CLARK FREEPORT – Renowned business-philanthropist Rodolfo “Tatay Bong” Pineda was hailed as the “Newsmaker of the Year” for his altruistic works of charity by the Central Luzon Media Association-Pampanga Chapter, hailed as “the premier media organization in Pampanga province and Central Luzon.”
Also receiving citations during the group’s induction of its officers for 2025-2026 at Widus Hotel Clark, on Jan. 23 were: Clark Development Corp. president-CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera for Corporate Governance; Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry chair Rene Romero for Business; Hann Foundation Inc. for Corporate Social Responsibility; Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II for Legislative Excellence; Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. for Local Governance; and Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda for Humanitarianism and separately for Sports as the precedent-setting twice Maharlika Philippine Basketball League “Coach of the Year” of the two-time champion Pampanga Giant Lanterns.
Romero also served as the guest speaker of the event where he cited business-media partnership as “it bridges the gap between stakeholders and the public, fostering a sense of shared progress.”
“The media serves as a powerful platform to inform, inspire, and unify communities, and its contributions surpass even what organizations like the PamCham can achieve,” he said.
For his part, the elder Pineda said the recognition will “impel” him to do much more for the less privileged sectors of society and take stronger advocacy role for “clean and honest governance.”
Congressman Lazatin served as the inducting officer for the officers of the CLMA regional umbrella organization composed of Diosdado “Deng” Pangilinan, president (Pampanga); Menchie Hernandez, EVP (Tarlac); Erick Silverio, VP for print (Bulacan); Paolo Gee Santos, VP for broadcast (Pampanga); Roel Tarayao, VP for online (Bataan); Eloisa Silverio, secretary (Bulacan); AP San Pedro, treasurer (Pampanga); and Aileen Sanchez, auditor (Olongapo City).
Pampanga Vice Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda inducted into office the officers of CLMA-Pampanga led by led by Mark Allen Sison, President (iOrbitNews/Newsweek); Albert Lacanlale, EVP (DWRW 95.1/Sun Star Pampanga); Jhoedie Bhyjay Mercado, VP for broadcast (CLTV36); Princess Clea Arcellaz, VP for print (Sun Star Pampanga); Joann Manabat, VP for online (Rappler); Chiqui Cacal, secretary (DWRW 95.1); Jenna Lumbang Parungao, treasurer (CLTV36); and Paulo Gee Santos, auditor (CLTV36).
The induction of both the regional and Pampanga chapters had as witness Punto editor Bong Lacson, the founding proponent of CLMA and chairman emeritus of CLMA-Pampanga.
Solidarity messages were delivered by former board member Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab who represented Gov. Pineda, and Dr. Hazel V. Tumang, aspirant for Pampanga’s 3rd congressional district.
Pineda Cayabyab and Tumang, along with the vice governor and Romero were handed framed Kulitan (traditional Kapampangan scripts) of their names and characteristics inscribed by noted Kapampangan artist Norman Tiotuico.
The CLMA Pampanga roster of active members includes: Jaypee Manalang (CL BusinessWeek, Punto!) Larrica Angela Cunanan Dinio (iOrbitNews), Rowena Tinio (iOrbitNews), Gerald Gloton (Pampanga PIO, Punto!), Gracie Rutao (Pampanga PIO, ABS-CBN), Luisse Gabriel Rutao (GMA Regional TV), Archie Reyes (iOrbitNews), Joe Asuncion (CLTV36), Johnny Coronel (CLTV36), Nelson Gonzales (iOrbitNews), Christopher Espino (Newsline), Alvin Masangcay (Alvin Masangcay News Vlog), Jennifer Salenga (CLTV36), and Joanna Cordero (Punto!)
Initiatives undertaken by CLMA Pampanga included the regular “Balitaan at Talakayan” sessions that promote dialogue among media professionals and community leaders; the “Discuss Wid Us” quarterly forum at the eponymous hotel that covered current lifestyle and social issues, and the Campus Journalism Caravan engaging school publications and their staff in the various fields of media. A novel activity last year was the “Balitaan, Talakayan, Trip Lang!”, the first media forum held on a moving bus. Punto News Team/CLMA photos
