When I was a child, my mother tearing the paper with “April” on its heading from our calendar made me eagerly anticipate the arrival of the month of May—marked with vibrant celebrations.
Until my perspective shifted upon entering Sintang Paaralan where I confronted the stark realities of societal challenges. Suddenly, the excitement for May waned as I became more aware of the pervasive issues confronting our citizens, shaping each and one of us.
Now, as part of the country’s media landscape, this month holds a glimmer of hope, as the third of May stands as a poignant reminder of how the world continues to advocate for genuine press freedom.
Currently, the Philippines ranks 134th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, highlighting the ongoing state-led suppression of journalists and media outlets. Instances such as the ABS-CBN shutdown in 2020, the persecution of Nobel laureate and Rappler's CEO Maria Ressa, the alarming trend of public officials red-tagging journalists, and the censorship within school publications underscore the grave challenges facing press freedom, further stifling free expression.
Within the PUP College of Communication, what are the ways that students do to truly champion and uphold the principles of a free press?
Echoing Voices from COC Alumni
For Howie Regalado, BA Journalism graduate and former president of the PUP Journalism Guild, press freedom is indeed being practiced within the campus environment. He emphasized that academic organizations enjoy the liberty to voice their concerns and steadfastly support causes they hold dear.
Howie also underscores the significance of providing a safe space for individuals advocating for genuine press freedom. He highlighted that ensuring the safety of those who champion this cause fosters healthier discussion in both local and global states. Whereas this environment enables individuals to fearlessly speak out without the threat of censorship or online attacks, ultimately facilitating more meaningful dialogue on critical issues.
Contrarily, Axell Swen Lumiguen has different views. His experience, including his involvement with The Communicator and as a volunteer at Pinoy Weekly—an alternative publication for marginalized sectors—led him to a different perspective.
As a journalism graduate, Axell found solace in the streets of Mendiola, gaining first-hand insight into the different conflicts plaguing the country.
His passion for advocating genuine press freedom was ignited by witnessing the plight of marginalized sectors in society, juxtaposed against the dismissive attitude of powerful figures towards the masses. This disparity fueled his determination to fight for a media environment that amplifies the voices of the oppressed and holds the powerful to account.
“Sa naging stay ko sa PUP, practiced siya, pero hindi siya prioritized; practiced pero violated; practiced pero disregarded,” he expressed.
Axell’s hesitations to voice his concerns stems from the prevalence of red-tagging within the university, sometimes even perpetrated by professors, and instances of censorship faced by student publications, particularly when addressing campus-related issues. He has also observed power dynamics at play, where officials and administrators misuse their authority to silence students expressing dissenting opinions on certain matters.
These circumstances created a challenging environment for Axell, prompting him to retreat from vocalizing his concerns.
However, he still found support within a community of like-minded individuals who shared his interests and advocacies. They became his safe space, providing him the encouragement and validation needed to continue advocating for a genuine free press despite the obstacles he encountered.
Empowering the Unheard through COCians
Students are now elevating voices, raising awareness, and fortifying collective stand and fight. This one-fight effort is not solely aimed at dismantling the unjust and oppressive systems, but to endure chances for the betterment for the people, for the country.
“Naniniwala ako [na] ang bawat isa sa atin ay may kani-kaniyang boses. Ngunit hindi lahat ay may lakas ng loob upang tumindig at suungin ang miltanteng pakikibaka. [...] Hindi kaya ng diwa kong pakinggan lamang ang hiyaw ng masa,” expressed Kyla Vivero, third-year Journalism student and Sandigan ng Mag-aaral Para sa Sambayanan (SAMASA) PUP member.
Kyla asserted that press freedom thrives and is manifested within the campus, as evident in her ability to express herself genuinely, courageously, and patriotically as a student-leader. Yet, concerns have arisen with the abrogation of the PUP-DND accord two years ago as police and military have been observed operating on campus.
She elaborated that as a student-journalist, the ability to defend press freedom knows no bounds. The extensive and immeasurable efforts are impeded by the frivolous lawsuits piled against activists, journalists, and media practitioners.
“Madalas akong sumama sa pagpakat sa loob at labas ng campus. Kumakausap ako ng kapwa-estudyante, mga manggagawa, at kung sinu-sino pa upang alamin ang disposisyon nila sa buhay at ang pag-unawa nila tungkol sa isang napapanahong isyu. Makipagdayalogo sa kanila tungkol sa isyu upang mas palalimin pa ang pag-unawa nila kung sakaling hindi lubos na nauunawaan,” she explained.
While for Mark Noel Arevalo, third-year Bachelor in Advertising and Public Relations student, PUP is miles ahead of other universities in terms of upholding press freedom. Noel has experienced the struggles of ordinary Filipinos first-handedly; this pushes him to stand up for and represent the unheard, mistreated, and oppressed in his own little ways.
“Throughout the years, publications, student bodies, and students have been vocal with their stance publicly. There have been multiple attempts to silence PUPians but they will never topple the spirit of a true PUPian who embodies the saying ‘Lagi’t lagi para sa bayan.’ But of course, some are labeled with names just because they express their opinions with whatever is going on in this world,” Noel said in an interview.
As part of the PUP Office of the Student Regent, he was immersed in societal and institutional issues with ease.
“With this, I’m able to speak on behalf of the students through administrative work, resolving their concerns by passing on requests and acting as a bridge between the PUP studentry and the admins,” Noel added.
A Call for Media’s Safe Space: Defend Press Freedom!
World Press Freedom Day is not solely about defending the media from attacks, but also safeguarding their independence and honoring the journalists who have dedicated and lost their lives in practicing the profession, serving the country, and upholding the truth.
“Hindi na madali ang gampanin natin dahil bukod sa pagod ng mismong trabaho, halos nakalubog pa ‘yung isang paa natin sa hukay dahil sa panganib na dala ng trabaho natin, dahil nga alam ng mga naghahari-harian kung gaano kalaking kapangyarihan ang dala ng ating mga salita,” Axell strongly expressed.
“Ngayong World Press Freedom Day, importanteng alalahanin natin kung bakit nananawagan pa rin tayo para makamtan ang malayang pamamahayag. Hindi rin dapat matapos ang panawagang ito sa araw na ito. Hangga’t hindi ligtas ang bawat mamamahayag sa bayang ito, tuloy ang laban!” Kyla addressed with conviction
May their narratives enrich your perspective—within the media, among the student body, and throughout the university.
As integral members of the media landscape, we aspire to be a nation free from intimidation, harassment, threats, dangers, and censorship. We seek a genuine free press, committed to integrity, transparency, and the pursuit of truth.
In this month of May, let us hold our heads high, fists clenched, stand firm, and continue fighting for press freedom.
Article: Glaiza Chavez & Gerie Consolacion
Graphics: Aldreich Pascual
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