Truth seekers. Truth speakers. Truth defenders.
Angelo Luis Sunga continues to fight for the truth despite the recurring attacks against journalists in the country.
He serves as the current Editor-in-Chief of Fiat Lux Publication, the official student publication of National Teachers College.
To get to know him better, Republicasia asked Angelo 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.
As a student journalist, I am not that quite unique with other student journalists in the country. To simply put, I am just a humble, typical student journalist. My career as a student journalist could be described as extensive, as I started my journey as a news writer in the 10th Grade, after I departed from my Boy Scout leadership career. After joining my Junior High school paper, my career in writing prospered and developed. Outside my role as a staff member and the Editor-in-Chief I am just a typical son, student, and friend to my family, friends, and loved ones. I strive to lead as a student leader, providing personal critical analysis and opinions on discussions within the school for students.
Defining Moment
Tell me about that ‘defining moment’ that made you pursue journalism and continue to do so.
Realizing that I could write with purpose and intention really piqued my interest. After starting to write, and seeing the impact that my writing has on the community that I was writing for, was that ‘defining moment’ for me to pursue and continue to pursue my student journalism career.
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?
The attacks are perpetrated by state forces such as the Philippine National Police, ranging from constant intimidation, abuse of power, violence, red tagging, and killings. The proliferation of fake news that challenges facts, and even truth tellers like us, are also a problem. The systematic disinformation campaign by the state to white wash and justify abuses, lies, corruption, and violence are also a problem. Young journalists like us are taking the role of defenders at the forefront of these attacks against journalists. Since we are these ‘defenders’, we experience first hand these attacks, we know what it is that we need to safeguard us and to advance our freedom to do our duties as journalists.
Powerful Quote
Tell me about your mantra as a journalist. What message can you give to the aspiring journalist of the new generation?
My mantra as a journalist is that we need to always bear the light and seek the truth. “Let there be light!” (English Translation of the Latin phrase ‘Fiat Lux’).
