CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The local media community here mourned in 2024 the loss of several colleagues who played key roles in fostering press freedom and strengthening ties with stakeholders.

On June 2, Henry Lasola, one of the oldest members of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC), passed away at 86.

Lasola, a veteran radio broadcaster, began his career at the defunct DXOR and worked with various radio stations over the decades.

Known for his mastery of the Cebuano language, he contributed to numerous translation projects and participated in local history events organized by the city government.

Lawyer Gil Banaag, publisher of the community newspaper Golden Banner, died Nov. 2 at 63. He served as a COPC board member and was widely respected for his work in media and law. He was active in community initiatives, particularly those involving real estate professionals and public sector stakeholders.

Eighteen days later, Monsignor Elmer Abacahin passed away, also at 63. While much of his work centered on his role in the Catholic Church, Abacahin was a staunch defender of press freedom.

He served as the 39th president of the COPC from 2012 to 2017, during which he organized press freedom rallies and spoke against injustices on media workers.

“He was a fierce advocate for press freedom, speaking out against injustices and organizing press freedom rallies to defend media workers,” former Labor Commissioner Proculo Sarmen said in his eulogy.

On Dec. 14, award-winning journalist, poet, and writer Lina Sagaral-Reyes passed away at 63.

The COPC described her as “an invaluable member of the media community,” highlighting her contributions as a director of the COPC Journalism Institute and her collaborations to improve media practices.

Reyes was also a recipient of the prestigious Palanca Awards for Literature in 1987 for poetry, underscoring her impact on the Philippine literary scene.

“A multi-awarded journalist and artist through the years, she was an advocate for women’s rights and better access to mental health services for all,” the COPC said in a statement. (PNA)