Meet Jason Sigales of the University of the Philippines

Truth seekers. Truth speakers. Truth defenders.

Jason Sigales urges all journalists and media practitioners to go beyond their echo chamber if they really want to combat disinformation on social media. 

He was the former Editor-in-Chief and current staffer of Tinig ng Plaridel, the official student publication of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication.

To get to know him better, Republicasia asked Jason 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.

During my term, I oversaw our coverage of the selection of the 22^nd UP President and the 12^th UP Diliman Chancellor. I am currently a news staffer there. In high school, I was also the Editor-in-Chief of our publication, The Bellows, in Aquinas School. But I started out in campus journalism in 2012. Outside of that, I am the Vice President for Internal Affairs at the UP Broadcasting Association. And outside being a student, I love books. I explore writing fiction and poetry. And I am a huge Swiftie.

Defining Moment

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

It just felt right to me. There was not necessarily a singular “defining moment.” On a personal level, what keeps me going is the idea that we can always learn and experience new things. On a societal level, I am fascinated by how big the world can be, so there would always be stories out there to chase. It is just a matter of having the curiosity and the courage to discover them.

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?

Most definitely, the prevailing culture of violence against journalists is on top of the list. But in our experience, press freedom can be indirectly challenged specifically through the lack of institutional support. I mean this in the sense that there must be not just a culture that enables critical journalism, but the very apparatus that would make it even possible. A healthy culture for a free press should be empowering. Budding journalists should be at the forefront of that empowerment as they are on the ground and among their communities.

Powerful Quote

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

The training I have received across the years from press conferences to TNP to UP CMC has conditioned me to not just accept things at face value. Keep asking questions. I have also been pondering on whether entering the profession is even worth it, especially in the wake of a disinformation-filled election campaign. But history tells us that even in the face of pushback, one way or another, the truth will always prevail.