Talisay Council backs Cebu journalism fetes

CEBU, Philippines – In recognition of the efforts of the broadcast and print media in promoting the right to information, the Talisay City Council is supporting the activities scheduled for the Cebu Broadcaster’s Month and the 21st Cebu Press Freedom Week this month.

A resolution sponsored by City Councilor Danilo Caballero and co-authored by Councilors Aldin M. Diaz and Richard Francis F. Aznar expressed support the celebrations.

Radio and television reporters consider September as Broadcasters' Month while members of the tri-media will celebrate their annual Press Freedom Week from September 20 to 26.

"The essence of these collaborative events deserves the ideality to be supported by the City of Talisay as it enriches and protects the rights of every Filipino to press freedom, free speech and expression and the right to public information as provided in the 1987 Philippine Constitution," Caballero said.

The broadcasters’ group in Cebu has been admired for being united in defending its members while the press freedom is celebrated every third week in Cebu. The Cebu Press Freedom Week coincides with the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on September 21, 1972.

The celebration officially started in September 1994, but the annual press freedom commemoration began in November 1990 when Bobby Nalzaro, then commentator of dyMF, was beaten over his report on excessive fare collection in barges plying the Mactan Island and Mandaue City route.