UPMG induction of 2025-2027 Officers & Board of Directors & awarding of Top Advertisers & Agencies

by Info @Business | Apr. 10, 2025

PAST PRESIDENT OF UPMG MR. BARBIE ATIENZA AND THE NEW PRESIDENT OF UPMG VIVIENNE A. MOTOMAL

United Print Media & Multimedia Group Philippines ( UPMG), the progressive organization of print media and publication companies, held its 1st General Membership meeting for year 2025 last March 26, 2025 at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel to officially welcome the new UPMG Officers & Board of Directors and at the same time award the Top Advertisers & Ad Agencies for year 2024.

UPMG, is composed of publication companies like major dailies, broadsheets, magazines, and tabloids which advocates the safeguarding of the interest of Philippine print media by vigorously working towards the standardization of its policies and

regulations as well as its values and ethical practices especially with the advent of digital era.

During the event, keynote speaker and inducting officer SENATOR GRACE POE emphasized the significance of print media in today’s society saying, “Despite the rise of digital media, it is widely agreed upon that print media remains relevant for several reasons: 1st , its perceived credibility, trust, and reliability, 2nd, its tangibility and the unique physical and lasting experience it offers; and 3rd, its diversity.”

Senator Poe acknowledged print media’s power to combat disinformation and misinformation through its rigorous fact-checking process overseen by the editorial team.

It can also reach diverse demographics including those who may not have access to the internet or have visual impairments” she continued. “ Print remains a section in the media today because it is seen as a bastion of accountability and responsibility.. Lastly, Sen. Poe mentioned that Print Media is a source of credible information..

A NEW ERA of UPMG

During the event, UPMG officially introduced and inducted the new set of Officers & Board of Directors for the year 2025-2027.

The new set of Officers and Board of Directors, led by President VIVIENNE A. MOTOMAL of the Journal Group of Publications , took their oath of office before Senator GRACE L. POE. The newly Inducted officers were;Angel Guerrero of Adobo Magazine as Vice-president, Jeannette Domingues of Business World as Corporate Secretary, Sherly Baula of Chinese Commercial News as Treasurer, Roda-Alonzo Zabat of Manila Times as Auditor, Aldwin Tolosa of Business Mirror as Public Relations Officer, Jhong Arcano of Inquirer of Philippine Daily Inquirer as Director, Edna Abong of Pilipino Star Ngayon & Freeman as Director and Carol Agabin of Gadgets as Director and Eve Bacani of Inquirer as Credit & Review Board Head.

As the 5th President of UPMG, Ms. Motomal felt immense pride and gratitude in her newly bestowed position, envisioning a more dynamic and energetic UPMG team to elevate the print industry to new heights.

“I am confident that this 2025-2027 team can revive the glory of print and strengthen its presence in the industry, be it advertising, editorial and readership.”Ms. Motomal said.

She added that: For the next two years, this team has envisioned the following: We will continue the partnerships with the different government offices as started by past President Atienza, we shall also continue close coordination and partnerships with the different industry organizations like PANA, 4A’s, ASC and others.

During her term, Ms. Motomal aims to reach out to the youth to rekindle the passion and interest to read newspapers, magazines and books through print campaigns among others.

“ Thus , we invite the digital platforms to be a member of UPMG and explore the possibilities of reaching all sectors of society.. We shall not compete but we shall collaborate. A mixed media platform shall be part of this collaboration” Ms. Motomal mentioned, recognizing the power of social media and its potential more so if mixed with the print media reaching all audiences.

Immediate past president, Mr. Barbie Atienza of Manila Bulletin, expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him over its eight-year term and conveyed his best wishes for the

UPMG’s future under the newly chosen leaders. As I step down I am confident that under the helm of the new leader Ms. Vi Motomal, and its officers, UPMG is in great hands. Trust our mission. Atienza added.

UPMG BOARD AND OFFICERS WITH THE TOP ADVERTISERS AND TOP AGENCIES FOR YEAR 2024

THE HEADLINERS 2024 WINNERS

Another highlight of the event was “The Headliners Award” which recognized the top performing advertisers and Ad agencies who exemplified loyal patronage and continued support in the power of print media.

Leading the roster of top advertisers were: City of Makati, Robinsons Land, BDO, Federal Land, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Meralco, Megaworld, Toyota, and Pag-ibig, with SM SUPERMALLS securing the top position among advertisers.

While the top advertising Agencies were led by STARCOM, IPG Media Brands, Medialine, PHD, and Astra Media.

SM Supermalls Vice-President for corporate Marketing Ms. Grace Victoria Fornier Magno thanked UPMG for naming SM Supermalls “The Headliner 2024 Top Advertiser”

emphasizing the enduring value the company places on print media with their long-standing partnerships with publication companies.

“In SM Supermalls, we like to celebrate Filipino culture and connect with our customers and we think that the only media that gives credibility is really print,”

Ms. Magno shared, highlighting the crucial role of print media in disseminating information. “ It’s a symbol of trust and prestige when you are in a

newspaper and in the frontpages.”

Jace Suzara, Group Media Director-Head of Constellation of STARCOM, also reiterated the veracity of the medium in providing information.

“ Print Media nowadays, is a symbol of trust and credibility. At the time when misinformation and digital clutter are pervasive, print remains the beacon of reliability” he affirmed. “Print media has not only endured the test of time and continues to thrive.

They continue to provide us with resilience and adaptability” He added, “ One thing that print offers versus other mediums is the sensory experience that can only be done by print medium. The weight of a newspaper, the texture of a magazine, and the vibrant colors of a well-designed advertisement, these elements create a connection that goes

beyond the screen.”