Ocampo in his message during the celebration of the 30th World Press Freedom Day Saturday morning at Holy Cross of Davao College auditorium said the press acts as a watchdog, delivering essential information to the public and holding those in power accountable.
“This empowers us to make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in our society,” Ocampo said.
As a former broadcaster and media practitioner for 27 years, Ocampo finds the celebration of World Press Freedom Day as essential, qouting the words of Mahatma Gandhi - "freedom of the press is a precious privilege that no country can forego."
Ocampo, however, said that the media’s role in the society has been accompanied with challenges they are facing today.
He said it cannot be ignored that journalists often encounter threats, intimidation, and violence in their line of work.
“This not only jeopardizes their lives but also undermines the fundamental principles of democracy,” he said.
Despite these challenges, according to Ocampo, “we must remain optimistic about the future of press freedom.”
“We must work together as a community to foster an environment in which journalists can operate freely and without fear of retaliation,” he said.
The neophyte Councilor vows to continue to advocate and uphold the rights of journalists to report the news accurately and fairly.
He said the city has been a stronghold of press freedom and media independence.
“ Let us renew our commitment to protecting and defending press freedom. We must work together to ensure that the media remains a crucial and independent voice in our society,” Ocampo said.
Meanwhile, as part of the celebration of the 30th year of World Press Freedom Day, a media forum and a photo exhibit was also held with the theme, "How We Cover News.”
Likewise, the organizers led by Amalia Cabusao, the editor-in-chief of Mindanao Times also launched a multi stakeholder organization, the Davao Citizens Media Council.
The council, according to Cabusao in Wednesday’s media briefing, will serve as an adjudicator body that aims to help journalists especially those who are freelance or who do not have any form of security particularly when they are facing libel cases.
Photos from Jan Zambrano