Philippine city celebrates National Journalism Liberty Day in Cebu
On August 30, 2025, National Press Freedom Day was observed across the country, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and media practitioners. This year, the focus shifted towards the survival and security of the media industry, with a forum held at the Marcelo Fernan Cebu Press Center to address these concerns.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), Public Attorney's Office (PAO), local media practitioners, students from various universities, and Cebu Journalism and Journalists (CJJ).
Regional Public Attorney Maria G-Ree Calinawan detailed the services the PAO can provide to media practitioners. These include legal advice and documentation, which are crucial in navigating the complexities of the industry. To qualify for PAO's services, a media professional's net income should not exceed P22,000 in Cebu, P24,000 in the National Capital Region, and P20,000 in other provinces. Calinawan also emphasised that these services are available to campus journalists who are considered indigent.
Ariel Sebelleno, PPI executive director, discussed the "existential crisis" journalism faced during the pandemic. He noted the rise of content creators as a challenge to media survival, as well as the issue of legitimate media content being "scrapped" by larger online entities. However, Sebelleno expressed optimism that the post-pandemic state of journalism is gradually returning to its normal form, with the public increasingly returning to legitimate media outlets due to their "consistency of credibility."
Sebelleno also suggested that discussions on media survival should be prioritised alongside topics like media ethics and excellence. He emphasised the importance of these discussions, stating that they are crucial for the continued growth and development of the media industry.
Lawyer and media professor Ian Vincent Manticajon reported at least 11 killings, multiple shooting attempts, and various harassment cases against journalists between 1949 and 2024. Unfortunately, many of these cases remain unsolved. Calinawan explained that the PAO is mandated to help anyone, including those going against government personnel or officials, as long as the case is meritorious.
The forum served as a platform for open discussion and collaboration, with all parties committed to ensuring the survival and security of the media industry. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential that these discussions continue, and that all stakeholders work together to address the challenges faced by journalists and media practitioners.
