USE OF TITLES

1. Use Miss with the name of an unmarried woman unless another title is more appropriate. In first reference, it is preferable to use the womans first name as well as the last. For example, at first mention in a story, write: Miss Maria Katigbak. Subsequently, she should be referred to as Miss Katigbak. Some newspapers use Ms. in reference to mature woman, whether single or married. 2. In first reference to mature men, use Mr. with the first name and last name, unless another title is more appropriate. In further references to him, use the appropriate title and the last name. 3. Avoid using long and cumbersome titles before a name. do not write Chief of Police Romeo Morales. Instead, write: Romeo Morales, chief of police. 4. Always capitalize a title when it precedes a name: Superintendent Caballero. Do not capitalize titles that follow the name: P.T. Caballero, superintendent of schools. 5. In reference to a Catholic priest, use at first mention the form, Rev. Fr. Reynaldo Arquiza. On second or succeeding references, use Rev. Arquiza or Fr. Arquiza. 6. Upon the first mention of a person in a story, unless that persons position in the community is very well-known, it is best to follow the name with a short descriptive phrase or title that will identify him: Example: Arthur Bariuad, president of the San Lorenzo Homeowners Association. 7. Use the title: Mrs. before the name of a married woman, unless another title is more appropriate. For example, a woman judge or a military officer may prefer a title related to her position. Some married women may prefer Ms.

8. Avoid using a single initial; use both initials and the first name. Write: D.Y. Caparas or Democrito Caparas. Do not write D. Caparas. 9. Titles are abbreviated when used before a persons full name or before his first names initial and his surname. Titles are spelled out when only the surname follows. Example: Prof. Romulo Buenviaje; Prof. R.T. Buenviaje; but Professor Buenviaje. 10. The titles Dr., Mr., and Mrs. Are always abbreviated. But the following titles are not abbreviated: president, secretary, treasurer, director, governor, attorney-general, ambassador, consul-general, minister, mayor, vice mayor, councilor. 11. Congressman (spelled out, not Cong.) is used with a persons surname, as in Congressman Dorado. When the full name is given, use the abbreviated title: Rep. Hermis. Dorado.