Representatives from three government owned media groups assured United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) Irene Khan of their “unwavering advocacy for the people’s right to information and preservation of freedom of expression and opinion.”
The Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Presidential Broadcast Service-Bureau of Broadcast Services (PBS-BBS), and Philippine News Agency (PNA) jointly issued this statement following their “frank and insightful discussion” with Khan last Tuesday, Jan. 30, in Quezon City.
Among the highlights of their meeting were the initiatives that these organizations have already taken to help rebuild public trust on the free press through media and information literacy campaigns, especially in the provinces.
“In reiterating our commitment, we underscore our determination to tackle the underlying causes of misinformation and disinformation, particularly as we embark on the nationwide rollout of the government’s Media and Information Literacy campaign this year,” their statement read.
“Acknowledging the complexities faced by government communicators, we are dedicated to upholding the principles of transparency and good governance. Our collective efforts are aimed at overcoming challenges and fostering trust among the public,” they added.
The groups thanked Khan for meeting them, which gave them the opportunity to explain their roles as government communicators and facilitators in disseminating public information.
They expressed their willingness to keep collaborating with the UN and other stakeholders in advancing shared goals for the betterment of society.
Present during the meeting were PBS Director General Rizal Giovanni Aportadera, Jr., PIA Director General Jose Torres, Jr., PNA officer-in-charge Pammy Samia, PIA Deputy Director General Kat De Castro, and other employees of the organizations.
The UNSR for Freedom of Opinion and Expression will be in the country until Friday, Feb. 2. According to the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), Khan is scheduled to meet with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at the Palace this Thursday before she concludes her official visit.