DOST REGION VIII AND LEYTE NORMAL UNIVERSITY JOIN AS OFFICIAL PARTNERS IN NATIONAL MEDIA GATHERING
TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE — The Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) is set to convene publishers, journalists, media practitioners, and industry stakeholders from across the country for the 30th National Press Congress (NPC) on December 3–5, 2026, at Hotel Estrella in Tacloban City, Leyte, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Region VIII (DOST Region VIII) and Leyte Normal University (LNU) as official partners of the national gathering.
Anchored on the theme, “Truth Under Siege: Empowering Modern Newsrooms Through Science, Technology, Digital Innovation, and Advanced Fact-Checking,” the three-day national gathering seeks to strengthen the capacity of community newspapers and modern newsrooms to confront the growing challenges of misinformation, technological disruption, press freedom, and the changing media landscape.
Marking a significant milestone in PAPI’s continuing commitment to responsible journalism and press freedom, the congress will serve as a vital platform for meaningful discussions, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among members of the Philippine press.
The event will underscore the importance of credible reporting, ethical journalism, journalists’ safety, and the sustainability of community newspapers amid the rapid transformation of the media industry.
STRENGTHENING CREDIBLE AND RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM
A major highlight of the congress will be a series of learning sessions addressing the most pressing concerns confronting today’s newsrooms.
The session “Fact-Checking 101: Tools and Practices for Credible Reporting” will provide participants with practical knowledge of modern verification techniques, identifying misinformation, and establishing reliable fact-checking systems to ensure accuracy and credibility in news reporting.
Another key discussion, “State of the Philippine Media: Challenges, Security, and the Path Forward,” will examine the current state of Philippine journalism, including press freedom, the safety and security of journalists, economic sustainability, and the media’s evolving responsibility in maintaining public trust.
Meanwhile, “Social Media Management for Community Newsrooms” will focus on practical strategies for building audience trust, navigating digital platforms, and maximizing social media as an effective channel for disseminating verified information and strengthening community engagement.
These sessions are designed to equip media practitioners with relevant knowledge and tools to adapt to the demands of modern journalism without compromising the fundamental principles of truth, accuracy, fairness, and accountability.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Beyond the conference sessions, participants will also take part in field activities showcasing the development, innovation, and resilience of Eastern Visayas.
A scheduled tour of Tacloban City will provide delegates with an opportunity to appreciate the region’s progress, culture, and remarkable journey of recovery and resilience.
The congress will also feature a project visit to Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-assisted initiatives, offering participants firsthand insights into how science, technology, and innovation contribute to community development.
As one of the official partners, DOST Region VIII will provide an important link between the media and the scientific community, highlighting how research, technological advancements, and innovation can help address community challenges and promote regional development.
The participation of Leyte Normal University (LNU) as an official partner further underscores the importance of academic collaboration, education, research, and knowledge-sharing in strengthening journalism and preparing media practitioners for the demands of an increasingly digital information environment.
Through these partnerships, PAPI aims to encourage stronger collaboration among the media, government institutions, and the academic community in promoting informed, progressive, and empowered communities.
A UNITED FRONT FOR TRUTH AND PRESS FREEDOM
As the Philippine media landscape continues to evolve, the 30th National Press Congress reaffirms the importance of a united and responsible press in protecting democracy and upholding the public’s right to truthful and reliable information.
For community newspapers, the challenge is not merely to keep pace with technological advancements but to ensure that innovation serves journalism and that the pursuit of readership and digital influence never comes at the expense of credibility and integrity.
The congress will therefore emphasize that technology, when used responsibly, can become a powerful ally in protecting truth, strengthening newsrooms, and advancing the mission of community journalism.
“Truth is under siege — but technology is not our enemy. It is our most vital ally. Together, through innovation, verification, and unity — we stand guard. We move forward. We keep the truth alive.”
The 30th National Press Congress is expected to reinforce PAPI’s continuing mission of empowering publishers and journalists nationwide to remain steadfast guardians of truth, champions of press freedom, and responsible voices of their respective communities.