The importance of responsible media and a strong, discerning public in sustaining a genuine democracy was given prominence by the Journalism Department of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).

Assistant Dean Renalyn Jacosalem Valdez, chairperson of the Department of Journalism under PUP’s College of Communication, said the relationship among government, media and society remains crucial in ensuring an accountable government and an informed public.

“As a representative of PUP, we always talk about the tripartite relationship of government, media, and society,” Valdez said during a press freedom celebration at the National Press Club on Friday.

Journalism students at PUP, Valdez stressed, often observe that a weak government tends to be accompanied by a strong media, and vice versa.

“But of course, at the end of the day, we would always say it would always have to be a strong public,” she said.

Valdez said the department teaches future journalists the importance of responsible journalism, particularly amid discussions surrounding weak government or weak media.

“Our students, our future media practitioners, our journalists, they understand the very principle and trust of responsible media for an accountable government and for a discerning and critical public,” she said.

She said this approach is necessary for people to fully exercise press freedom and for the country to maintain a truly democratic system.

Valdez also called on young people to continue the legacy and sacrifices of the country’s national heroes, saying the academy has a role in preparing the next generation of journalists.

She assured that PUP would continue producing journalists who uphold responsibility and integrity in their profession.

“Makakaasa po kayo sa academia, lalo na po sa PUP, na ang mga susunod pa sa mga magigiting natin mamamahayag, eh mga responsable at mga makasawa at makadiyos na mamamahayag,” Valdez said.