THE House of Representatives, the Cebu Provincial Board and Cebu City Council, in separate resolutions, have declared September 21 as Cebu Press Freedom Day.
In a press statement, Cebu Citizens-Press Council (CCPC) executive director Pachico A. Seares thanked the House and the two local legislatures, especially the sponsors of the resolution, for recognizing the media’s role in the community.
“The press week has served, the resolution said, as a ‘compelling reminder for the Cebu media industry to defend press freedom and at the same time submit to accountability’ and it has also symbolized capacity of Cebu media, despite professional and business competition, to unite for worthy goals,’” read the statement.
It was the CCPC, that recommended the legislative declaration.
This year, Cebu’s working press will celebrate Cebu Press Freedom Week (CPFW) from September 19 to 26, its 31st year and 23rd celebration, with Cebu Daily News as the lead convenor.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Content leads the change”, a reference to the fast-changing media landscape in the age of the Internet and the importance of journalism’s enduring values of truth-telling and relevant information.
A Freedom Walk or parade of about 600 media practitioners will take place on Sunday from Plaza Independencia to SM City where opening ceremonies will be held at the Trade Hall.
September 21, which is also the anniversary of Martial Law, has always been the “focal point” in scheduling the moveable celebration, as CPFW is observed on the week of every September that includes September 21.
But it’s only this year that the day is recognized officially as Cebu Press Freedom Day, the CCPC said.
The House, in a plenary session last September 15, approved House Resolution 231, sponsored by Cebu City Rep. Raul del Mar and Misamis Occidental Rep. Jorge Almonte, committee on public information chairman.
The resolution declares September 21 as Cebu Press Freedom Day in the province and cities of Cebu.
The Cebu Provincial Board last September 3 passed Board Resolution 2201, sponsored by Provincial Board Member Raul Alcoseba, also declaring September 21 as Press Freedom Day in the towns and component cities of the province.
On September 16, the Cebu City Council approved Council Resolution No. 13-0703-2015 authored by councilor Hanz Abella, declaring September 21 as Cebu Press Freedom Day in Cebu City.
“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 CCPC, Cebu
News Workers Foundation (Cenewof) and Cebu Press Freedom Week, Inc.” read the resolution authored by Abella.
“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,” it further read.