Stand Point

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines celebrates the life of Jose Jaime “Nonoy” Espina, a tireless champion for the freedom of the press and the welfare of media workers.

We mark World Press Freedom Day with recent reminders of the risks that journalists in the Philippines, especially those among the alternative and regional media face.

As we call for support for our colleagues struck by the virus, we stand with the Filipino people in demanding a comprehensive and scientific COVID-19 response.

As hospitals are overwhelmed, so are frontline health workers who take care of patients. SHAPE-UP Defeat Covid-19 urges the Duterte administration to immediately solve the life-threatening situation of hospital workers and appeals to hospital directors to report the real situation and be one with the hospital workers.

As a shared experience with fellow women, stitching for me has always been an avenue to release my frustrations and other unwanted emotions. During this pandemic, this practice has saved me from the lingering confusion with myself, and from the harshness and disharmony with the society. It has helped me reflect and make sense of what is happening within me and around me.

This International Working Women’s Month, it is imperative that we stand with the most marginalized of women: peasant women, poor women, trans women, disabled women, indigenous women.

Why? They had no weapons nor drugs or anything illegal. They were only holding class peacefully. The police called the raid a rescue, but the videos convict the attackers as criminals. That was a scandal of terrifying violence against children.

“You have been told what is good and what Yahweh requires of you: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

To our guest speakers, Atenews alumni who are joining us here in the Zoom (meeting) or through (Facebook) live, Atenews moderators from the previous years and the present, Fr. Erwin Torres, Dr. Victoria Pre, Dr. Cheryl, guests from other student publications and organizations from across Mindanao and the Philippines, my fellow residents in the Atenews, good afternoon.

Some people might say that the conflict in Mindanao is already “history.” The apparent peace between the Moro revolutionaries and the Philippine government reminds us that it has been years since a violent encounter, whether verbal or in a gunfight, between the opposing sides has been the headline in newspapers.