In Memoriam: Dino Balabo writes 30

COMMUNITY journalism in Bulacan has lost one of its brightest and dedicated journalists.

Dino Balabo— of Mabuhay Newspaper, Mabuhay Newspaper-Bulacan, Punto Central Luzon Newspaper, Business Week, Philippine Star and Radyo Bulacan – succumbed to a cardiac arrest early Monday morning, September 1.

In an emailed statement, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) grieves at the passing of “another pillar of Philippine journalism.”

DINO BALABO | Photo from NUJP website

“He was the unassuming, always smiling, hardworking other half of another giant of journalism, the late Joe Pavia. Yet, notwithstanding his busy professional life, he also chose to share his expertise and love of the profession with succeeding generations as an educator at the Bulacan State University,” the statement added.

The NUJP also said that Balabo’s passing “is a great loss to the NUJP, to Philippine community journalism, and to the continuing struggle for genuine press freedom and freedom of expression in the country.”

“As we pursue our dreams of a truly free Philippine press, you and your example will always serve as in inspiration, Kasamang Dino,” NUJP added in its statement.

Below is the full text of the statement.

On the passing of esteemed community journalist Dino Balabo

Philippine journalism has lost another pillar.

Dino Balabo — of Mabuhay Newspaper, Mabuhay Newspaper-Bulacan, Punto Central Luzon Newspaper, Business Week, Philippine Star and Radyo Bulacan — is a great loss to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, to Philippine community journalism, and to the continuing struggle for genuine press freedom and freedom of expression in the country.

He was the unassuming, always smiling, hardworking other half of another giant of journalism, the late Joe Pavia. Yet, notwithstanding his busy professional life, he also chose to share his expertise and love of the profession with succeeding generations as an educator at the Bulacan State College.

To his family, the Bulacan journalism community, and to the people of Bulacan who he unselfishly served, the NUJP extends our deepest sympathies.

As we pursue our dreams of a truly free Philippine press, you and your example will always serve as in inspiration, Kasamang Dino.

MABUHAY KA!

For reference:
Rowena Paraan
Chairperson