To amplify voices, to provide information, to advocate, to disturb, to open closed eyes—even with heads facing the other way. I shouldn’t complain about this, but here I am, acting like it wasn’t my choice to sign up for this.

We read your messages; the Freedom Wall much more. We hear about the way you talk about how we don’t do enough. We see the newspapers and the magazines littered on the bleachers of the Grandstand and inside the restroom trashcans.

We know how #WalangPasok has higher engagements than the MGA LARAWAN postings. We know about what we need to do—what we want to do—though at this point, I honestly have no more ideas on how to do it. 

So, all I ask for is that you tell us. I am confident that whatever you say, we have already done, attempted, or are just non-journalistic—yet you will still criticize us because you have not seen it. Around last month, 18 years ago in Heraldo Filipino Volume 22, Issue 1, Jecoup Asombrado wrote on page 6, “You will not read this. Scan it, maybe. But you will not read this. You will find this boring. This may not appeal to you. Because of that you will not read this.” I was five years old when that (unfortunately, somehow timeless) article was released. At the time, I didn’t know what “press” was, nor would I think that I’d ever wear a big-ass ID with the word on it.

Now I know better, and I’ve realized that it shouldn’t feel this heavy. If an accident occurs at Gate 1, the officers shouldn’t be afraid to talk about the incident. We shouldn’t have to be threatened if another organization fails to inform us about an event’s paperwork or if we release relevant news about their officers. Moreover, we shouldn’t have to defend ourselves if we publish about the cancellation of classes or available refunds.

No matter what we do, for now, being journalists is second to being students. I will never be sorry for reminding my orgmates about that. Our hands are tied by the protocols we must follow, which we truly consider last next to ethics, laws, and other editorial processes—ones we hope would be met with understanding. We are restricted by manpower and biased demands.

Nevertheless, I guess there is comfort in hate. At least I know that people still care about the news. It is an honor to have you feel that we failed you because it also means you expect from us. I do not blame you for not reading our posts or opening our printed works for uses other than paper crafts. Even our Copy Editor once joked how we have 40 members in our organization, yet our social media posts barely reach 30 reactions. If we cannot get all our members to read, then I shouldn’t expect more from others. Plus, with this marking our 500th release for academic year (AY) 2024–2025, there really are way too many to look at.

Thus, as this team makes its last post, I urge you to continue calling us out. We are with you. This is your right, this is your tuition fee. Scream if you must, so we can amplify your voices. Provide us with the information that you’re hesitant about. Let us be your channel to advocate. Disturb us if it’s what can make us disturb you. Open our eyes so you can find ease in blinking, but please, let that only be a pause. Do not face your head the other way. Look me in the eyes, reader; this isn’t you. 🥺

Maybe it really wasn’t my choice to sign up for this. It wasn’t any of ours. Choice sounds like I volunteered, which I definitely would not do. It is a passion. It is a duty mandatory to every part of me. Although my term now comes to an end, I will continue to serve, even if you are unimpressed.