Every year on May 3, the world pauses to honor World Press Freedom Day, a moment that resonates with a timeless truth: a free and independent press is the bedrock of any thriving democracy. Yet in 2025, that foundation feels increasingly fragile. As wars escalate, misinformation races unchecked across digital landscapes, and authoritarian regimes tighten their grip, the space for honest, unflinching journalism continues to shrink. What was once a hard-won right is now a daily battle, reminding us that press freedom is not just a principle to celebrate but a necessity to defend.

But wait, do you know what Press Freedom is? May this article help you understand more about Press Freedom. 

Press freedom is the right of media organizations and journalists to gather, produce, and distribute information and opinions without interference, censorship, or fear of retaliation from governments, corporations, or other powerful entities. It guarantees that the press can operate independently, enabling the public to access diverse viewpoints, hold authorities accountable, and participate meaningfully in democratic processes. 

Now that you understand what Press Freedom is, do you know that the students’ Press Freedom is supported by the Philippine government through the Campus Journalism Act of 1991? 

Yes, therefore, students in APEC Schools are practicing Press Freedom through the Students’ Journalism Organization named Amplify. Amplify is one of the organizations created by APEC, with its mission to amplify the voices of the students through creative writing, journalism, and multimedia. In line with this, students of every branch exercise their creativity and Press Freedom through newsletters. Released every semester, these newsletters showcase a vibrant array of works by students, from informative news articles, where students provide truthful and trusted information that everyone can rely on, to insightful opinion-editorial articles, where students can persuade people with their opinions or educate individuals but still rely on facts. Students also create engaging sports coverage and thrilling feature stories, allowing young writers to sharpen their skills and make their voices heard. Students who showcase articles that are informative and unbiased are honored and given recognition. Each year, the school holds awards for students who have continuously contributed not just in Amplify, but in the community and for Press Freedom.

According to the journalist, Maria Ressa “When power is unchecked, journalism becomes the last defense,” and “Without facts, you can’t have truth. Without truth, you can’t have trust. Without trust, there is no democracy.”. With that, Amplify is making sure that all of the delivered information in the newsletter is only the truth by fact-checking it. Staffers of Amplify are committed to serving news that is trusted and leading individuals to the right details and statistics. Amplify ensures that fact-checking is one of its significant steps in its routine, as this makes the articles pure and free of inequity. Fact-checking is not just a step but a foundation of the editorial process, protecting the integrity of each article and ensuring content remains unbiased, transparent, and fair.

Press freedom is more than just a professional concern for journalists — it is a public right. Without press freedom, transparency evaporates and authoritarianism flourishes. Independent media serve as a critical counterweight in polarized societies, offering fact-based reporting in an era dominated by partisan echo chambers. “A free press is not the enemy of the people — it is the defender of the people’s right to know,” emphasizes Amal Clooney, human rights lawyer and press freedom advocate.  

Moreover, with our free will in hand, let us spread the true meaning of Press Freedom and showcase it. With the number of users of Social Media, this can be used as an instrument for every individual, as well as students of APEC Schools. Students may exercise Press Freedom by sharing rights and impactful information where everyone can benefit. At the same time, it should be a reminder to practice fact-checking and apply integrity in every post on Social media or information that we share. Do you want to know more about how to apply Press Freedom with discipline? Just like the tagline of Amplify, you can keep yourself updated, share your reliable story, and let the truth amplify.