PAPER.PH INC Marks 6th Year, Calls for Unity Against Corruption and ‘Fake News’

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna – The Prime Alliance of Publishers, Editors, and Reporters (PAPER.PH), Inc. convened its National Press Congress on December 6, celebrating its sixth anniversary with a resolute theme: “Guardians of Accountability: Uniting the Press Against Corruption.”

Held at Dioko Resort, 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.

In her opening remarks, PAPER.PH Chairman Nena Mallari anchored the mission of the free press on the nation’s future, stating, “Malayang pamamahayag para sa matatag na Pilipinas.”

PAPER.PH National President Bonifacio Dacayanan echoed the call for solidarity within the industry.

“Ang malayang pamamahayag ay haligi ng demokrasya,” Dacayanan stressed.

The group’s Vice President Vladimir Asprec further emphasized support for community journalism.

“Huwag po nating hayaan na mawala ang community papers. Suportahan natin ang isa’t-isa.”

The discussions extended beyond media, touching on national character.

A Department of Education representative, Sharry Ann Ganareal, outlined shifts in educational focus.

“Hindi na uso ang Abakada, 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.

While acknowledging the difficulty of countering online falsehoods, she emphasized personal responsibility and faith.

“What is important right now is unahin ang Panginoon para nakakapag-contribute tayo para sa ating bansa,” Papin said.

In a heartfelt appeal for support for national unity, Papin concluded, “Kung wala kayo (media), wala ang Imelda Papin. Panahon na para ilagay sa puso natin -- kung ano ang makokontribute sa ating bansa.

“We have to be united when it comes to supporting the country. Ako po ay yumuyuko at humihingi ng inyong suporta,” the former singer also added.

Other highlights included a push for the adoption of pickleball in schools by PAPER.PH Past President Luisito Angeles of Bulacan, who also wished for the continued success of the alliance.

PAPER.PH Chairman of the Board Bayani Zoleta delivered the closing message, thanking his fellow media men and reminded every one to continue supporting each other.

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.

/PAPER.PH.INC