𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚. 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒎. 𝑬𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄. 𝑭𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑.

These are only some of the words that friends of the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) have used to describe the organization and its members as the press club celebrated its 74th anniversary this year.

Known as the country’s grandest, government officials, business leaders and private individuals cited how the PPC and its members have been a part of their lives, businesses and advocacies, among others, through their quality, fair and truthful reportage that helped in the development of Pampanga and Central Luzon.

PLDT First Vice-President and Corporate Communications Group Head Cathy Yang commended the PPC for its quality reportage “against the backdrop of socio-political change and economic challenges”.

Yang pointed out its members’ “resilience and ability to adapt to available technologies for news gathering, news reporting and opinion shaping which allowed the PPC to remain relevant and reliable”.

Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) Director Renato G. Romero, meanwhile, acclaimed the PPC as a strong partner in business and infrastructure development as it has been instrumental in the over-all development of the province and Central Luzon.

“For the many years that I have known PPC and as an advocate of business and infrastructure development, I came to realize that the media is the best partner in engaging the public and in generating support for economic development,” Romero said.

For his part, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and CEO Arrey Perez cited that the PPC’s “adherence to the highest tenets of journalism and its members’ fair and truthful reportage is proof of the integrity and professionalism that is the hallmark of the organization’s strength and longevity”.

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Jose Torres Jr. acknowledged that PPC’s “enduring commitment to journalism, coupled with sincerity, truthfulness and passion has been the cornerstone of your organization’s success”.

“You have unwaveringly dedicated yourselves to upholding the values of truth and integrity in media which is truly commendable. The PPC has been and continues to be, a valuable partner not just of the PIA but the entire government,” Torres said.

Frankie Villanueva, Clark Investors and Locators Association President, said the PPC and its members are “stalwarts and pillars of a credible and responsible media”.

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Tess Dizon-De Vega, meantime, cited how the PPC contributed to progress in Pampanga and Central Luzon making it the third fastest growing region in the country — and hopes this continues with the PPC’s help, assistance and support.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Jake Bingcang also expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the PPC’s support for the BCDA.

Pampanga Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda both thanked the PPC, and recognized the press club’s immense role in helping Pampanga achieve progress, and for the club’s support to the Pampanga Provincial Government.

Tarlac Governor Susan Yap, for her part, believes that the PPC has fulfilled its mandate to deliver timely, honest and fair news for the people of the region.

Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. said the PPC’s contribution to fair and truthful news about the city has brought his fellowmen to the right path, being an ally of the city government. He hopes the PPC and its members “continue to uphold the value of honesty and integrity in delivering unbiased information not just in Angeles city but province-wide”.

Mabalacat City Mayor Cris Garbo also expressed his deepest appreciation for the press club’s enduring commitment to responsible journalism that have fostered an informed citizenship, and for upholding Filipino values. He honored the members’ invaluable contributions.

Santo Tomas Mayor John Sambo depicted the PPC as one of the pillars of truth and partners of the province that brings about justice and truth.

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Agnes Devanadera cited that government and media partnership is crucial in informing the public about transformative programs and projects and values the PPC’s contributions and hopes they continue to report fair and accurate information.

CDC Director Nicolette Henson-Hizon urged the PPC to “continue to be a beacon of truth and unity for the people”.

Mekeni Food Corporation President Pruds Garcia, a long-time friend of the PPC, thanked them for their dedication and support and wished them success.

Artist and Gamat Kapampangan Art Group President Dr. Vittorio Pantig said one cannot stress enough the tremendous support of the PPC, which he said is “one of the driving forces behind promoting and nurturing Kapampangan artists, ensuring that their voices, messages and works are expressed and recognized”.

“The Gamat Kapampangan Art Group is so fortunate to have the support of the club. Your relentless efforts in highlighting the artistic heritage of our province brought forth a sense of pride and recognition for Kapampangan artistry. Your continued support and encouragement not only enabled artists to thrive but also fostered an environment where creativity and expression can flourish,” Pantig stressed.

Also extending well-wishes were Presidential Task Force on Media Security Executive Director Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner Willie Marcial, Board Member Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, City of San Fernando Mayor Vilma Caluag, Porac Mayor Jing Capil, Genteel home CEO Katrina Blanca De Leon, comedian Jimmy “Saints” Santos, Lipad Corp. President Noel Manankil, TV news anchor and reporter Emil Sumangil, Chef Vince Garcia, Converge president and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy, Vice President for Corporate Planning, Development and Compliance of Hann Neki Liwanag, NLEX Corp. president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista, Architects Nestor Mangio and son Brian John Mangio, and Senior Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations of SM Supermalls Engr. Junias Eusebio, among others.

As the PPC celebrated its 74th anniversary, PPC member and former President Peter Alagos puts it succinctly: “May you be the proverbial voice of the voiceless, stewards of the truth, and champions of integrity; qualities that the PPC has been known for since it was established 74 years ago”.

The PPC is gearing up with a grand celebration of its 75th Diamond Jubilee year in 2024.