In the Philippines, press media has been a great source of truthful information on what is happening in the country. The role of media is crucial, seeing that it has different roles in society, including being informative, educational, or entertaining. As our press media adapts to new technology, it affects how media works. Therefore, digital media impacts people’s behaviors, especially how they interact with online communities; the work of prominent media platforms affects our daily lives and becomes the basis of our society (Alsagoff et al., 2022; Esetella & Löffelholz, 2019).  Many media outlets, especially journalists, indulge themselves in significant events to offer plain-spoken information to Filipinos. They are crucial in keeping Filipinos informed by reporting the truth bravely and responsibly. However, due to easy access to new technology, wherein the spread of mis- and disinformation is uncontrollable, their work as disseminators is unpracticed, which loses the goal of journalism (Balod & Hameleers, 2019). Note that the information they disseminate is vital in shaping society’s decision-making; therefore, society should allow them to do their work unbound from pressure from outside forces (Arao & Danilo, 2022). 

Despite threats to press media, specifically journalists, one of the well-known journalists in the country who continues to work excellently in their field is  Kara David. She is one of the most respected journalists in the country, and she is known for her investigative documentaries despite the danger in their field. Amid threats to press freedom in the Philippines, journalist Kara David dedicates herself to promoting education and awareness as a professor and documentary host. Her works align with Sustainable Development Goal 4, advocating for inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities. 

In current significant events, journalists in the Philippines continue to fight for the rights of press freedom as they face numerous challenges, including terror caused by threats. Khan (2022) showed data ranking the countries with the most unrestricted press freedom from Reports Without Borders, which stated that the Philippines ranked 147th out of 180 countries in 2022, from the previous rank of 90th– this happened during former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's regime, especially at the height of his brutal campaign against drugs. During the campaign, journalists fight for their lives while fighting for the truth. They continuously use digital technology, mainly as a tool to spread information. Though social media have been crucial for journalists, many have manipulated its purpose to endanger them. Filipino journalists experience online threats of violence for exposing the truth. At least 85 attacks and threats were recorded, and 23 of the total number given were women from July 2016 to October 2018 (Bestle et al., 2019).

Additionally, the State of Media Freedom Report of the Manila-based Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), as cited by Bestle et al. (2019), showed that there had been 223 attacks on media personnel. Among the said number, 77 were occurrences of intimidation: 20 cases of online harassment and 15 threats via SMS. These numbers and the decline in ranking prove that the Philippines is one of the most dangerous countries for journalists. This can affect journalists’ performances to offer significant information to the public. 

With all the above numbers, our government should protect our press media; however, the freedom of the press is at stake because of those in power. The constitution states that Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states, ‘No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or the press, or the right people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.’ Despite this law, those who are seated in the government authorized the Anti-Terrorism Bill in June 2021, which contradicts freedom of speech in a way that it includes a provision that broadly criminalizes incitement to commit terrorism through speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, banners, or other similar representations (Khan, 2022; Mendoza et al., 2021). The Anti-Terror Law hinders the media, especially journalism, from showcasing the truth, hindering their objective to educate and spread awareness (Action Network, n.d). It was said to reduce “terrorism” in the country, but the opposite occurred– it triggered the deaths and imprisonment of political activists and human rights defenders. Moreover, it caused harassment and intimidation of journalists, which is called red-tagging. The bill can enable anyone to accuse someone of being a ‘terrorist’ if they are left-leaning (Khan, 2022; Lorenzana, 2021). This threatens our freedom of speech, especially journalists, since it hinders them from doing their work– to expose the truth. 

In addition to these concerns, the law may affect the quality of work, especially in investigative journalism, which ensures accurate and credible reporting, especially in developing countries. It helps combat fake news, media division, and political bias (Amponsah, 2024); one affected by the restrictions is Kara David, whose expertise is in the same field. Her works explore more about marginalized communities and human rights violations, which can be easily red-tagged because the Anti-Terror Law allows so. For that reason, journalists like Kara David, regardless of their field of specialization, should be protected as they uphold truth in service of the public.

