Cebu Citizens Press Council

Rationale

Except for a handful of news organizations that have medical insurance, the Cebu media industry finds many of its members without enough means to pay for sustained or palliative medication or, much more, hospitalization. The Cebu Media Medical Aid Fund (Cemmaf) is aimed at helping working journalists defray the cost of hospitalization.

The Cemmaf, established in 2006, has seed money of P4 million, sourced from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Reps. Raul del Mar and Antonio Cuenco. Subsequent donors may come from other members of Congress, government institutions and private or corporate organizations.

The Cebu Newspaper Workers Foundation (Cenewof) acts as the custodian and trustee of the Cemmaf.

A committee composed of three representatives from print and two from broadcast screens applications for availment.

Who are covered by the fund?

Print and broadcast journalists who are duly certified as active practitioners by their editors-in-chief or news directors/station managers, and all other members who are in any way connected with the editorial operations of print and broadcast organizations in Cebu.

What are required from an applicant?

1. A filled-in application form, which is available at the Cenewof secretariat at the MBF Cebu Press Center
2. A photocopy of the medical certificate
3. A photocopy of the latest hospital billing

What ailments or illnesses are covered?

All kinds of ailments and illnesses that require hospitalization

How is the aid given?

A check worth the approved amount of aid is issued in the name of the patient and given to the patient directly.

How is the screening done?

A committee of five members composed of three representatives from the print industry and two from broadcast screens the applications. If the application is approved, the committee directs the Cenewof secretariat, through the government social worker assigned to Cenewof, to prepare the check.