The Committee on Elderly, Youth, and Sports Development of the 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cagayan, chaired by Board Member Rey Jirowell Alameda, conducted a committee hearing on the proposed resolution titled “A Resolution Expressing Support to the Call of Students of Cagayan State University (CSU) Against Censorship and Intimidation of Campus Publications.”

The hearing gathered various resource speakers from academic institutions and media organizations to share their insights on press freedom and the importance of safeguarding campus journalism. Among those present were the President of MCNP-ISAP, the Adviser and Editor-in-Chief of their student publication, the Adviser of the University of Saint Louis student publication, student journalists from the University of Cagayan Valley, Mr. Rogie Sending from the Cagayan Provincial Information Office (CPIO), representative from Provincial Legal Office, Local Youth Development Officer and representatives from Bombo Radyo and other local media outlets.

During the discussion, the speakers expressed a common stand on the vital role of a free and independent student press in fostering transparency, accountability, and democratic participation within educational institutions.

Vice Governor Manuel Mamba, who attended the hearing as a member of the committee, expressed his full support for the passage of the resolution. He underscored the duty of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to uphold the constitutional rights of every Cagayano. “We must always protect the right of every Cagayano. The SP is for every Cagayano—it will hear every voice and decision for the people,” Mamba said.

Also present during the hearing was Board Member Romar De Asis, co-sponsor of the proposed resolution, who likewise affirmed the importance of ensuring that student publications and journalists are free from any form of censorship or intimidation.

-AH