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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Ukrainian scribe visits Cebu, cites resilience, democratic values

Ukrainian scribe visits Cebu, cites resilience, democratic values

Published Nov 14, 2025 10:27 pm
UKRAINIAN journalist Nataliya Gumenyuk (left) meets reporters during her visit to Cebu province on Thursday, Nov. 13. (Photo via Calvin Cordova)
UKRAINIAN journalist Nataliya Gumenyuk (left) meets reporters during her visit to Cebu province on Thursday, Nov. 13. (Photo via Calvin Cordova)
CEBU CITY – A Ukrainian journalist shared how it is covering the war between Russia and Ukraine while also highlighting resilience and the defense of democratic values.
Nataliya Gumenyuk was in Cebu province on Thursday, Nov. 13, as part of a special lecture titled “The Strength of a Nation: Resilience Through Democracy” at the University of Cebu (UC) Main Campus.
The event, which was hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine, brought together civic leaders, journalists, academic personnel, student journalists, and youth leaders.
The Cebu stop was part of a nationwide Philippine tour that includes Manila, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Zamboanga City.
At UC, Gumenyuk shared her experience documenting war crimes in Ukraine and explained how Ukrainian communities are coping with the current situation.
Gumenyuk shared how she was inspired by the Filipino concept of “bayanihan” or cooperation.
“It’s a, you know, this kind of idea of the community. And this word resonates a lot to me because that’s how we live,” she said.
Ukraine’s commitment to democracy, justice, and national resilience amid war was highlighted during the talk.
Gumenyuk explained how civil society, government institutions, and the business sector worked hand-in-hand to maintain essential services even during the war.
After facing students, Gumenyuk met journalists.
"I felt quite a genuine level of curiosity and openness and eagerness to learn,” she said, referring to her engagement with students.
Gumenyuk was made aware of the recent calamities that struck Cebu, from the Sept. 30 earthquake to typhoon ‘’Tino’’ last Nov. 4.
Gomenyuk said it is during these times that Cebuanos should value collective responsibility.
“If there is something huge, like the typhoon, you can’t protect your house on your own. You can’t be like, just an individual, you’re part of the society,” she said.
Ukraine’s partner in Cebu, Curtis Go, thanked the Embassy of Ukraine for making the engagement possible.
“Seeing a respected Ukrainian journalist and war correspondent speak directly to Cebuano students is something I could only dream of a few years ago when I was still a student myself. It is deeply fulfilling to witness how much more aware and engaged the students in Cebu have become regarding the situation in Ukraine and the invaluable opportunity they given to deepened their understanding of current geopolitics and the global challenges we all share,” said Go.

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