OPINION | Let Freemum Fly

A bird shouldn't be shot for its ability to fly, nor should a student publication on its duty to deliver unbiased storytelling.

It's disheartening that an institution known for valuing integrity would falter in honoring press freedom. Media censorship has no place in the academe, yet Primum, the official student publication of the University of Mindanao (UM) observed its editorial board step down following the university's alleged imposition of coverage restrictions and deletion of the publication's official Facebook page. Academic integrity will never thrive under censorship: institutions must defend free-expression if they hope to foster critically informed and socially aware students.

Student publications are never tools for public relations; they do more than report school events—they amplify community stories that mainstream media overlooks. As such, campus journalism can never be apolitical or indifferent. During Martial Law, they served as alternative media sources, later contributing to the rise of the mosquito press that held those in power accountable. Given this legacy, we are reminded of the crucial role of student publications as instruments for truth and social conscience—they should never be limited in the corners of an institution or by political interests.

According to one of the publication's members, UM's decision to impose restrictions was to avoid politically-inclined content because the institution sees itself as “apolitical”. However, such identity goes against the 1987 constitution's stipulation of the purpose of schools, such as the full enjoyment of academic freedom, encouragement of critical and creative thinking, and inculcation of patriotism and nationalism. While the university's action can be acknowledged on certain grounds, as a party that prides itself in the values of integrity and honesty, censoring student voices is a contradiction.

Others argue that Primum should be limited to university-related contents, which goes in alignment with the administration's directive to limit the publication's scope to school events, announcements and institutional achievements. However, there is a clear line between student publications and school publications. The former focuses more on student concerns, while the latter on academic interests, yet both play the role of amplifying community stories—a role that requires civic and social engagement. Regardless of focus, student media deserve empowerment, not suppression, especially in an environment that should not only educate them, but also mold them as future leaders and critical-minded citizens of the nation.

There is a need to acknowledge legal limitations on protecting student publications from press freedom violations, including the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. While the law declares the state's commitment in upholding open media, its enforcement largely relies on the administration's interests. The law failed to establish clear grounds for violations which leaves campus journalists vulnerable. Up until today, further laws that strengthen student media rights are still left as Senate Bills. With this, our government should establish stronger mechanisms for the autonomy of student publications.

UM's act of censorship may persist as long as they assume that silence and avoidance will protect them in their prioritization of political neutrality. However, history would remember the communities that stood in solidarity with Primum. Noise may fade with time, but it would echo those that upheld press freedom. Primum's official pages may have been deleted, but its legacy of fearless and unbiased reporting will never be erased, and it's this heritage that will endure far longer than any suppression.

“Until the inks bleed, may the purpose of writing continue to stain and persist in the linen of our service to the people.” - Michael John Ante, Primum Editor-in-Chief, 2026.

#DefendPressFreedom

#NoToCensorship

#ProtectCampusJournalists

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