
The United Print Media Group (UPMG), the premier organization of top publications in the country, and host of the 2nd Philippine Print Media Congress announced the postponement of the congress. Originally slated for August 9-10 at the Manila Hotel, the congress is tentatively rescheduled for September 6-7. This was disclosed by UPMG president Ricky Alegre and vp-congress chairman Barbie Atienza, at the height of the continuous downpour that has rendered Metro Manila in crisis due to floods and inundated roads.
In responding to the alarming situation due to the unusual weather disturbance and its expected aftermath, the UPMG felt it was imperative to call off the congress. This is because people concerned are expected to be busy in looking after safety and well being of their families and properties even if the weather clears up. This was being sensitive and responsive to the prevalent situation. "Even if it clears up on Thursday (forecast is heavy rains will continue to pour until Thursday), which we all hope for, we know that people will need to fix up homes and offices and also catch up on work, after missing a couple of days", according to chairman Atienza. The new date will be finalized soon as it has to take into consideration the hotel availability, the speakers' schedules and the best, most viable dates for the delegates and others involved. " We will make an announcement as soon as we have the new date", Atienza assured.