BALIWAG, Bulacan \u2014 Long before the speeches began and the applause filled the halls, a quiet realization settled over the delegates of the 29th National Press Congress:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In an age drowning in misinformation, their calling has never been more vital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Held on December 3\u20134, 2025 at The Greenery in Baliwag, Bulacan, this year\u2019s gathering of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) was more than an annual event\u2014it was a reunion of truth-seekers, a summit of storytellers, and a testament to the enduring power of Philippine journalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The theme, \u201cUnmasking Deception: The Role of Investigative Media in Exposing Fake News and Corruption,\u201d set the tone for a congress that was both reflective and forward-looking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Ceremony That Set the Stage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 1 opened with the solemn Entry of Colors by Bulacan State University, followed by a heartfelt doxology by Pastor Elpedio B. Soriano Jr. As the AVP played the National Anthem and the PAPI Hymn, delegates paused\u2014perhaps remembering the honor and responsibility behind their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Congress Director Alma Ochotorena welcomed the participants, but the moment grew more emotional when the assembly turned its attention to a man whose legacy continues to guide PAPI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Tribute to a Fallen Pillar of Journalism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n During the opening program, PAPI members and guests offered a heartfelt tribute and prayer for the late PAPI Chairman Emeritus Juan P. Dayang, one of the country\u2019s most respected journalists and a towering figure in community media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His immense contribution, wisdom, and decades-long dedication to Philippine journalism were remembered in solemn reflection. Many delegates bowed their heads, acknowledging the profound void left by his passing\u2014and the responsibility of continuing the work he championed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was a moment that anchored the congress in gratitude and purpose, reminding every journalist in the room that they stand on the shoulders of pioneers who fought tirelessly for truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leadership, Commitment, and a Keynote That Hit Home<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the tribute, a welcome message from Baliwag City Mayor Sonia Viceo-Estrella\u2014delivered through her official representative\u2014affirmed the city\u2019s support for responsible journalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PAPI Chairman for Media Affairs Nelson S. Santos then took delegates through PAPI\u2019s decades-long commitment to defending press freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Jason Phillip V. Gutierrez of The New York Times and Asia Times took the stage for the keynote address, he spoke candidly about disinformation\u2019s growing sophistication and the danger it poses to truth, democracy, and journalists themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning, Sharing, and Confronting the Digital Battlefield<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lively open forums reflected a common battle cry from journalists across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: The fight against misinformation must be collective, continuous, and courageous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Governor\u2019s Night: A Celebration of Unity and Diversity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Delegates later returned dressed in striking United Nations\u2013themed attire for Governor\u2019s Night\u2014a celebration of cultural pride and journalistic solidarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PAPI President Rebecca Velasquez opened the ceremony followed by Vice President for Mindanao Anila Anne Acosta who introduced the guest of honor Governor Daniel R. Fernando, though unable to attend in person, Governor Daniel R. Fernando sent his administrator to deliver a message praising the press as “guardian pillars of truth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Media leaders, government officials, and innovators echoed their support throughout the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A major highlight was the awarding of \u20b130,000 in raffle prizes and in-kind items, administered by PAPI Vice President for Visayas, Ms. Giecel Toriano-Albar. Donations from supporters across the country showcased how far the community of journalism advocates extends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Day 2: Tourism, Technology, and a Nation\u2019s Story<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The second day opened with a journey through Bulacan\u2019s cultural soul, guided by May Arlene DG. Torres, who presented the province\u2019s heritage-rich landmarks, historic sites, and preservation efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This was followed by a powerful Zoom lecture by Professor Jeremiah Opiniano, PhD, titled \u201cCombating Misinformation in Advancing Digital Literacy.\u201d His sharp insights mapped the evolving digital battlefield and prepared journalists for the challenges ahead. Closing Remarks were delivered by PAPI Executive Vice President Ian Israel D. Junio who thanked the delegates, speakers, and partner institutions for their support and reaffirmed the organizations commitment to strengthening ethical and investigative journalism nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heritage, Innovation, and a Dinner to Remember<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Delegates then visited historic Malolos sites before proceeding to Bauertek Pharmaceutical Technologies, where Dr. Richard Nixon Gomez showcased Filipino innovation at its best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The congress concluded with a heartwarming Christmas boodle fight dinner, also hosted by Dr Richard Gomez- an evening of fellowship, laughter and renewed commitment to the profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Congress That Reignited Purpose<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As delegates traveled back to their respective provinces, they carried renewed conviction — and the memory of a tribute a fallen giant whose legacy continues to illuminate the path forward. Because in the age of deception, the Filipino journalist\u2019s mission remains clear; To seek truth, expose corruption and never allow misinformation to prevail. —<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" BALIWAG, Bulacan — Long before the speeches began and the applause filled the halls, a quiet realization settled over the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5371,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42,59,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5370","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-science-and-technology","category-event","category-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\n