Free expression vital to a thriving democracy, media fest organizers say

 (AFP)

MANILA, Philippines—In an era when disinformation poses a serious threat to democracy, conversations about truth, freedom, and creative expression are more crucial than ever to highlight the role of storytelling in shaping society.

This was the focus of MAKI+Fiesta 2024, which aims to be a platform for diverse voices—students, professionals, journalists, and creatives—to come together to fight for truth in a world flooded with misinformation.

MAKI+Fiesta 2024 is a two-day media festival for “free expression, democracy, and the creative economy” organized by the Quezon City local government led by Mayor Joy Belmonte, UP President Angelo Jimenez, and several media organizations.

The event features various discussions and workshops on truth-based storytelling, reliable journalism, and compelling and effective content creation, spearheaded by journalists, media personalities, and policymakers, both local and international.

Among them are fact-checking methods by Probe and Vera Files, climate disinformation by Quezon City Public Information Office (PIO), and a workshop on how to be storytellers and content creators for good by drag queens Mathilda Airlines and Your Tita Baby.

Technology experts also tackled issues and trends related to artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data, and emerging technologies in the creative industries during the two-day event.

In the event’s opening plenary, Jimenez stressed the role of arts, culture, and free expression in strengthening democracy and shaping national identity, highlighting the university’s support for creative collaboration and excellence.

“Freedom of expression, a vital ingredient to a thriving democracy, is the lifeblood of a free society. It allows us to speak our well-considered, well-studied truths, challenge the status quo, and imagine new possibilities as a nation, vibrant and diverse. These are rights that empower each of us to contribute to the ongoing dialogue of nation-building,” Jimenez said.

UP Executive Vice President Jose Fernando Alcantara supported Jimenez’ statement by challenging fellows to be “champions of freedom, democracy, and creative expression in our own communities.”

“Collaborations that have begun must continue and grow, and the dreams we’ve shared must be realized,” the UP official said in a statement.

Around 800 students, journalists, artists, and other ‘storytellers of the nation’ joined Quezon City’s first media festival held at Ignacio B. Gimenez CAL Theatre in the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman on August 23 to 24, 2024.

“This city has always been known to be the city of freedom, of democracy, and of truth. Hindi kami papayag na hindi [nila] pahihintulutan ang mga kabataan at ang mga may gustong ipahayag sa pamahalaan na magsalita. This is a value I really cherish because I believe Quezon City is the bastion of freedom and democracy,” Belmonte said.