We exercise Press Freedom, not because we are allowed to. We exercise freedom because we insist on being free.
-Nonoy Espina
Last September 2, 2023, our publication were invited to attend the grand relaunching of College Editors Guild in Negros Occidental along with the other active school publications. The CEGP was the country's oldest and largest intercollegiate partnership of student publications, established on July 25, 1931, pioneered by the four (4) publications of known university known as the The National of National University, The Varsitarian of the University of Santo Tomas, the Philippine Collegian of the University of the Philippines, and The Guidon of Ateneo de Manila University. The main goals of CEGP is to unite school publications and further develop their skills.
CEGP - Negros Chapter first launch in late or early 1990’s if I am not mistaken, however, because of unsaid and unforeseen issues, it stops functioning. Just this September, It was again launched in desire to fight for the rights of students and human rights.
The event was held in Vianney Hall Cathedral, since we arrived at the venue earlier than the expected time, I bought a coffee because I predicted that I may feel sleepy during the lecture. I can say that the coffee has done its job in keeping me awake, however, I also feel its side effect which is palpitation. I can remember that my hand was shaking and I was nervous all throughout the event. I don’t know if it is because of the topics that were discussed or the caffeine kicking-in in my system.
Many known journalists were featured in the event, it also discusses crucial issues in human rights and the current problems of journalists.
During the lecture, I was all nervous, not because I am afraid of being asked by the host but because of the topics that were tackled. The struggles of journalists in their respective schools. There, I have opened my eyes to the reality that not all information was disseminated by the media, and not all information that is disseminated by the media is all true. There comes the goal of alternative media and journalists, to serve people with news that is not reported in the mainstream mass media, to produce articles that are backed up with truth, no matter how dangerous it will be or the possibility of being red-tagged.
I have always been aware of the threat that comes in being a journalist and an activist, but I am never aware that it is this terrifying. Somehow, I aspire to be like them, to have the bravery in voicing out my opinions against these oppressors who use their powers in manipulating the society with their selfish desires. I aspire to educate people with my opinions that are backed up with truths, to be aware of the rights of my fellow Filipinos and have the courage to fight for it.
As the motto of CEGP says,
“TO WRITE IS ALREADY TO CHOOSE”
~photos attached in this post were all mine~