Journalists and media practitioners in Cebu were reminded to always “speak out and to speak for the truth” as the province observes “Press Freedom Week” from September 19 to 25.
“Let us always be reminded of the essential rule that journalism or real journalism is based on truth-telling,” said Father Jonathan Rubin, head of social media communications of the archdiocese.
“To be on the press or to be a part of the community press, especially during this time of pandemic, is to cite and state facts,” said the priest during the celebration of the Holy Mass at the start of the weeklong observance.
“Our hope of healing as one would never happen if each one will stick to his own or her own self-interested and preferred truth,” said Father Rubin.
“With social media decentralizing the flood gates of information and communication, everyone then becomes pro-sumers or producers and consumers of information,” he said.
“Everyone has the capability to share, and even, the power to produce information,” said the priest.
“Everyone has access to the facts. But sad to say, everyone may even make his or her own fact. In other words, if digital technology contributed greatly to the reduction of time and element and other mechanical factors of our present way of life, they have also become instrumental to the reduction in the quality of many aspects of our life,” he added.
This year’s “Press Freedom Week” observance opened with a Mass at the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Pedro Calungsod that was attended by a few members of the media because of health restrictions due to the pandemic.
“We offer this Holy Mass for all your intentions … for your families, for your loved ones, especially for the vocation you’re called to do and to be,” said Father Rubin.
“In a special way we also pray for those journalists, those belonging to the media industry who are also badly affected by this pandemic and those who are suffering these days,” he added.
