By Alvinson Aligam
Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Communication (PUP COC) students, led by their Student Council held various activities to mark National Press Freedom Day (NPFD).
In collaboration with various media organizations such as Alyansa ng Kabataang Mamamahayag – PUP (AKM), the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) and Altermidya Network, the scholars held events last August 27 and 28 to promote press freedom and media awareness among fellow students.
Last August 27, an educational discussion was held, tackling media safety and the campus press as tool for social change.
The discussion focused on the critical role of the media in advocating for truth as well as the threats to journalists’ safety both inside and outside campuses.
Avon Ang, national coordinator of Altermidya Network, emphasized the ethical responsibilities of journalists:
“The first defense for us as media practitioners is ethical journalism. We should minimize harm to both the subject—the community—and the reporter. We should also be aware of the vulnerabilities of our sources.”
Last August 28, the documentary “The Portraits of the Mosquito Press” portraying the state of media under the Ferdinand Marcos Sr. dictatorship was screened.
The film highlighted alternative media’s role when free expression is targeted by the State.
Martha Bernadette Briol, PUP-COC Student Council secretary general, drew parallels between the past and present of the country’s media landscape:
“The situation of journalists during Marcos Sr.’s regime is not far from what we are seeing under the current administration of Marcos Jr. Journalists continue to experience various forms of intimidation and harassment from the state. We, as members of the media, are encouraged to use our voices and capabilities to fight for the truth, despite the threats we face.”
The students’ commemoration concluded with a rally in front of PUP-Sta. Mesa’s main gate to demand press freedom in the country and the liberty of jailed journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio.
They also called for the swift passage into law of the newly-filed Campus Press Freedom Bill filed at the House of Representatives by youth party Kabataan.
First observed in 2022 and celebrated every August 30, NFDP was created under Republic Act (RA) 11699 in honor of Marcelo H. del Pilar, the father of Philippine journalism.
Meanwhile, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines observed National Press Freedom Day with a forum at the University of the Philippines-College of Media and Communications.
The forum discussed the implications of United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan’s office report on the Philippines as well as the state of the campus press in the country.
CEGP’s event was part of its celebration of the Guild’s 94th founding anniversary. #
(With reports and photos from Shanna Famaloan, Vianca Samonte, Alison Araña, and Martha Bernadette Briol / Altermidya Interns)