Marcos Jr. pays tributes to journalists at publishers' group anniversary | ABS-CBN

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Marcos Jr. pays tributes to journalists at publishers' group anniversary

Marcos Jr. pays tributes to journalists at publishers' group anniversary

Jeffrey Hernaez,

ABS-CBN News

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MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. paid tribute to journalists during his attendance at the 50th anniversary of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI).

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In his speech, the president expressed his gratitude to the publishers of various newspapers for their continued efforts in delivering accurate and essential information to the public.

“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 you upheld with every word, every story, and every truth you fought hard to tell,” the president said.

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“After all, the true measure of journalism is not just about telling stories and writing headlines; it is about standing firm even when the ground beneath you begins to shake,” Marcos Jr. added.

The president also reminded journalists of the challenges ahead, brought about by rapid changes in technology, including the rise of social media.

“The road ahead may be riddled with challenges, but remember—great things are never easy. With the rise of new technology, we face a different kind of enemy,” he said.

“Misinformation, cyber libel threats, [and] the relentless pressures of the digital age have added layers of complexity in ensuring press freedom. Every post, every share, every careless click—these are the new battlegrounds,” Marcos Jr. said.

The president emphasized that everyone must work together in the fight against misinformation, particularly on social media, including combating “anonymous troll farms and the deliberate spread of conspiracy theories”.

“So I call on every Filipino: 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.

“Sa Bagong Pilipinas, walang puwang ang kasinungalingan. Sama-sama tayong titindig sa katotohanan,” the president added.

He explained that this is why the government is promoting the Media and Information Literacy Campaign to equip everyone, especially the youth, with the knowledge to combat misinformation and disinformation.

He also highlighted the importance of remembering journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Among those mentioned by the president were journalists Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa, Juan “DJ Johnny Walker” Jumalon, and Cresenciano Bundoquin.

“They are not just names in a report; they are faces with families, colleagues, and communities that grieve their loss… And yet, even as we mourn, let us find resolve,” said the president.

He also urged journalists to foster responsible journalism, as it can help the public “make proper, intelligent, well-informed decisions about their leaders, their situation, and their condition.”

“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,” Marcos Jr. reminded.

Meanwhile, PAPI Chairman Emeritus Johnny Dayang stated that the primary goal of the organization is to safeguard local newspapers and promote press freedom.

“Sa loob ng mahabang panahon, ang samahang ito'y nagsumikap na manatiling tapat sa layunin nitong, una, itaguyod ang kapakanan ng mga lokal na pahayagan sa mga komunidad sa iba't ibang lalawigan ng kapuluan; ikalawa, ipagtanggol at itaguyod ang kalayaan ng pamamahayag at mga mamahayag sa bansa, at ikatlo, itaguyod ang dangal ng giornalismo at propesyon ng paglalathala sa Pilipinas, he said.

(For a long time, this association has worked hard to remain true to its goals: first, to uphold the welfare of local newspapers in communities across various provinces; second, to defend and promote press freedom and journalists in the country; and third, to uphold the dignity of journalism and the profession of publishing in the Philippines.)

PAPI was established in 1974 by media to address the challenges the media industry faced during Martial Law.

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