Campus papers mark Press Freedom Day …
By Samantha Nicole Bernardo, Katelyn Ann Munda / CEPPIO Interns
MAYOR Nelson S. Legacion declared Student Press Freedom Day alongside the 39th EDSA People Power Revolution commemoration on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
The declaration was formalized through Proclamation No. 2025-001, which directs the observance of the People Power revolution anniversary while highlighting the significance of student press freedom.
Several campus journalists in this city gathered to mark the declaration of Student Press Freedom Day, celebrating the significance of the EDSA People Power revolution. The ceremony highlighted the importance of the revolution, not only as a historical event but also as a reminder for the youth to continue to fight for democracy.
Sam Lorenz Reula, Circulation Manager of The Isarog, shared his thoughts on the importance of declaring Student Press Freedom Day. “Proclaiming this day (as Student Press Freedom Day), reinforces the will of journalists to speak up for the truth with integrity, credibility, and without fear of oppression,” he said.
“There are a lot of oppressive conditions faced by journalists under the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., media outlets were shut down, and many journalists were red-tagged and silenced. Back then, there was no justice or freedom for journalists to speak up and to speak for the truth.” he added.
John Benedict Banday, Editor-in-Chief of SIYAP ACLC-Naga School Publication, emphasized the role of journalists in the pursuit of truth and democracy. “As journalists, this commemoration not only reminds us of our duty to uncover the truth but also of our responsibility to uphold democracy in the process,” he said.
The event continued later in the morning with a program entitled “Muklat” with the theme “An Napukaw, Nungka Na Mapikit” (Those Who Have Awoken, Can Never Be Blind Again). The program, headed by the City Youth Office, brought together various school publications, student journalists, and youth organizations. It served as a platform for discussion, reflection, and expression on the importance of student press freedom and democracy.
Legacion declared Student Press Freedom Day to show support for empowering the campus publications in the city and to serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the vital role journalists play in safeguarding democracy.
… and the memoirs of EDSA
By Aaliyah Nicole Ablero, Katelyn Ann Munda / CEPPIO Interns
NAGUEÑOS commemorated the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution with a simple wreath-laying ceremony and program held at Plaza Rizal. The event brought together government officials, the Department of Education (DepEd), and representatives from local youth and student publications.
The event was held to honor the historic 1986 People Power revolution that oust former president Ferdinand Marcos from his 20-year reign.
For DepEd District Supervisor and law student at Ateneo de Naga University Michael Del Rosario, the EDSA Revolution symbolizes the Filipino people’s power to fight for freedom and democracy.
“The EDSA revolution is an event wherein the people show their power as a whole. It is a display of unity, and when people are united, they can overcome any challenge or oppression,” Del Rosario said.
He added that EDSA is not just a historical moment but also a reminder to Filipinos to value and support one another.
Along with honoring the People Power Revolution, February 25 was also declared “Student Press Freedom Day” in Naga City, following the signing of a proclamation supported by local youth officials.
The declaration highlights the importance of student journalism in promoting freedom of expression and democracy. As part of the observance, face-to-face classes were suspended for the day, allowing schools to shift to alternative learning methods.
In an interview, City Councilor Jose B. Perez, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Culture, Arts, and Education, discussed the continuing importance of the lessons learned from the EDSA revolution. He expressed concern about the rise of political dynasties and the loss of critical thinking in today’s political environment. Perez urged the youth to remain involved in shaping the future of the country through responsible leadership.
“We are fighting for the world. After this, I hope we will be able to return to normalcy,” Perez said, encouraging young people to stay active in political matters.
Perez also spoke about the importance of freedom of expression, particularly for student journalists. He congratulated the student journalists for their role in the community and encouraged them to continue defending their right to speak freely.
“I’m glad that students are showing their belief in freedom of expression. There is hope for the students. Our campus journalists are doing their job, and I would like to congratulate them for their involvement in the community,” Perez added.
Mayor Nelson Legacion also expressed strong support for the newly declared Student Press Freedom Day. He reflected on how students in the past had fewer chances to represent their schools through publications, but now they have the opportunity to do so. Legacion suggested making Student Press Freedom Day an annual event to give students more chances to learn and engage with the issues.
“This is connected to two things for me: one is The SPARK issue, and the other is the declaration of Student Press Freedom Day. I think it should be an annual event so that students will have more opportunities to express what they want to express,” Legacion said.
He also emphasized that such events are essential for students to understand civic engagement and democracy.
The 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, together with the declaration of Student Press Freedom Day, reminded everyone of the importance of democracy, active citizenship, and the protection of freedom of expression in a free society.
Photos: Samantha Nicole Bernardo, Aaliyah Nicole Ablero, Katelyn Ann Munda / CEPPIO Interns
