Inspired by the commitment to continue the advocacies of Katipunan’s Kalayaan Newspaper in this day and age, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7 decided to come up with the Kalayaan digital newsletter aiming to uphold the very purpose of the publication that once stood for liberty and democracy amid the colonial rule.
It seeks to provide a powerful channel towards achieving positive change through accurate reporting and promoting real stories on the ground that will help shape the public perception on relevant issues, thus stirring people into action similar to how Kalayaan Newspaper impelled our forefathers to free themselves from colonial exploitation.
DILG-7 believes that a collaboration with trusted partner institutions namely The Freeman, Rizal-Blumentritt Pamathalaan Academy, and Disiplina Muna Project Management Office bearing the same thrusts and principles will help attain these objectives.
The Freeman has been the longest running newspaper in the Visayas and Mindanao and the third oldest in the country. Since its humble beginnings in 1919 and despite the challenges of the digital age, it remains to be a champion of press freedom and purveyor of truth, whether in print or online. The paper continues to be independent and free from any influence, thus gaining the unrelenting trust of the public for 100 years and counting.
Rizal-Blumentritt Academy, on the other hand, is aimed to fulfill the vision of Dr. Jose Rizal and Czech Republic Patriot Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt towards an international order based on moral sacred foundations. It also lives up to Rizal’s aspiration for the country to gain freedom from its oppressors. It likewise espouses the principle of God-centered governance, with the hope to unite all Filipinos in prayer.
Meanwhile, Displina Muna is a nationwide advocacy campaign of DILG that aims to revive the culture of discipline among Filipinos as a key for sustainable development and maintenance of peace and order. Its pillars are road clearing; disaster preparedness and resilience; anti-smoking; ease of doing business; liquor ban; environmental or tourist spots cleanup; and functionality of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils.
DILG-7 and its partner institutions will formally ink their collaboration through a covenant signing during the official virtual launch of Kalayaan digital newsletter on July 13, 2020./GML