Press Release No. 29-2018

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE STRENGHTENS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MEDIA

Jeddah, 23 April 2018 – Consul General Edgar Badajos hosted a dinner for representatives of media based in Jeddah on 22 April 2018.

Consul General Badajos (Center) discussing OFW issues and concerns with the media personnel.

Consul General Badajos conveyed that he recognizes the important role of the media in reporting on the concerns of Filipinos in the Kingdom. “You are the conduit between OFWs and the government, to make OFW concerns known,” Consul General Badajos said. He urged them to communicate a complete picture on the cases they report.

For their part, the media personnel emphasized that they are committed to responsible journalism and that they always make sure of getting all sides to an issue before making a report. They requested for closer cooperation with the Consulate General especially on developing issues concerning OFWs.

From left to right: Consul Sumague, Mr. Minas (Saudi Gazette), Mr. Portugal (GMA 7), Consul General Badajos,
Mr. Mohammed (Saudi Gazette). Mr. Zuñiga (ABS CBN), Mr. Tabbu (ABS CBN) and Mr. Concha (GMA 7). 

In response, Consul General Badajos announced that, in fact, the dinner is the start of a Kapihan sa Konsulado, a monthly engagement between the Consulate General and the media. The Kapihan is intended to foster closer coordination between the media and the Consulate General; and provide OFWs and Kababayans in the Philippines, through the media, a more accurate picture of the issues and concerns affecting Filipinos in the Western Region of the Kingdom. The media personnel lauded this initiative and said they look forward to the monthly Kapihan.  

Present during the dinner were Messrs. Charles Tabbu and Sherwin Zuñiga of ABS-CBN; Messrs. Bong Concha and Orly Portugal of GMA 7; and Messrs Querubin Minas and Irfan Mohammed of Saudi Gazette. Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague accompanied Consul General Badajos during the meeting. END