“FREEDOM of the press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticize and oppose." As stated by George Orwell, a British novelist of the dystopian book, “1984”. Every May 3rd, World Press Freedom Day is celebrated. It commemorates the lives of the journalists who fought and continue to fight for human freedom amid the threats thrown onto them as they remain the voice of the people, especially for those whose voices cannot be heard. 

How It Began 

        The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) conference in 1991 was called the Declaration of Windhoek. It was the first to encourage press freedom and independence in Africa. As it began to widen its reach and was celebrated in other regions, the principles remained the same: the right to freedom of expression and access to the right information. That is why, in December 1993, in the United Nations General Assembly, it was signed that every May 3rd, World Press Freedom Day, is to be observed. 

Pressing for Freedom

        For democracy to be alive, press freedom must exist. It is critical to understand that this medium can guarantee that the message of truth is conveyed to people and to keep them informed. The press is the first one to raise their voice. Not only for their benefit but also to raise the voices of those who can’t. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights emphasizes that each and everyone of us has the right to express our opinions without interference and seek information. 

        The term, “checks and balances” comes in as the press has the utmost responsibility of checking and scrutinizing the administration. As such, this is where the people trust the press to verify and spread information correctly, and rightfully so, is everyone’s right.  Unfortunately, our world now has many journalists in danger because of the nature of their job. For instance, the Philippines remains “one of the most dangerous countries for journalists,” as expressed by Special Rapporteur Irene Khan. 

World Press Freedom Day

        This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis.” As we celebrate this year, it reminds us to protect the press from attacks on their independence and its challenges, which calls attention to the censorship, threats, and violence they face until now. Many organizations celebrate this day to pay tribute to the history of the press and hold events to continue accessing truthful information.

        This May 25, The Bedan Herald will have an event to observe Press Freedom, titled, [M]ulat: Mag-ulat at Magmulat, a forum on the role of Campus Journalism in Fighting Oppression. As such, there are a lot of different ways for us to honor this day. We choose to make a difference that benefits the world every waking day. But we should be reminded that this line of work can be risky and unsafe. Responsible journalism is always practiced to stop the spreading of misinformation and disinformation. 

        The commitment to press freedom must be remembered as this is a privilege for all of us to gain knowledge and information, and there must not be any barriers or restrictions that control us. We all have the right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression, let’s use it wisely as our voice holds power.