The birthdate of Philippine revolution propagandist Marcelo H. Del Pilar every August 30 of each year will be commemorated as the National Press Freedom Day under a bill passed on third and final reading in the House of Representatives.
The legislative chamber registered on Wednesday, June 2 a 203-0 voting to approve House Bill No. 9182 that proposes to honor and recognize Del Pilar’s contribution to Philippine freedom.
A consolidation of two bills, HB 9182 also recognizes the “vital role of the press in nation building and in increasing awareness of press freedom as a tool towards” orderly society and transparent governance.
Defended on the floor by Cagayan Rep. Joseph “Jojo” L. Lara, chairman of the House Committee on Public Information, HB 9182 contained the bills authored by Reps. Elizaldy S. Co and Alfredo Garbin of Ako Bicol Partylist and Jose Antonio R. Sy-Alvarado of Bulacan.
The bill provides that a meaningful celebration of the National Press Freedom Day be observed by directing the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, government-owned and controlled corporations and local government units to conduct activities related to the annual event.
On the other hand, the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education and Technical Educations and Skills Development Authority are also enjoined to organize “consciousness-raising activities on the importance of the press, their rights and social responsibilities and the elimination of all forms of violence against the press.” Co and Garbin had originally proposed November 23 to honor the country’s journalists. The date coincides with the massacre in 2009 of 57 people, most of them journalists, in Maguindanao.
“the Philippine Press Freedom Day seeks to promote and uphold freedom and heighten awareness of press freedom, so that journalists may freely and securely report the truth no matter who gets hurt by it,” said the Ako Bicol solons.
Sy-Alvarado said the proposed National Press Freedom Day was initially aimed at honoring Del Pilar who is known as the father of Philippine Journalism.
“If favorably passed into law, it will remind us of the patriotic deeds of Marcelo H. Del PIlar and inspire people to emulate his example of selfless service, exceptional courage and leadership that gave hope to our Motherland during a critical time in our country’s history,” said Sy-Alvarado.