The University Library and American Corner Puerto Princesa, in partnership with the College of Arts and Humanities, led by Dean Atty. Rhodel S. Magrata, hosted a program to celebrate World Press Freedom Day and launched a Book Pantry. The event, themed “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” took place on May 30, 2024, at the College of Arts and Humanities Lobby.
Ms. Claire C. Mendoza, PIO Director, delivered a short lecture emphasizing the importance of press freedom, public access to information, and government respect for freedom of expression. Her talk provided participants with tools to distinguish facts from fake news regarding the environmental crisis.
The Book Pantry initiative aims to make information more accessible to the community, fostering a love of reading and lifelong learning. The project operates on a trust system, encouraging individuals to read and share books, sustaining the initiative through the spirit of bayanihan.
Dr. Carlos Alfonso C. Salvador, VP of Student Affairs and Services, attended the event, expressing hopes that the program would enhance student ideas and innovation through reading.