December 26, 2009, 12:28 PM

News Feature : ARMM burnishes image

MANILA, Philippines -After the massacre of 57 people, 30 of them journalists, in Maguindanao, a veteran journalist has a daunting task: to polish the image of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) before the mass media.

 

 

Following his appointment last Monday as ARMM Bureau of Information executive director, Ali Macabalang vowed to link the ARMM to local and national media, as well as foreign media, to improve an image marred by reports of government malpractices.

During the administration of Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan, the Bureau of Public Information or any similar agency did not exist.

Macabalang, who has been in media for almost 31 years, is ready to highlight that the ARMM government has returned to normal after the appointment of Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong as acting governor.

Macabalang was a friend of Bong Reblando, one of the 30 journalists killed in the Maguindanao massacre on Nov. 23.

Macabalang assumed office on Wednesday upon receiving his appointment from Alonto-Adiong.

Local and national journalists lauded Macabalang’s appointment.

Macabalang started his media practice in early 1979 under the Department of Public Information and Office of Media Affairs.

He was also a stringer for some foreign news services from 1987 to late 1993.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

Macabalang said he would like to maintain his private media practice while serving as ARMM information bureau chief.

By Jaime Laude
The Philippine Star
Updated December 26, 2009 12:00 AM

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