Meet Alva Mia Seleccion of the University of Santo Tomas

Truth seekers. Truth speakers. Truth defenders.

Alva Mia Seleccion believes that journalism must be a platform that serves the interests of the community. 

She was the former Editor-in-Chief of CASA Chronicle, the official student guild publication of the University of the Santo Tomas Communication Arts Students’ Association. 

To get to know her better, Republicasia asked Mia 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.

My journey as a student journalist began in March 2022, when I became the Editor-In-Chief of UST-CASA Chronicle, the official student guild publication of the University of Santo Tomas – Communication Arts Students’ Association (UST CASA). The publication was founded in 1991 and over the years, the operations halted. During its relaunch year in 2022, I was the appointed EIC. As one of my first tasks, I spearheaded the recruitment of the Editorial Board and established the publication’s newfound ethos—to become known as a “community-focused and student-driven” publication at UST. In May 2023, I stepped down as the EIC to pursue an opportunity outside the university—a Rappler internship—which I recently completed. I was part of Rappler’s Digital Communications Team.

Defining Moment

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

The defining moment for me in pursuing student journalism was the realization I had about the promising impact and opportunity of being able to lead a publication and help inform the student community. Shortly before becoming the Editor-In-Chief, I realized that being part of a campus press would help me grow as a person, writer, and member of the community because this would mean being socio-politically aware and sensible to important issues that affect society. I then realized that the campus press is the perfect training ground to strengthen my writing skills.

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 have to say, the most pressing issue affecting press freedom nowadays is the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation in social media channels. By far, this is not a unique answer, but this is the one that strikes me the most because we live in a digital age which has drastically changed the way we consume news and information. Young journalists play an important role in advancing genuine press freedom because they are the future of the press—they will be the next in line as the industry’s watchdogs, storytellers, thought leaders, and disseminators of information.

Powerful Quote

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

I have a simple mantra, “Write about what matters.” In the writing opportunities I had, I always say to myself as I prepare a draft, “Maximize this space and don’t waste words” because every article is a unique opportunity to inform and galvanize. To forward a thought, to raise a social issue.