          Beyond these struggles, Kara David, a well-known journalist in the country, is also a part of the population who constantly shares her craft through teaching and documentaries. Before pursuing the world of journalism, she mentioned that “Ang gusto ko talagang maging trabaho noong bata ako ay maging history teacher.” However, she preferred exploring the country while learning. Therefore, Kara shifted to Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Later on, while pursuing journalism, the journalist is also a professor and chair of the department at her alma mater in the same program she also enrolled in before (Quieta, n.d; Regidor, 2022). These credentials show that she is a trustworthy journalist with the skills, experience, and integrity to report accurate and reliable information.

Besides her dedication to teaching, she is recognized for her work in journalism, particularly in documentaries. Some of her award-winning documentaries are “Ambulansiyang de Paa,” “Selda Inosente,” and “Buto’t Balat” (Layug, 2020). Her works mostly explore the struggles of residents from overlooked areas, women, and malnourished children. Bringing this issue to the public sparks conversation and awareness among the public. Additionally,  her commitment to her job allows her to win awards, such as Best Educational Program Host for Pinas Sarap and Best Documentary Program for I-Witness: The GMA Documentaries (Regidor, 2022). These achievements highlight her ability to blend journalism with advocacy, using her platform to influence change. Through her work, she sets a high standard in documentary filmmaking and actively contributes to the fight for inclusive education and social justice, particularly for needy children.

From her background as an experienced journalist, Kara David’s journalism embodies SDG 4 by fostering education, raising awareness, and empowering communities through truthful storytelling. She has a scholarship foundation, Project Malasakit, whose mission is to connect Filipinos willing to help needy children, which can help open doors for opportunities (Project Malasakit, n.d). Her kindness perfectly aligns with the teachings of the catholic church. As mentioned in Hebrews 13:16, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” The Bible verse encourages us to help others as best as possible, especially those privileged enough to offer help. By giving selflessly and extending kindness without expecting anything in return, we reflect the love and grace that God has shown us. Kara David’s actions, truthful storytelling across all media platforms, mainly her documentaries, and her foundations are her way of opening the eyes of those unaware and lifting marginalized communities without asking for anything in return. 

As someone privileged enough to have access to social media, I have been exposed to different perspectives of Filipinos who are suffering from different social issues, especially poverty. I believe that poverty is the greatest enemy of Filipinos from sustaining their daily needs and obtaining their rights, mainly education. Most Filipino children are deprived of essential and quality education, primarily those in remote areas wherein education opportunities are barely accessible. With the media I consume, Kara David is one of the notable people that I see whose goal is to achieve just society through her documentaries and her projects, primarily Project Malasakit. Her works made me realize that although awareness is a big step in achieving a just society, you should also be part of the group who helps to build the bridge between the two parts of the society: the privileged, those who have easy access to education, and the underprivileged, those who have a hard time acquiring even basic education.

As someone who is privilege enough to study in a prestigious university, I can just ignore the fact that there are people deprived of their right to education. However, as a HUMSS student, I want to be part of the change and hope that can inspire the people around me to bridge the gap. Instead of expecting them to build their own ladder to reach the top of the triangle just to seek the tinniest help from those above, let us meet halfway by reaching out our hands and create a sturdy foundation– ensuring that quality education is a right not a privilege. 

Kara David’s journalism embodies SDG 4 by fostering education, raising awareness, and empowering communities through truthful storytelling. She has a scholarship foundation, Project Malasakit, whose mission is to connect Filipinos willing to help needy children, which can help open doors for opportunities (Project Malasakit, n.d). The truthful storytelling in all her documentaries serves as an eye-opener to everyone and helps raise awareness and lift marginalized communities. The documentaries she creates can invite people who are incredibly privileged to support her foundation. 

As the country continues to fight against oppression for press freedom, journalists like Kara David should be protected and supported in their mission to inform, educate, and uphold the truth. A free and independent press should be a privilege, not a necessity since it ensures that citizens are aware, empowered, and capable of making informed decisions. Also, it is a stepping stone to promote exclusive and equitable education for everyone, regardless of their identity.  Without it, misinformation thrives, and lies will prevail. Therefore, defending press media and freedom is not only a journalist’s responsibility– it is a collective duty of the people and the government to safeguard the truth for future generations.