The Local Media Board of Panabo, chaired by City Mayor Jose E. Relampagos, opened the city’s first Press Freedom Celebration and LAMDAG Exhibit themed, “Journalism under Digital Siege” on August 24, 2022 at Gaisano Grand Mall of Panabo. It was attended by the local media, government officials, and students which was dubbed as an “inclusive” activity to celebrate Press Freedom.

Guest Speaker and Provincial Information Officer of DavNor Dr. Mervin Suaybaguio preferred to call journalists as “Development Communicators” because of their power to influence and their wide platforms to inform the people. He said that the media are the first people to get information and to make it known to the public. “Access to development communication is everyone’s right,” he added.

Suaybaguio announced that there will be improvements in the provincial government since a new and bigger PTV studio will soon be established with funds coming from the national government. He even congratulated and recognized the City Government of Panabo for the Ang Panabo Karon program, anchored by the City Information Office every Friday at PTV DavNor Radio 911, as one of their active programs in the province.

Representative of City Mayor Jose E. Relampagos, Executive Assistant III Jo-anne G. Relampagos-Capuyan, said during her message that the current administration prioritizes the needs of the local media practitioners to work better. “Kinahanglan namo nga ampingan (ang media) lakip na ang paghatag og trainings ug events.”

Vice Mayor Gregorio U. Dujali also gave a message about the evolution of mass media and the contributions of the late Marcelo H. del Pilar as the “Father of Journalism”. Del Pilar’s birthday August 30 became the nation’s day to celebrate Press Freedom through Republic Act 11699 signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Furthermore, LMB Co-Chairperson and City Councilor Ian Rolet Catalan, announced that he included in the legislative agenda the institutionalization of the Freedom on Information Ordinance in the city of Panabo to provide accessible and quality information to all. He said that the ordinance may be released this year.

The Press Freedom Celebration Opening Ceremony also featured the opening of the LAMDAG Exhibit of Government Services that is participated by 16 local and national agencies. According to the City Information Officer Michael Angelo A. Resueño, the exhibit is conducted during Press Freedom since the “Press is the watchdog of the government and the local government of Panabo City, along with national line agencies, advocates on transparency by bringing their services and advocacies closer to the people.”

The week-long event includes a Gender-Fair Language Training for the members of the Local Media Board, Quiz Bee for schools, Photo contest, News Story writing contest, news broadcasting competition, and a recognition of media partners.

Among those present were Board Member/City Councilor Hon. Atty. Devona H. Jumamil, the members of the Local Media Board, media practitioners, heads of local government departments and sections, heads of national line agencies, and Gaisano Grand Mall Manager Analyn Abapo. There was also a performance by Anne Quitoriano-Casteel, her students in the AQC Performing Arts Studio, and the BFP Mascot.
The Press Freedom Day on August 30 will be conducted at Panabo City Multipurpose Gym.

| CIO
Watch the Opening Program here –https://bit.ly/3AMYny8 #PressFreedom #PanaboCity #media #Philippines