Representative Del Mar wants September 21 declared Press Freedom Day

CEBU, Philippines – As the multiple sectors of Cebu media are set to kick off the Press Freedom Week celebration on Sunday, Cebu City north district Representative Raul del Mar filed House Resolution No. 2354 declaring September 21 of each year as Cebu Press Freedom Day.

Del Mar said this is in recognition of local media’s contribution to Cebu’s growth and progress.

He said the annual commemoration – held in the third week of each September that includes September 21, the anniversary of the declaration of martial law – is celebration of media freedom and a reaffirmation of media responsibility, a shining example of how community media can be both a watchdog of government and catalyst for social change.

“Cebu media has shown through the years its commitment to high standards of craft and values in journalism and its efforts to police its own ranks through such organizations as the Cebu Citizens-Press Council (CCPC), Cebu News Workers Foundation (Cenewof), and Cebu Press Freedom Week, Inc.,” del Mar said.

Also, Del Mar said, Cebu media has stood out among community news organizations in the country, as shown by many national awards in journalism competitions, reaping honors not just for themselves but also for Cebu and Cebuanos.

“Cebu Press Freedom Week has served as compelling reminder for the Cebu media community and industry to defend press freedom and at the same time submit to accountability; it has also symbolized capacity of Cebu media, despite professional and business competition, to unite for worthy goals,” he said.

Del Mar stressed that it will bring more meaning to the celebration if one day of Cebu Press Freedom Week is recognized as Cebu Press Freedom Day. —/NSA (FREEMAN)