SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna (Dec. 8, 2025) – The Prime Alliance of Publishers, Editors, and Reporters (PAPER.PH), Inc. convened its National Press Congress last Saturday, celebrating its sixth anniversary with a theme: “Guardians of Accountability: Uniting the Press Against Corruption.”
The gathering brought together media practitioners, educators, and local officials to underscore the press’s vital role in democracy and address modern challenges to truth and information.
PAPER.PH National President Bonifacio Dacayanan echoed the call for solidarity within the industry.
“Ang malayang pamamahayag ay haligi ng demokrasya,” Dacayanan stressed.
The discussions extended beyond the media, touching on national character.
A Department of Education representative, Sharry Ann Ganareal, outlined shifts in educational focus.
“Hindi na uso ang Abakada at babebibobu lang; phonological awareness, pagsusulat at pagbabasa ang focus ngayon sa pagtuturo,” the elementary school teacher said.
She also expressed concern over resilience.
“Nagpapalaki tayo ng mga batang babasagin. Kailangang patatagin ang mga susunod na mamamayang Pilipino,” Ganareal said.
The threat of misinformation was a recurring concern. Laguna Board Member Angelica Jones Alarva advocated for traditional media.
“Magbasa ng dyaryo dahil nandito ang totoong balita. Hindi sila nagsusulat ng kasinungalingan. Malaking tulong ng socmed pero ang disadvantage ay ang paglipana ng fake news.”
Guest of honor, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Director Imelda Papin, highlighted the press’s watchdog function and the perils of the digital age.
“The press is not just the storyteller, it is the nation’s watchdog,” she said.
“Sa ngayong panahon na ito, malaki ang kaibahan, nandyan ang socmed. Kapag may trending, yun na ang pinag-uusapan. Sometimes this is not good. Para lang may pag-usapan, kung minsan hindi tama ang inilalabas. It’s very scary. Dahil kung gusto kang sirain, in a few minutes, masisira ka,” Papin stated, noting the speed and potential damage of social media trends.
The congress served as a platform reinforcing the critical, yet challenged, role of a free and responsible press as a guardian of public accountability and adopted a Declaration denouncing corruption.
