THE Cagayan de Oro Press Club, Inc. (COPCI) launched the 43rd Press Freedom Week on Monday, May 26, with a series of events aimed at promoting journalistic integrity, professional development, and camaraderie among media practitioners.
The week-long celebration commenced with a Holy Mass at the Press Freedom Monument at 6:30 am, followed by a motorcade through downtown Cagayan de Oro.
This year’s theme, “Sa 43 ka katuigan sa pakigbisog, sa kagawasan sa Prensa mobarog,” underscores the media's enduring commitment to truth and the public's right to information.
Throughout the week, COPC is hosting various activities, including training seminars on digital journalism, online safety, artificial intelligence, and combating disinformation.
Notably, on Wednesday, May 28, a session titled “Artificial Intelligence for Productivity in Journalism and Ethics in AI,” moderated by Jaemark Tordecilla, and Roby Alampay of PLDT and Smart, will equip journalists with AI-powered tools and techniques to enhance efficiency in research, writing, and content creation. This special session will be held at Xavier University-Main Campus’ AVR 1 at 8 am to 12 pm.
In addition to educational events, a media sportsfest featuring basketball, bowling, billiards, and chess is taking place. Basketball games are being held at the Barangay 24 covered court, while the other sports are hosted at SM CDO Downtown Premier.
Teams from local radio stations such as dxCC, Magnum Radio, Strong Radio Juander, and Bombo Radyo, along with print media outfits like Gold Star Daily and Mindanao Daily, are actively participating.
The 43rd Press Freedom Week runs from May 26 to 31, bringing together both members and non-members of COPC, along with other media organizations in the city, to celebrate and reinforce the vital role of a free press in society.
