DUMAGUETE CITY – The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) participated in the rededication of the Negros Chronicle archives at Silliman University Main Library on Thursday, reinforcing the critical role of credible journalism and collaboration among institutions to bolster public trust.
PCOL Timmar J. Alam, officer-in-charge provincial director, headed the police delegation at the ceremony, which was hosted by Ely Dejaresco, a veteran journalist and publisher. The event formally marked the handover and preservation of the publication’s original bound volumes, which will be stored at the Silliman University Library for long-term preservation, research, and public access.
Pioneering Newspaper’s History Preserved at University Library
Established in 1973, the Negros Chronicle is recognized as one of Negros Oriental’s pioneering newspapers. It has chronicled decades of political, social, and cultural developments in the province. The archived editions provide a historical record of local and national events, offering insights into the evolution of communities in Negros Oriental.
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The rededication, according to organizers, demonstrates a shared commitment among the media, academe, and government institutions to uphold 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.”
The handover of the archive to Silliman University Library is expected to significantly enhance academic research, providing students, historians, and journalists with primary source materials spanning over five decades.
NOrPPO Emphasizes Transparency and Community Engagement
For NOrPPO, participation in the event underscored the role of law enforcement in promoting transparency and strengthening relationships with media and academic institutions. The Philippine National Police has increasingly focused on community engagement and information integrity as integral to its public service mandate.
Under the banner “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas — Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” the police organization reaffirmed its support for initiatives that promote informed communities and responsible public discourse. This reflects the PNP’s broader efforts to build trust and ensure public safety through collaborative partnerships.
Dejaresco’s Contributions to Journalism Recognized
The event also coincided with the birthday of Dejaresco, whose contributions to community journalism were acknowledged by those in attendance. Colleagues lauded his decades of leadership at the Negros Chronicle as vital in shaping local media and preserving the province’s narrative through periods of significant change.
His decision to entrust the publication’s historical volumes to Silliman University was viewed as a crucial step in ensuring their preservation beyond private custody and within a public institution dedicated to education and research.
Collaboration for Resilient Communities
The ceremony drew representatives from various sectors, highlighting the interconnected roles of journalism, education, and governance in building resilient communities. Participants emphasized that in an era characterized by rapid information exchange and the proliferation of misinformation, safeguarding credible sources and historical records is increasingly important.
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 in Negros Oriental.
Silliman University, a prominent educational institution in Dumaguete City, has long been a center for research and historical preservation. The addition of the Negros Chronicle archives further enhances its resources for students and researchers interested in the history of the region. The university’s commitment to academic excellence makes it an ideal location for the safekeeping and accessibility of this important historical record.
Dumaguete City’s Growing Role as a Cultural and Educational Hub
As Dumaguete City continues to develop as an educational and cultural hub 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 historical records is essential for maintaining a sense of identity and continuity within the community.
The Negros Chronicle has played a crucial role in documenting the evolution of Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental, providing valuable insights into the region’s past. Its archives offer a wealth of information for understanding the cultural, social, and political landscape of the province over the years.
Ensuring Access to Accurate Information in the Digital Age
In an age where misinformation can spread rapidly, the importance of preserving credible sources of information cannot be overstated. The rededication of the Negros Chronicle archives at Silliman University ensures that these historical records will be available to future generations, promoting informed decision-making and responsible citizenship.
The partnership between the Negros Chronicle, Silliman University, and NOrPPO exemplifies the collaborative efforts needed to safeguard the integrity of information and promote civic awareness. This initiative serves as a model for other communities seeking to preserve their local history and strengthen their democratic institutions.
The archives will be a valuable resource for understanding the historical context of current events and challenges facing Negros Oriental. By providing access to primary source materials, the Negros Chronicle archives will contribute to a more informed and engaged public discourse.
The rededication ceremony served as a reminder of the enduring importance of local journalism in shaping public opinion and holding institutions accountable. The Negros Chronicle has a long and proud tradition of serving the community, and its archives will continue to be a valuable asset for researchers, students, and the general public.
Photo credit: Photo from Negros Chronicle
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