Truth seekers. Truth speakers. Truth defenders.
Nichol Angcay claims that journalists are the bearers of the truth. In combating fake news, they must continue to hold the line despite the danger.
He serves as the current Editor-in-Chief of The NORSUnian, the official student publication of Negros Oriental State University.
To get to know him better, Republicasia asked Nichol 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.
This may come across as unorthodox, especially as an Editor-in-Chief which is a vital position for the university publication, but this is my third year in the field of journalism, practically a newbie. I entered my first year of college three years ago and up until this day I still am astonished as to how I got here, but I am grateful to be given the chance and I hope that in the eyes of my peers, I‟ve blossomed into a competent journalist. Prior to becoming the EIC, I was the Online Editor and I was in charge of the posting for articles and special posts, curation of captions, checking emails for invitations, partnerships, and the like, and responding to the various queries whether through chats or email among others.
Defining Moment
Tell me about that ‘defining moment’ that made you pursue journalism and continue to do so.
The defining moment was when I applied. TN was hiring and I shoot my shot, “all to gain nothing to lose” mindset. I got in, poured in the work, and the rest was history.
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?
A pressing issue that gravely impacts press freedom is red-tagging. This is an alarming problem not only for me but for my fellow journalists too. While we are working toward investigating and sharing the truth, there would be certain impediments that would hamper our roles and responsibilities as a journalist, and red-tagging in my eyes is the gravest of them all. The young journalist’s significant roles I believe are pertinent in advancing toward genuine national press freedom is to be the bearer of truth and information in a world wherein the spread of false information, historical distortion, and similar events.
Powerful Quote
Tell me about your mantra as a journalist. What message can you give to the aspiring journalist of the new generation?
“I do not pray for a lighter load but for a stronger back.” It is a Jewish proverb that I have encountered while scrolling on social media with different versions yet holds the same concept and meaning of facing any challenge to complete it no matter how difficult it may seem. Don‟t be afraid to join the exciting and dynamic field of journalism at any age or any stage in your scholastic journey and I can attest to that because I am a primary example of this. Turn your interest in searching for facts and truth into something more with journalism.
