O(press)ed Freedom

The press has long served the country good—making sure that transparency is upheld at best and people are fed with nothing but facts. Yet, no matter how hard they endeavor to genuinely become the fourth estate, the one that ensures democracy is a reality we live in, they are shoved to the receiving end of blatant harassment if only to conceal essential truths under the guise of celebratory tactics.

For one, finally acknowledging that democracy includes the media, President Rodrigo Duterte proclaimed July 25 of every year as “National Campus Press Freedom Day.” It stated that the campus press “is an important institution in promoting and protecting the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression,” as journalism is now widely known to be a form of mass media that focuses on empowering the general public.

Other than such recognition for the press in schools, declared by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in December 1993 is also the World Press Freedom Day, which is ideally an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess its state around the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

For instance, the Maguindanao massacre was considered the deadliest assault on journalists globally and the worst journalist-related case of violence in Philippine the current state of our country and feed on our disinterest— tied in a garment of collective mutuality—in political affairs and reluctance to partake in civil discourses. history. The slow judicial process is only aggravated by the culture of impunity under the tyrannical regime of President Duterte, who is waging a bloody war against drugs and whose government has launched a systematic clash against the free press. chains of apoliticism, put voter and civic education front and center, and encourage as many people as we can to do the same. safety protocols dispensed by the Department of Health (DOH).

Despite the government respecting the freedom of the press in general, the present administration has shown no mercy and has been criticized for failing to investigate the summary killings of journalists thoroughly and for subjecting them to harassment and surveillance. The Philippines has been consistently ranked as one of the world’s deadliest and “most murderous” countries for journalists performing their watchdog function.

From within, they are weakened by those who seek to blur the lines between journalism and propaganda. Journalists are not less human than other professionals, and some give in to—or seek out—the temptations of fame, power, and money. Some represent themselves as truth-seekers but deliberately peddle lies to malign their rivals for mere competition or confuse the public.

One can no longer belittle the role of the campus press, much more the Filipino journalists in the field, in the bigger fight to preserve democracy in the Philippines.

From the outside, the press finds itself having to work doubly hard to counter the effects of disinformation, which is compounded by technology’s ability to spread falsehoods in real-time.

Regardless, criticism and dissent are the main components of democracy. When both government officials and the media solely desire what is best for the country, not themselves, they would welcome pointed observations and contrarian opinions to guarantee that they are doing their jobs well.

An independent administration is an impossibility. Without the press and the media, there would be no evidence or hope of clear transparency between the country’s government and its administration. Journalists are the symbols of freedom of expression and the freedom of information in a democratic country. And just like how news movers are considered to be the guard dogs of national democracies, student journalists should be given similar power and the independence to question, investigate, and challenge administrative authority.

Cases of malpractices need to be called out, and above all, it needs to be done in the public eye through the journalistic medium. When administrative negligence is put under public consciousness, the resulting scrutiny will pressure authorities to heed students’ concerns in a prompt and active manner. Campus journalism must not be under the oversight of the governors—which is the administration—but the governed: the students.

One can no longer belittle the role of the campus press, much more the Filipino journalists in the field, in the bigger fight to preserve democracy in the Philippines. Journalism has never been a lucrative career; its rewards come in other forms: the knowledge that journalists have a role in nation-building by reporting without omission or embellishment, by praising when praise is due without the promise of a reward, and by calling out excesses as warranted without the fear of retaliation. This is what it means to be genuinely free. May the Philippine press be genuinely free.

This brief overview of the current preparations for the upcoming elections has also exposed the ulterior characteristics of the Filipino politicians trying to woo the voters: negligent in their obligation to attend electoral debates, oblivious to the significance of having clear ideological principles, and in pursuit of personal gain.

On that account, it is almost easier to slam our eyes shut on

However, ignorance breeds ignorance. Alongside people’s preference to continue to project their sheer neutrality in politics, they also give birth to a whole new generation of children adamant about preserving the pre-existing culture of political oblivion.

Our duty as Filipino citizens does not end with simply casting our vote, unmindful of the candidate’s background and political platform; in fact, it only begins with putting deliberative vigilance.

Therefore, by any means of resistance, and even if we have to wallow in grief, we must continue to break free from the

In a sense, while voter education programs focus on the availability and accessibility of electoral information to all constituents, ensuring the prioritization of the disadvantaged groups while catering to mainstream voters, civic education campaigns supply citizens with information on the socio-economic problems faced by the country, the equality of voting rights bestowed upon men and women, and the value of democracy.

These campaigns also help people understand the importance of dismantling the footing political neutrality holds in the realms of our country, as being apolitical is not just a personal choice but a political choice that people make for themselves and of themselves—a process in which the decision made by the minority shapes, even in the slightest bit, the only options available for the vast majority.

Yet, even though these initiatives have long existed, their undying pitfalls have continued to impede their success. Until now, voter and civic education programs have not achieved universal coverage of the electorate. The difficulties encountered by the people on the registration system also discourage them from proceeding. Because they have not resolved the problems with the prevalence of illiteracy in the marginalized segments of society, the political decisions made by the members of these communities have not stopped getting affected in the worst way possible.

Nonetheless, civil society compatriots have ensured that the continuous development and dissemination of comprehensive strategies that improve the services rendered by the voter and civic education campaigns can persistently outweigh these drawbacks. Ergo, although nowhere near seamlessness, these programs stand as positive initiatives in keeping the voters informed enough to make the right choice and vote for the right person.

A world where we no longer have to worry about politics— one in which we will be okay without talking about the constitution and its essence—may again become the gist of the advocacies of presidential and vice-presidential hopefuls; that of a different voice, of various political colors. It may be that of candidates who have no genuine intention to reform a nation built to their advantage or those whose power can emancipate us from social suffering and ensure a country that can actively work towards a better future. Regardless, a world where we do not have to lie trapped in a rabbit hole is in our hands and for our hands to make. The birth of a world where political neutrality is no longer a luxury exclusive to anyone rich and powerful—anyone who no longer has to live under the roof of government programs—depends on the political decision we are to make. And, at the very heart of it all lies the steady emphasis on conscious efforts to raise political awareness— the demand of time. what’s inside?

Splash of Color

Earth without “art” is just “eh.” It feels like something is missing without it, right? Art could be shown through a picturesque painting, a dynamic dance, melancholic music, or even lovely literature. It’s a way of expressing the emotions, thoughts, and boundless imaginations that run through our minds. Art brings color and fun into the dullness of life. It allows one to be free and creative. The possibilities are endless.

Feature | Page 7

Climate-chained

Scientists chained themselves to the front doors of JPMorgan Chase Bank and to the gate of the White House. A public outcry demanding action to cease a climate crisis. The climate is an important factor that affects the whole component of the ecosystem on earth. Scientists consider its severe changes an ecological emergency. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has claimed the recent Climate Change as “human-induced global warming.”

SciTech | Page 9