PICC, Pasay City
September 20, 2024
“As we mark the 50th Anniversary of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc., we celebrate not just the pages that you have printed but the values that you have upheld with every word, every story, and every truth you fought hard to tell,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated when he graced the 50th Anniversary of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
In his message, President Marcos Jr. lauded the organization’s pivotal role in championing press freedom and truth in journalism, emphasizing its critical role in society. “The true measure of journalism is not just about telling stories and writing headlines; it is about standing firm even when the ground beneath our feet begins to shake,” he said.
Reflecting on PAPI’s journey since its inception in 1974, the President noted the organization’s transformation from a small non-profit media group to a powerful defender of press freedom and community values. “You are the vigilant vanguards of our communities and the tireless defenders of press freedom,” he stated, highlighting the importance of journalism in documenting the lives and struggles of ordinary Filipinos.
Addressing the contemporary challenges posed by misinformation and the digital age, the Chief Executive urged every Filipino to be vigilant. “Do not just fight; lead the change. Verify, question and hold the line. We have a duty to protect the sanctity of facts, not just as citizens, but as guardians of our shared reality,” he said, calling for a collective effort to safeguard the truth in an era dominated by social media and digital communication.
“Sa Bagong Pilipinas, walang puwang ang kasinungalingan. Sama-sama tayong titindig sa katotohanan,” he added, reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing media and information literacy, particularly among the youth, to combat the spread of false information.
The President also honored journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of truth, remembering the legacies of figures such as Percival ‘Percy Lapid’ Mabasa, Juan ‘DJ Johnny Walker’ Jumalon, Cresenciano Bundoquin and many others. “These are not just names in a report; they are faces with families and communities that grieve their loss,” he added, promising to strengthen protection for journalists.
“As we mark this golden milestone, I urge you to keep pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a journalist. Innovate. Adapt. But never compromise your principles,” President Marcos Jr. said, pledging the Administration’s support and emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism for an informed citizenry as he concluded his message.
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