Palace Communications Chief Martin Andanar launches the first-ever Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa tabloid during his press conference in AdDU shortly after the screening of #50FirstDays. Photo by Reil Benedict Obinque
Highlighting the performance of the new administration, Presidential Communications Operations Office headed by Sec. Martin Andanar launched President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s #50FirstDays campaign this morning, Aug. 18 at the Finster Auditorium, Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU).
Video documentaries were prepared as a kick-off to the #50FirstDays campaign. It was a recap of Pres. Duterte’s majoring activities since he assumed office last June 30. According to Sec. Andanar, the campaign was called #50FirstDays because they believe that with the change happening every day, it is always a first day for a new Philippines.
Moreover, Sec. Andanar said that change has truly come.
“Instead of waiting for the usual 100 days before we produce the report card of the president, we are ready to present the milestones that have been achieved under the 50-day home leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to the Filipino people,” he explained.
Narrated by Undersecretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella, the video documentaries included the major reforms and agenda that the administration started in the sight of the different department and government agencies.
Some of the main programs sighted were the Freedom of Information, law and order, the change towards a federal government, social housing and many more. Department secretaries, media personalities like Erwin Tulfo and Vice Pres. Leni Robredo, together with some ordinary Filipino citizens, guaranteed their contribution as partners of change for the Duterte administration.
AdDU President Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ expressed his views regarding this event.
“Long before these 50 days lapsed, it was very clear not only to Filipinos, but to all, that change is here. The president has clearly stated that he cannot accomplish his goals on his own. He needs the participation of all Filipinos and Filipinas who love their country. May this report this morning contribute to that participation,” Tabora said.
A press conference followed the program, attended by various local and national media, bloggers, campus journalists, and other concerned individuals. Here, Sec. Andanar answered questions regarding some national issues including Pres. Duterte’s accusations against Sen. Leila De Lima, the Marcos Burial controversy, and the ongoing peace talks.
To conclude the event, the communications secretary launched the first-ever national tabloid produced by the office of the president, “Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa”. Sec. Andanar told the press that they had already printed 5,000 copies of the said publication and will soon propagate these in selected areas across the country.
Ernest John Ulep, second year Mass Communication student voiced out his opinion about the #50FirstDays campaign.
“It is really a privilege for Ateneo de Davao University to host this event. It was an eye-opener for us students to see the accomplishments of our president in his first 50 days of administration. As a MassCom student, I can use this to disseminate information to other people.” Ulep said.