The Ateneo community joined the pouring congratulatory messages for journalism Maria Ressa following her historic Nobel Peace Prize win on Friday, Oct. 8.
In a statement, Ateneo President Roberto C. Yap SJ, lauded Ressa, saying she has shown herself "to be a true patriot" through serving the nation by ensuring the public remains well- and correctly informed using independent and fact-based journalism to report corruption, abuse of power, and violence against fellow Filipinos.
"Despite the numerous attacks against Ressa and the news organization she founded, Rappler, she remains committed to truth and democracy which she believes is a prerequisite to 'meaningful human interaction to solve the existential problems we face -- coronavirus or climate change," Yap said.
"As we celebrate the international recognition and prestige bestowed on Maria Ressa, let us strive to equal her courage and commitment to build a world dedicated to truth, freedom, and space."
Meanwhile, the Confederation of Publications of the Ateneo de Manila University, composed of HEIGHTS Ateneo, Matanglawin Ateneo, and The GUIDON, likewise celebrated the Nobel win of Ressa, highlighting that her win is a "reminder of the prevalent authoritarian systems that incessantly stifle voices of dissent."
"Over the course of the past year, press freedom has been under extreme duress; from the ABS-CBN shutdown to the slaying of journalists nationwide. Beyond journalism, local artists who practice activism through their craft have similarly experienced police brutality and suppression, underscoring the administration's distaste for criticism," the group said.
Ateneo's campus publications also recognized journalists and artists "who do not have Ressa's platform to tirelessly press forward" and campus publications nationwide facing censorship and administration control.
"To that degree, constant vigilance is required to ensure the safety of media correspondents, student journalists, and anyone who remains in pursuit of the truth. The fight does not stop with Ressa's Nobel Peace Prize. If anything -- with tyrants enraged by Ressa's success -- the fight has only just begun."
Ressa is the first Filipino recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
READ MORE: DLSU lauds Nobel winner Ressa