NUJP Iloilo and World Press Freedom Day

By Alex P. Vidal

“A free press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad.”— Albert Camus

ON May 3, 1991, we (Diosa Labiste, Nereo Lujan, Femia Pedregosa, Danny Alcoriza, and yours truly) held our first meeting at 2 o’clock in the afternoon at the old Mansion House on J.M. Basa Street, Iloilo City to organize the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)-Iloilo Chapter.

Nereo, now an Iloilo capitol executive, was appointed by then NUJP national chair Leo Santiago as interim president. We elected Limuel Celebria as the first NUJP-Iloilo president thereafter.

The significance of this date was it coincided with the World Press Freedom Day, which has been observed annually on May 3rd, a significant day honoring and upholding the fundamental principles of press freedom.

It is a call to action, urging us to advocate for the independence of the media and the protection of journalists. It recognizes the vital role that a free and independent press plays in upholding the public’s right to information and holding those in power accountable.

The Government of Chile and UNESCO hosted the 31st World Press Freedom Day Conference in Santiago this year, with the theme for 2024 being “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”

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World Press Freedom Day this year was dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

Awareness of all aspects of the global environmental crisis and its consequences is essential to build democratic societies. Journalistic work is indispensable for this purpose, according to the United Nations.

It added that journalists encounter significant challenges in seeking and disseminating information on contemporary issues, such as supply-chains problems, climate migration, extractive industries, illegal mining, pollution, poaching, animal trafficking, deforestation, or climate change.

Ensuring the visibility of these issues is crucial for promoting peace and democratic values worldwide.

In the context of the world’s triple planetary crisis —climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution— dis-/misinformation campaigns challenge knowledge and scientific research methods. Attacks on the validity of science pose a serious threat to pluralistic and informed public debate. Indeed, misleading and false information about climate change can, in some cases, undermine international efforts to address them.

Dis-/misinformation about environmental issues can lead to a lack of public and political support for climate action, effective policies, and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by climate change, as well as of women and girls, as climate change tends to exacerbate existing inequalities.

To achieve sustainable development, it is necessary for journalists to report accurately, timely, and comprehensively on environmental issues and their consequences, as well as on possible solutions.

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The UN said this requires a comprehensive strategy that includes:

-Preventing and protecting against crimes committed against journalists.

-Ensuring the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of scientific research, and access to key sources of information, in addition to combating dis-/misinformation through journalism.

-Promoting the plurality, diversity, and viability of media, especially regional, local, indigenous, and/or community-based media.

-Ensuring that the governance of digital platforms foster the transparency of technology companies, their accountability, due diligence, user empowerment, and content moderation and curation based on international human rights’ standards, as indicated in UNESCO’s Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms.

-Promoting Media and Information Literacy programs to empower users with skills to engage and think critically in the digital environment

As we commemorated World Press Freedom Day on May 3, we reflect on the importance of free and independent media and recommit ourselves to the protection and promotion of this fundamental human right as together.

We can ensure that journalists can continue to fulfill their vital role in informing and empowering the public without fear of reprisal or censorship.

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Here are some World Freedom Press Day quotes, wishes, images, and more below:

1. Celebrating the voices that bring us the truth. Happy World Press Freedom Day!
2. To all journalists worldwide: your courage in telling the truth makes a difference. Wish you a safe and free Press Freedom Day.
3. In honor of World Press Freedom Day, let’s remember the importance of a free press in keeping societies informed and accountable.
4. May the press always be free, and the truth never be a casualty. Wishing everyone a reflective World Press Freedom Day.
5. Here’s to defending and celebrating the journalists who face challenges every day to report the truth. Happy World Press Freedom Day!
6. Wishing all journalists and media professionals a very Happy Press Freedom Day 2024! May your courage and dedication continue to illuminate the truth and foster transparency in our society.
7. On World Press Freedom Day, let’s celebrate the essential role of the free press in upholding democracy and safeguarding human rights. Here’s to fearless journalism and informed citizens in 2024!
8. Happy Press Freedom Day 2024! May this day remind us of the importance of protecting press freedom as a pillar of democracy and a watchdog of justice and equality.
9. As we celebrate Press Freedom Day 2024, let us commit to supporting and defending the rights of journalists around the world to report freely and without fear. Your voices are vital.
10. This Press Freedom Day, let’s honor those who bring us the news with integrity and bravery. Wishing a safe and free journalistic environment for all media professionals in 2024!
11. On World Press Freedom Day, we recognize the essential work of journalists who strive to keep the public informed. May 2024 bring you greater freedom and protection as you continue your vital role in society.
12. Wishing everyone a thoughtful World Press Freedom Day 2024! May we all appreciate and uphold the freedom of the press, recognizing its critical role in our democracy and our lives.
13. Wishing a courageous Press Freedom Day to all journalists who tackle the environmental crisis through their reporting. May your efforts lead to greater awareness and prompt global action to safeguard our environment.
14. This Press Freedom Day, we celebrate the fearless and dedicated journalists who bring critical environmental stories to light. Thank you for being the voice of our planet during these critical times. Keep inspiring change!
15. Happy World Press Freedom Day! We celebrate the strength and bravery of journalists everywhere. Your dedication to unveiling the truth makes the world a better place.
16. Wishing everyone a thoughtful World Press Freedom Day 2024! May we all appreciate and uphold the freedom of the press, recognizing its critical role in our democracy and our lives.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)