Arroyo lauds late RMN founder

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Saturday lauded the late Don Henry Canoy for his legacy in broadcast journalism, even as she sympathized with his family, friends and associates for their loss. In a statement on the Office of the Press Secretary Web site (www.news.ops.gov.ph), Mrs Arroyo cited Canoy for elevating local radio as "exponents of rural progress and development." "Henry Canoy elevated local radio as exponents of rural progress and development. His legacy in the field of broadcast journalism goes beyond the airwaves of Radio Mindanao Network and into the realm of genuine service to the country," she said. A statement on the Radio Mindanao Network site (www.rmn.ph) said Canoy, born in Cagayan de Oro on Nov. 1, 1923, died Friday, May 16. He was born to a family of teachers and traders but chose broadcasting, being influenced by brother Reuben. Canoy set up dxCC, the first radio station in Cagayan de Oro City on Aug. 28, 1952. He thought of harnessing radio for public service, noting that Manila-based newspapers were the main source of news at the time. He also set up the Jambalaya Fund Drive, the first public service program of dxCC that paved the way for community service via radio. In 2002, Arroyo lauded Canoy for his responsible broadcast journalism. "Deka-dekada man ang lumipas ang mga kaalamang naibahagi sa lahat ng itinuturing na Ama ng Radio Mindanao Network na si Henry Canoy ay hindi na lilipas pa, ang kanyang mga pangarap na nabigyang katuparan ay patuloy na bubuhayin sa mga darating pang panahon (Decades have passed but Canoy's hopes and aspirations will live on)," the RMN website said. - GMANews.TV