Truth seekers. Truth speakers. Truth defenders.
Cristian Jay Plaza urges Filipino journalists to never be afraid to speak the truth if they want to fight against social injustices.
He serves as the current Editor-in-Chief of Tolentine Star, the official student publication of the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos.
To get to know him better, Republicasia asked Cristian a few questions about his 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.
Being a student journalist was probably the least designation that people would expect of me because I leaned more into arts, but I always knew ever since I was young that writing has a special place in my heart. Among my peers, I was the man with the fewest words and hearing me speak is almost impossible unless you force me to. The realm of journalism really pushed me outside of my comfort zone. My five years as a student journalist was indeed a tedious process; a back-and-forth progress; but it was all worth it as I was able to deliver truth as it happens even in the most trying times.
Defining Moment
Tell me about that ‘defining moment’ that made you pursue journalism and continue to do so.
Writing gives me the voice to speak the words I could not mutter, which is why I became a student journalist. I wanted to amplify the calls and cries of the silenced and marginalized people through my writing so that they can be heard and given justice. Considering how many people were deprived of information, misled by numerous sources, and silenced to death due to the truth that could change the trajectory of our country during the tenure of the former president, I promised myself to always speak for those who cannot speak and stand for what is right.
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?
In our country, the state of journalism has been regressing these past few years and given the administration we are having today, it continues to go south. The emergence of the digital world has tainted the reputation of genuine and responsible journalism when it should be maximizing our goals to spread the truth. Instead of feeding people with the right information, it broke the trust of people because of the existence of trolls and questionable sources that continue to stir the minds of the masses. As a young journalist, I assert to immerse not just ourselves but also the masses in seminars and webinars that will hone our skills in distinguishing what is reliable and not. We must demand to be protected by the government and to not be deprived of our rights as journalists because we are the vanguards of the truth.
Powerful Quote
Tell me about your mantra as a journalist. What message can you give to the aspiring journalist of the new generation?
“Starve my distractions, feed my focus.” I constantly remind myself that distractions are merely waiting points so that I could get what I truly deserve and reach my goals. To my fellow student journalists and aspiring truth-seekers, do not be afraid to speak your truth because our words are the weapon to combat the injustices that occur in our country. Hold that pen with courage and convection as we are the future. Let us break the cycle of deceit and corruption because we deserve the truth and only the truth.
