By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – A radio reporter and anchorman was elected as the new president of the Negros Press Club (NPC) for 2021 – 2022 during the annual election held at the NPC building here last Saturday.
Yves Montecillo of DYHB-RMN Bacolod, who led the “New Normal” slate, won 69 votes to beat NPC past president Rey Siason of Muews Radio from “Team Powerhouse,” who garnered 46 votes.
Following his win, Montecillo thanked the members for participating as he claimed that it was not easy because of the community quarantine.
Montecillo said his programs will depend on the situation “since we are still all facing the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).”
But he noted that he is planning to increase the financial assistance for the medical needs of members and prioritize the senior citizen-members of the club.
Montecillo will replace outgoing president Glazyl Masculino of Daily Guardian.
Vice president-elect Eljohn Castaño of Radyo Bandera Sweet FM Bacolod won with 58 votes.
Incumbent director Nanette Guadalquiver of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) was elected secretary with 59 votes.
For treasurer, incumbent director Eden Aboso of Aksyon Radyo Bacolod won with 65 votes.
Martian Muyco of Digicast Negros was elected auditor with 60 votes.
Also elected to the Board of Directors were Merlinda Pedrosa of Sunstar Bacolod, who garnered the highest number of votes of 73, past president Renato “Boy” Duran of Aksyon Radyo Bacolod (62), past president Carla Cañet of Sunstar Bacolod (57), and James Toga of NDB (55).
A total of 117 members of the oldest press club in the Philippines exercised their right to vote over the weekend from 1PM to 5PM. Counting of votes followed and streamed live on Facebook.
The election committee composed of Fred Salanga, and past presidents Dolores Epacta-Miranda, Edgar Cadagat, Eddie Dela Fuente, and Edmund Aspero proclaimed the winners past 6PM.
The NPC decided to forego the annual General Assembly due to the difficulty of gathering a quorum, pursuant to the health and safety protocols of the government amid the pandemic. They instead proceeded with the election, allowing only 20 persons to vote at a given time inside the building.
