DAVAO CITY — Recognizing the important role of the media in the society, Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon on Monday called on the members of the fourth estate to be fair and truthful in their mission by providing fair and truthful information to the public.
Citing professionalism among ranks, Malanyaon emphasized “I respect the critical role of the media in our society, whatever political affiliations you had in the past, I hope it will not affect in your fair reporting.”
The Governor who just came back to her office after serving three (3) years as representative of the first legislative district of Davao Oriental said “I am back in the province,” and despite the political preferences of some members of the media during the elections, Malanyaon quipped “We will be working harmoniously here, I do not have ill-feelings we just ended the exercise of democracy, let us respect the decision of the people.”
“I’ll respect you as I think I also deserve respect as a leader of the province”, Malanyaon said in her opening statement during the press briefing at the provincial capitol on Monday Morning, July 4.
Malanyaon, an accountant and a lawyer by profession apologized to the members of the media for not meeting them for a long time saying she was entangled to the legislative works at the House of Representative and overseeing her constituents who need government intervention during the pandemic.
“You will be the instrument of information, through you, we will be able to get information or people will be informed and enlightened. I hope that we have to be responsible in reporting which is part of the standards that your association adheres and my standard as public servant,” she added.
As responsible sector of the society, Malanyaon hopes that the news organizations will verify all the information before it is disseminated “We encourage that you report the mistakes of the government employees and officials but seek the truth first in what you say, because hearsays are not acceptable before the courts of laws.”
The Davao Oriental provincial information office, she said, will be strengthened “We will be putting competent and responsible people to respond to the quick information needs of the people.”
The media, according to the Governor, will play an important role in her governance “I value your role in the development of the province, I want you to be a part of the team” for the development of our people.
She expects the members of the press to work with compassion and be more humane in the midst of the crisis besetting the world.
Malanyaon started her political career in Davao City as City Councilor from year 2007 to year 2016, she never had an issue in her dealings with the members of the press.-Editha Z. Caduaya
