Quezon city: Malaca±an Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Thursday emphasized the importance of responsible and ethical journalism to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in the digital era. Speaking before the media practitioners at the Ibis Styles Hotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City, Castro recognized the crucial role of the Philippine press in safeguarding democracy by providing accurate, fair, and transparent information to the public.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro addressed the National Press Freedom Day conference, stating, "This conference is more than just a gathering of writers, reporters, scholars, and journalists. It is an exercise in ethical and responsible reporting - a reassurance that information is power and those who wield it have more responsibility than they can imagine." She encouraged media professionals to let the lessons learned at the conference empower them to continue defending press freedom and to become champions of responsible journalism in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Castro urged media members to remain committed to truth, transparency, and equality, despite challenges such as misinformation on social media and public skepticism. She acknowledged the vital role journalists play in maintaining a healthy democracy, stating, "Challenges will always be present in any profession and era. I pray you see them just as they are and not as an obstacle to run away from it."
Reaffirming the Marcos administration's commitment to press freedom, Castro expressed the government's support for media professionals. "As your partners in government, we, too, strive to defend the citizens' right to free speech. We expect your desire to bring forward the truth in every article you write, in every broadcast you air, and every story you pursue," she said.
The conference featured guest speakers such as Peterno Esmaquel II of Rappler, Presidential Task Force on Media Security executive director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., and Department of Information and Communication Technology Undersecretary Sarah Sisob, who shared insights on maintaining journalistic integrity amid digital challenges. Discussions also covered government initiatives to protect journalists and addressed emerging digital threats and legal challenges affecting media workers.
Organized by the Presidential Communications Office, the event carried the theme "Press Freedom in the Digital Age: Rights, Responsibilities and Realities" and gathered state media representatives, media professionals, and journalism students. The conference aligned with Republic Act 11458, which declares Aug. 30 as National Press Freedom Day in honor of Marcelo H. del Pilar, considered the Father of Philippine Journalism.
