The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the bill which declares August 30 as National Press Freedom Day.
House Bill 9182 or An Act Declaring August 30 of Every Year as "National Press Freedom Day" was approved after obtaining 203 affirmative votes during Wednesday's plenary session.
This is in honor of Filipino hero, Marcelo Del Pilar, who was born on August 30, 1850.
Del Pilar is considered as the father of Philippine Journalism.
The measure directs all government agencies and instrumentalities to lead the public and private sectors in organizing consciousness-raising activities on the importance of the press and their rights and social responsibilities to ensure meaningful observance and celebration every 30th of August.
It also mandates the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in consultation with the Office of the President, government and private media organizations, to lead public and private schools in organizing activities that will raise awareness on the importance of the press. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News
