The Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod recently passed a resolution declaring May 3 as Press Freedom Day in Bacolod City. The designation is in line with the United Nations-recognized World Press Freedom Day.

“The press have been a dynamic partner of the government in informing the public of the activities of its offices, programs, and projects,” stated the resolution, which was penned by City Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr.

The policy called the observance a “reminder” for government to “respect their commitment to press freedom.”

Through the resolution, a Press Freedom Day Committee will be created, which will require an annual budget of P300,000 to be sourced from the general fund./WDJ