U.S. official cites media’s role in democracy

TAWI-TAWI - U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava who recently visited the southern province of Tawi-Tawi emphasized the media’s significant role in democratic societies.

 

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Heather Variava delivers remarks at a World Press Freedom Day event at Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography. She also meets with Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Commander Brig. Gen. Romeo Racadio.

Speaking to more than 100 students and faculty members at Mindanao State University’s College of Technology and Oceanography during the World Press Freedom Day, Variava said: “It is important for our democracies and for our future that we find ways to make media freedom a reality. We need to protect these freedoms on the digital frontiers and in traditional media.”

 

During her trip, Variava also engaged with local government officials, met with Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Commander Brig. Gen. Romeo Racadio, and toured the American Corner at the university.

 

Variava’s discussion with Racadio, alongside members of U.S. Special Operations Task Force 511.2, focused on working together to strengthen maritime security posture and address security challenges in the South China Sea and the Sulu Archipelago.  

 

Task Force 511.2 partners with the Western Mindanao Command and has teams embedded directly with Philippine forces throughout the area.  Variava’s visit aims to promote shared U.S.-Philippine values such as press freedom and to strengthen the already robust collaboration with local partners for inclusive peace in the region.  

 

Since 2003, the U.S. government-supported American Corner Tawi-Tawi has been a library and community resource space for the MSU community. Housed on two floors of the library, the American Corner features books and reference materials about American history, culture, and institutions, plus information about studying in the United States.  

 

It also features a mural that is part of the Embassy’s Friends-Partners-Allies Mural Project, incorporating U.S.-Philippine shared values and traditional elements of Tawi-Tawi culture. (Mindanao Examiner)