Meet Richard Olano Jr. of West Visayas State University

Truth seekers. Truth speakers. Truth defenders.

Richard Olano Jr. reminds student journalists to always choose facts over fear as they try to bring the truth to the people. 

He serves as the current Editor-in-Chief of Forum-Dimensions, the official student publication of West Visayas State University.

To get to know him better, Republicasia asked Richard 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.

I am currently a senior nursing student with a keen interest in psychiatric-mental health and medical-surgical nursing. Through nursing school, I have learned valuable life lessons. Our clinical exposures, for one, provided me with insights into the impact of the fragile Philippine healthcare system and the nursing brain drain on Filipinos. I have encountered people from diverse backgrounds as well, each with their own compelling stories worthy of sharing with the world.Beyond campus journalism and nursing, I am also a passionate filmmaker and film critic. I have independently written, produced, and directed seven short films programmed in various film festivals across the country, including Cinema Rehiyon—a flagship project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts – National Committee on Cinema—and the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Gawad Alternatibo. At 18, I was honored to receive the first-ever Peter’s Prize for Excellence in Film by The Peter Solis Nery Foundation for Hiligaynon Literature and the Arts.

Defining Moment

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

When I was in junior high school, I had the opportunity to initiate several community service projects in some of the poorest and far-flung areas in the province of Capiz. Years of immersion in the communities made me see firsthand the consequences of illiteracy and lack of access to healthcare, and realize that so much needs to be done. This is the main reason why I am deeply passionate about campus journalism—as it holds the power of educating and empowering people with information—and public health. I can still vividly recall an eight-month health and literacy program we conducted in a village in Panitan, Capiz. There, I met Nene*, a nine-year-old with dreams of becoming a teacher. But she could only attend school three times a week, as she had to care for her younger siblings while her parents toiled as laborers. Nene* was malnourished, and her literacy skills were lacking. While our humble program could do little for her, I realized that my pen and writing could create a profound impact.

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?

Journalists and media outlets in the Philippines have long faced harassment, intimidation, and even violence, leading to self-censorship. This situation is further exacerbated by a culture of impunity in the country, which creates a chilling effect on investigative reporting, especially concerning sensitive matters like politics, corruption, and human rights issues. This is to say that attacks and threats against the media have become the most pressing issue affecting press freedom in the Philippines today. As digital natives, we must harness the power of technology to expand our coverage and reach, overcoming challenges posed by traditional media constraints. Educating our communities and improving media and information literacy in our circles of influence is the crucial first step.

Powerful Quote

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

Choose facts over fear, courage over comfort. In the realm of journalism, where the path is often thankless and perilous, it is up to us to discover the profound meaning and purpose of the work that we do, as we bring people to the truth, or at least closer to it than before.