Meet Ana Mapa of De La Salle University

Truth seekers. Truth speakers. Truth defenders.

Ana Mapa believes that campus journalism can and should tell stories that goes beyond the school premises. 

She serves as the outgoing Editor-in-Chief of The LaSallian, the official student publication of the De La Salle University.

To get to know her better, Republicasia asked Ana a few questions about her journey as a student journalist fighting for press freedom in the country. 

Behind the Persona

Tell me about yourself as a student journalist and your life outside of publication.

As the outgoing Editor in Chief of The LaSallian, De La Salle University’s official student publication, my organization and I play an important role that goes beyond just informing our fellow students. The caliber of student journalism that DLSU’s student media groups hold themselves to also means that we tell stories of and tell stories for a national audience. I have been a student journalist ever since the third grade, when I was asked to join University of St. La Salle’s student newspaper The Green Beacon, but I had taken long breaks from joining school papers. Outside my current role, I am most passionate about sustainability and the fight for climate justice. 

Defining Moment

Tell me about that ‘defining moment’ that made you pursue journalism and continue to do so.

 For me, what defined my experience as a student journalist would have to be the whirlwind four years that happened during my time in college. I joined The LaSallian in September 2019 and I was able to witness so many changes in our community and our country from the lens of a journalist. Our publication’s tagline is “Be there when it happens” and we really were there through the COVID-19 pandemic, student elections, national elections, re-opening of classes, and more. Getting to experience these things while upholding the principles of critical thinking and continuing the responsibility of informing our audience showed me just how much resilience and bravery was needed to be a journalist.

Generation Voice

What do you think is the most pressing issue that affects press freedom in the country nowadays? What do you think are the significant roles of young journalists in advancing genuine national press freedom?

I believe that the most pressing issue would be the threats and violence experienced by our journalists today. As young journalists, we have the privilege of being skilled in a variety of fields. We’re not just good writers, photographers, or artists, but we also know how to use different means like technology to amplify our call for press freedom and genuine reportage. I believe in our generation and our hunger for change. It’s this hunger that will push us to seek the truth and educate others, whether as journalists or responsible consumers of media.

Powerful Quote

Tell me about your mantra as a journalist. What message can you give to the aspiring journalist of the new generation?

“Be brave and know where you stand.” It’s a common misconception that journalism should be neutral, especially when that’s what we’re often taught in seminars and training sessions. However, journalists cannot afford to be neutral—especially now. Instead, we have to stand on the side of truth. We deserve to know information that is true and we also have the responsibility to inform others about the truth.