President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has vowed to continue working "hand-in-hand" with media to strengthen press freedom, assuring media practitioners of the state's continued commitment to protecting them and their rights in the practice of their profession.

President Marcos answers the questions of the media onboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR001 following his visit to Tokyo, Japan, in February 2023. (Argyll Geducos / File photo)

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Marcos made this commitment during his attendance at the 50th anniversary of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City on April 27.

With the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, the President committed to "work hard" to "climb our way up" in the global press freedom rankings.

"This government will remain committed to ensuring transparency and good governance, freedom of expression and of the press, and the protection of media practitioners and their rights in the practice of their profession," he said.

President Marcos likewise cited media's "instrumental role" in informing the citizenry, shaping public opinion, and "even triggering social mobilization and change."

He urged the press to lead and foster public discussion, truth, credibility, and the rule of law, especially in broadcasting, news reporting, and information dissemination.

Meanwhile, President Marcos credited KBP for fully establishing itself as an "institution of national significance" and an "efficient instrument of public service in Philippine society."

"Through the years, your brand of public service has been in its advocacy of promoting independence and freedom of broadcast media, responsibility and enhanced public service in broadcasting, and the advancement of innovation and development of Philippine broadcasting," he said.

According to Marcos, the KBP has "maintained its social relevance, acting as a uniting and balancing force of broadcast organizations."

"Throughout the years, the KBP has remained a visible, active, and fair advocate of both rights and obligations of its members and all industry players. You have advocated for freedom, independence, and capacity-building within the industry," the President added.