Meet Ron Eliezer Duhina of West Visayas State University

Truth seekers. Truth speakers. Truth defenders.

Ron Eliezer Duhina believes that journalists must be the voice of the voiceless and bearer of the truth. 

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 Ron 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 was never a writer, at least during my elementary and high school years. I am always present during press conferences and a member of student publications for as long as I can remember but I never had an interest in writing. But one quality that has always been in my character for as long as I can remember is my disdain for false information and errors. Maybe it was a thing of the past that made me develop this quality, but eventually, this led me to become the journalist that I am today. An Editor-in-Chief’s task is never easy. On top of the numerous articles that we need to check comes the burden that we have to stand firm on everything that the publication releases. We have to be at the forefront of every decision, the first line of defense against criticisms, and the image of the values that Forum-Dimensions upholds. Nevertheless, ever since I vied for the position, I have set my goals to accomplish great things this year, as a watchdog and as a beacon for responsible student journalism.

Defining Moment

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

One unforgettable day, when I was in Grade 6, there was a man who stood up for me and my family. Without delving much into detail, this person offered to file a case against the town official who harassed us. He stood for us, he spoke against those who harmed us and offered to fight for the people he barely knew. This, I believe, was the moment that influenced me to strive to be someone who will be able to protect those who are oppressed and to be a voice for the marginalized community.

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 against the Philippine media can be observed such as the instance when the ABS-CBN network was stripped of its franchise in 2020 and the persecutions against Rappler founder and Nobel peace laureate Maria Ressa. This, I believe, is one of the most pressing issues in the country today up to a point where student journalists and publications are even red-tagged for speaking up against social issues. As student journalists, it is our duty to report what is the truth and stand by and for the truth. In the midst of backlashes and false allegations against the publication, it will always be our duty to report verified information, as such is our contribution to advancing genuine national press freedom.

Powerful Quote

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

Write about the beauty of the world, about the joys that each day brings, and why we should keep living life. But never discount the importance of speaking up for the marginalized and the oppressed. Be the voice of the voiceless and serve as a beacon of hope for those in the dark. Write about them, tell all the people about them, so that they too, can see the beauty of the world, why there will always be a reason to be happy, and why life is worth living.