Designated Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles. Contributed photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) welcomed incoming press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles on Wednesday as the agency’s outgoing officials turned over leadership to the incoming administration.
In a ceremony on Wednesday, outgoing PCOO secretary Martin Andanar handed over pertinent documents of the agency to Cruz-Angeles.
Andanar said that with a new set of officials to lead PCOO, he hopes they would continue the projects and programs his administration started.
Among these programs and projects are “the upgrade of facilities of public media assets, including at the PNA, PTV, PIA, PBS, RTVM, and the BCS; the realization of the goals for the Government Communications Academy, the Mindanao Media Hub, and the Visayas Media Hub; strengthened ties with both local and international media likewise a more fruitful cooperation with our allied countries.”
“To our successors, may you continue to exhibit what real public service is and manifest a sense of determination to serve the common interests of the public. May you continue to support and pursue PCOO advocacies and aspirations of empowering every Filipino through correct and professional information delivery,” Andanar said in a statement.
The outgoing PCOO secretary added that the new set of officials must remain committed to fight Freedom of Information, advocating for media personnel’s protection, and in pushing for the passage of the Media Workers Welfare bill.
House Bill No. 8140 or the Media Workers Welfare Act will help media workers to receive the prescribed minimum wage by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.
Under the bill, media workers are also entitled to overtime and night shift pay, as well as insurance that includes death benefits, disability benefits, and medical benefits.
Andanar expressed confidence in Angeles in leading the PCOO.
‘Change must be managed’
Meanwhile, Angeles reminded everyone in the PCOO to expect change under her leadership.
“Change must be managed. It is inevitable so you must face it. What we’re doing now is facing changes. There are some here who I will be seeing more and there are some who will be moving forward. Either way, you’re going to be managing some kind of change. But our success is determined by our ability not just to manage them but to adapt with them,” she said.
Last May, Atty. Vic Rodriguez confirmed that Angeles accepted President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s offer to lead the PCOO as press secretary.
Angeles already worked in the PCOO as a social media strategist, and in relation to her new job, she also became a spokeswoman for the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
She also hosted a program in DWIZ and also maintains a YouTube channel.
During the turnover, Ina Reformina, Greggy Eugenio, Marlon Purificacion, Bobby RicoHermoso, Emerald Ridao, Andrei del Rosario, Atty. Eugene Rodriguez, Dale De Vera, Kitz Barja, Aristotle Aguilar, and Jan Paul Songsong were named as new officials that will serve alongside Angeles. — Nicole Faye Agcaoili, INQUIRER.net trainee