Cebu Citizens-Press Council

STATEMENT OF THE CEBU CITIZENS-PRESS COUNCIL ON THE DECLARATION BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF SEPT. 21 AS CEBU PRESS FREEDOM DAY
Sept. 9, 2015

A day in the 2015 Cebu Press Freedom Week, Sept. 19 to 26, will be observed for the first time as Cebu Press Freedom Day. And that is Sept. 21, a Monday.

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, anniversary of martial law, 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 Pachico Seares, executive director of Cebu Citizens-Press Council (CCPC) which initiated the legislative recognition.

Full text of the House resolution authored by Rep. Raul del Mar of Cebu City:

House Resolution 2354 declaring Sept. 21 of each year as Cebu Press Freedom Day in Cebu in recognition of media’s contribution to Cebu’s growth and progress

WHEREAS, the multiple sectors of media in Cebu—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;

WHEREAS, the annual commemoration—held in the week of each September that includes Sept. 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 catalyst of social change;

WHEREAS, Cebu media has shown through the years its commitment to high standards 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 News Workers Foundation (Cenewof) and Cebu Press Freedom Week Inc.;

WHEREAS, 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;

WHEREAS, Cebu Press Freedom Week has served as compelling reminder for the Cebu media community and industry to defend press freedom and at the same time submit to accountability; it has also symbolized capacity of Cebu media, despite professional and business competition, to unite for worthy goals;

WHEREAS, it will bring more meaning to the celebration if one day of Cebu Press Freedom Week is recognized as Cebu Press Freedom Day, which day shall be Sept. 21 of each year,

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, that Sept. 21 of each year be declared as Cebu Press Freedom Day in the province and cities of Cebu.