Sept. 21 Sought as Cebu Press Freedom Day

Separate resolutions have been filed in the House of Representatives and local legislatures in Cebu seeking the declaration of Sept. 21, the anniversary of martial law, as Cebu Press Freedom Day.

Members of the Cebu media observe the 2015 Cebu Press Freedom Week on Sept. 19 to 16.

Resolutions in House of Representatives, Cebu Provincial Board and Cebu City Council would declare Sept. 21 as a special day, though not a holiday, in Cebu “to recognize and honor media’s contribution to the growth and progress” of the province, its towns and cities.

Sept. 21 has been a focal point in every Cebu Press Freedom Week.

The moveable celebration is the week of each September that includes Sept. 21.

Sept. 21 is most logical for a Cebu Press Freedom Day, said lawyer Pachico Seares, executive director of Cebu Citizens-Press Council (CCPC) which initiated the legislative recognition.

Rep. Raul del Mar of Cebu City’s north district filed House Resolution No. 2354 seeking the declaration of Sept. 21 as Cebu Press Freedom Day.

The resolution cited the fact that the multiple sectors of media in Cebu, including print, radio and television and online news outlets have celebrated Cebu Press Freedom Week for three decades now, this year being its 31st year and 23rd celebration.

“The annual commemoration, held in the week of each September that includes September 21, anniversary of the declaration of martial law, is a celebration of media freedom and a reaffirmation of media responsibility; a shining example of how community media can be both a watchdog of government and catalystof social change,” the proposed resolution reads.

It also said the Cebu media has shown through the years its commitment to highstandards of craft and values in journalism and its efforts to police its own ranks through such organizations as the Cebu Citizens-Press Council (CCPC), Cebu NewsWorkers Foundation (Cenewof), and Cebu Press Freedom Week, Inc.

The Cebu media has stood out among community news organizations in the country, as shown by many national awards in journalism competitions, reaping honors not just for themselves but also for Cebu and Cebuanos, it said. (PNA) LAP/EB/SSC