If journalism is the first draft of history, then The LaSallian has been assembling the chapters of a comprehensive tome for 64 years. Since our maiden issue, we have guided our readers through the complexities of campus life, including the tuition fee increase, students’ enrollment woes, and the scheduling of Independent Learning Week.
We also tackle national and global issues, bringing the same dedication to the truth that anchors our work at home. This year, we criticized the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program and condemned Israel’s atrocities against Palestine. When protests swept the nation, our staffers were on the frontlines of coverage.
Perhaps our greatest achievement is the revival of our print edition—a milestone that symbolizes not only a return to tradition but also our commitment to keeping the press alive in all its forms.
But beneath these accomplishments lie deeper challenges. As a once strictly print publication, The LaSallian had to overhaul its work in order to stay relevant in the digital age. Maximizing our website and social media presence has allowed us to reach a wider audience, breaking barriers that print could never cross.
This accessibility, however, comes at a price. The digital world is relentless, demanding constant updates and rapid turnarounds. While we do our best to uphold our editorial standards, we feel the pressure to publish stories quickly, sometimes at the risk of compromising depth and accuracy.
In an era of fleeting attention spans, it is no longer enough to write a compelling article; each piece must also be paired with arresting visuals. The rise of visual storytelling has pushed us to adopt new strategies for presenting news. Although these adjustments are necessary, they can be labor-intensive, further straining our resources.
Moreover, expanding our coverage has heightened the dangers associated with our work, especially when the pandemic subsided. We commit to our philosophy—to be there when it happens—as we spotlight every sport in the UAAP, cover rallies and strikes, and write thought-provoking pieces. However, this may expose our staffers to harassment and red-tagging, both on the ground and online.
This is the price we pay for pursuing the truth, but it is a burden we should never have to bear alone. Despite our growing responsibilities, the support we receive is shrinking. In recent years, we have faced budget cuts that jeopardize the very heart of our operations, from printing our paper to traveling far for press coverage.
Censorship is another unfortunate reality for student publications nationwide. Although The LaSallian is not beholden to the University, threats to our editorial independence persist. We frequently receive requests from organizations within and outside of DLSU to edit or delete our posts, citing damages or misrepresentation to their brand. While these demands may seem trivial, they reflect a troubling misunderstanding of our role as journalists.
We are not here to advance the agendas of institutions and corporations; we are here to uncover the truth, expose injustice, and foster critical thought. Any attempt to suppress this duty undermines the very essence of journalism.
Though these challenges are not new, they are growing more acute. We cannot face them alone. The LaSallian has weathered storms throughout its history, but the current media landscape demands more than perseverance. Student journalists navigate a complex terrain of financial constraints, technological advancements, and political pressures, yet we remain dedicated to our mission.
For 64 years, the publication has held up a light for its readers, helping them navigate times of celebration, crisis, and change. Our staffers have gone to great lengths to mobilize people for the greater good and document their narratives. We continue this mission not only for our current readership but also for those who will look back at our archives, seeking to understand their history through our eyes.
The torch we carry is not ours alone; it is a shared responsibility with the institutions and communities we serve. Without support, we risk losing more than just stories—we risk losing our right to know and to hold those in power accountable. As we continue this journey, we ask our readers to walk with us. For as we publish to expose the truth, we have chosen to advance the Filipino people’s interests.
