. Ri�en

CEBU CITY, Dec 9 (PIA) -- Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma says that media are stakeholders in national development with a corresponding duty to also propagate the good news happening in the country. 

Coloma spoke before reporters of Bacolod City during a recent visit to rally for media support in delivering the good news specifically the achievements of government in the economic front. 

The country has been receiving good reviews internationally especially our government’s efforts in attaining economic progress, according to Coloma. 

“Media should also propagate the good news since they are also Filipinos and are stakeholders in the development of the country,” said Coloma. 

The PCOO Secretary negated reports of the President’s conflict with the media," “The President only wants media to also highlight the successes in the economic front. 

Coloma remarked that amid favorable remarks from international media, wherein lies local media's stance about positive developments. 

“Again, the President has no quarrel or squabble with media. In fact, we consider the media as part of our partners in development,” emphasized Coloma. 

The PCOO Secretary also took the opportunity to reiterate Aquino’s principle on good governance the "Tuwid Na Daan (straight path)." 

“Since the President took office, he has been consistent in fighting corruption. Because addressing corruption also means addressing poverty,” said Coloma bringing attention the President’s dictum of "Walang Mahirap, Kung Walang Korupt (no poverty if there's no corruption)." 

Coloma was in Bacolod City to award the best performing public information officers of Region 6 during the Information Officers’ Year-End Conference and Awards 2012 under the theme “Realizing the ‘Matuwid Na Daan’ Thru Responsible Social Networking” and to joint staff members of the PIA Visayas cluster. (PIA 7)