DUMAGUETE CITY — The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) participated in the rededication ceremony of the Negros Chronicle archives held at the Silliman University Main Library on Thursday. The event emphasized the significance of trustworthy journalism and cooperative efforts in enhancing public trust.
PCOL Timmar J. Alam, officer-in-charge provincial director, headed the police delegation at the event. The ceremony was hosted by veteran journalist and publisher Ely Dejaresco and marked the formal handover and preservation of the publication’s original bound volumes. These volumes will now be permanently housed at the Silliman University Library, serving as a resource for research and public access.
Negros Chronicle's Legacy Preserved at Silliman University
Established in 1973, the Negros Chronicle is renowned as one of Negros Oriental's pioneering newspapers, documenting decades of political, social, and cultural developments within the province. Its archived editions offer a historical record of both local and national events, providing valuable insights into the evolution of communities over time.
Organizers emphasized that the rededication demonstrates a mutual commitment among the media, academia, and governmental bodies to champion truth, transparency, and responsible journalism.
“These volumes are more than printed pages — they are a living record of our history,” a participant remarked during the program. “Preserving them ensures that future generations will have access to verified accounts of the past.”
Archives to Support Academic Research
The transfer of the Negros Chronicle archive to Silliman University Library is poised to bolster academic research, providing students, historians, and journalists with primary source materials that span over five decades. This resource will enable a deeper understanding of the region's past and its impact on the present.
The archives promise to offer a rich collection of information for researchers exploring various aspects of Negros Oriental's history, from political shifts to cultural transformations. The availability of these primary sources at Silliman University Library will significantly enhance the academic landscape of the region.
NOrPPO Emphasizes Transparency and Community Engagement
For NOrPPO, participating in the rededication event underscored the critical role of law enforcement in promoting transparency and building stronger relationships with both the media and academic institutions. The Philippine National Police has increasingly focused on community engagement and maintaining information integrity as integral components of its broader public service mission.
The police force's involvement highlights its recognition of the media's role in fostering an informed citizenry. By supporting initiatives that preserve historical records and encourage responsible public discourse, NOrPPO aims to strengthen the bonds between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
"Bagong PNP" Initiative Supports Informed Communities
Under the banner “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas — Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” the police organization reiterated its dedication to initiatives that foster informed communities and responsible public discourse. This slogan translates to "New PNP for a New Philippines — Fast, Honest, and Tangible Service," reflecting the police force's commitment to improved service delivery and community relations.
The "Bagong PNP" initiative seeks to enhance the police force's responsiveness to community needs, promote ethical conduct among officers, and ensure that law enforcement actions are transparent and accountable. By aligning with principles of open communication and public engagement, the PNP aims to build trust and cooperation with the communities it serves.
Ely Dejaresco Honored for Contributions to Journalism
The event also coincided with the birthday of Ely Dejaresco, whose significant contributions to community journalism were acknowledged by attendees. Colleagues lauded his decades-long leadership of the Negros Chronicle as crucial in shaping local media and preserving the province’s narrative through periods of significant change.
Dejaresco's commitment to delivering accurate and insightful news has left an indelible mark on the media landscape of Negros Oriental. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his passion for chronicling the region's history have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and the community at large.
Turnover Ensures Long-Term Preservation
Dejaresco's decision to entrust the publication’s historical volumes to Silliman University was considered a vital step in ensuring their preservation beyond private custody and into a public institution dedicated to education and research. This move guarantees that the archives will be accessible to future generations of scholars and researchers.
The university's commitment to preserving and safeguarding these historical records ensures that the Negros Chronicle's legacy will continue to inform and inspire. Silliman University's library provides a secure and accessible environment for the archives, guaranteeing their long-term preservation and availability to the public.
Collaboration Between Sectors Highlights Importance of Journalism
The ceremony gathered representatives from diverse sectors, highlighting the interconnected roles of journalism, education, and governance in building resilient communities. Participants stressed that in an era characterized by rapid information exchange and the spread of misinformation, protecting credible sources and historical records is increasingly crucial.
The collaboration between media, academia, and government underscores the shared responsibility in upholding truth and promoting informed decision-making. By working together, these sectors can effectively combat the spread of misinformation and ensure that citizens have access to accurate and reliable information.
Renewed Commitment to Local Journalism
The rededication of the Negros Chronicle archives signifies a renewed commitment to these principles, reinforcing the role of local journalism as a cornerstone of democracy and civic awareness. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of independent media in holding power accountable and fostering a well-informed citizenry.
Local journalism plays a vital role in shaping public discourse and providing a platform for community voices. By preserving the historical records of local publications, institutions like Silliman University contribute to the preservation of local identity and the strengthening of civic engagement.
Dumaguete's Growth as Cultural Hub
As Dumaguete City continues to develop as an educational and cultural center in the Visayas, initiatives such as this serve to preserve its rich history while strengthening the foundations of an informed and engaged citizenry. The preservation of local archives contributes to the city's identity and provides valuable resources for understanding its past and shaping its future.
The city's commitment to education and culture is evident in its support for initiatives that promote historical preservation and academic research. Dumaguete's vibrant cultural scene and its dedication to fostering an informed citizenry make it a significant regional hub in the Philippines.
Photo credit: Contributed photo