The Philippine Press Institute, also known as the national association of newspapers and considered the oldest professional media organization in the country since 1964, joins the United Nations in its call for safety and welfare of journalists and media workers at an ongoing forum in Paris.
Worldwide, media organizations and their partners have put to the fore discussions on safety in the context of economic and press freedom. Enabling a violence-and-impunity-free society makes (for) an independent media and stronger democracy.
On the local front, the PPI in a statement said it has always encouraged owners and publishers of its member-newspapers to protect their media employees by providing enough remuneration and resources to be able to function well, considering the Philippines is one of the most dangerous places for media workers.
The situation admittedly is far from ideal but necessary steps have already been taken to make safety as a priority newsroom mechanism and an employment right that secure tenure and defend the otherwise volatile press freedom in the country, PPI said.