Maasin City Leads the Way in Institutionalizing Media as Partners in Development

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte (October 11, 2025) — In an era when press freedom is often challenged and the role of media questioned, Maasin City stands as a shining example of how local governments can embrace journalists not as adversaries, but as essential partners in development, transparency, and public service.

This week, from October 10 to 17, the city proudly celebrates Press Freedom Week — the only local government unit in Eastern Visayas to have institutionalized such a celebration through official legislation. Enacted in 2019 via City Ordinance No. 2019-129, the initiative was authored by then-Councilor Zaldy L. Olita and signed into law by former Mayor Nacional V. Mercado, cementing Maasin’s commitment to journalistic integrity and civic engagement.

Organized by the City Government of Maasin through its Public Relations and Information Communications Technology Unit, in cooperation with the Associated Media of Southern Leyte (AMSL) led by President Jade G. Nombrado, this year’s celebration opened with a flag-raising ceremony at the Maasin City Hall. Local officials recognized media practitioners for their critical role in keeping the public informed, engaged, and empowered.

A Unique Commitment to the Press

“Maasin City has set the bar high,” said AMSL President Jade G. Nombrado. “For the past six years, we have worked hand in hand with the city government, not only as messengers but as partners in shaping a more transparent, informed, and progressive community.”

Nombrado emphasized that this partnership is rooted in mutual trust, respect, and a shared goal of uplifting lives through accurate information, civic awareness, and public accountability.

“We are proud to be the only media organization in the region that celebrates Press Freedom Week in direct collaboration with the local government. This recognition goes beyond symbolism—it’s a validation of our work in helping drive social change and local progress,” he added.

Strengthening Democracy Through Partnership

City officials underscored that a free and responsible press is not just a democratic ideal but a practical necessity in governance. By working closely with the media, they aim to bridge gaps between government policies and public understanding, ensuring that citizens are well-informed and actively involved in decision-making.

“We recognize the media not as critics to be silenced, but as co-builders of an engaged and empowered society,” one official remarked during the opening ceremony. “Their work holds us accountable, amplifies the voices of our people, and drives us to serve with integrity.”

Press Freedom with Local Impact

The celebration of Press Freedom Week is more than ceremonial in Maasin—it is a reflection of a deeply rooted partnership that delivers real, tangible benefits to the community. Whether it’s covering local initiatives, exposing issues, or promoting development programs, the local press in Maasin continues to be a vital force in community-building.

As the only city in the region to officially recognize media practitioners as institutional development partners, Maasin has created a model worth emulating across the Philippines—where press freedom is not merely tolerated, but actively embraced and celebrated.

In Maasin, the media does not stand alone. It stands alongside the government and the people, in service of a shared vision: a more informed, transparent, and empowered Southern Leyte.