MARIA RESSA

JOURNALIST

Influence is a word aimlessly thrown around these days as if it were currency of the loose change sort, easily attaching it to a name with a significant social media following and reach. But for a world still making sense of the foreseen relenting of the analog to its twilight, where the decidedly diverse and dynamic digital plane is reigning supreme, influence compels so much more than just cumulative numbers and heightened engagement. In the realest sense of the word, it demands respect, as it does tangible efforts that affect a wave of inspiring change for the greater good of the world.

Even without the recent recognitions from Time (Person of the Year in 2018 and 100 Influential People in 2019), Maria Ressa, undeterred journalist and protector of the truth from threats of suppressing human rights and press freedom, is influential. This prominence is a result of over 33 years of journalistic integrity, one that has spanned war zones in and out of the Philippine shores, all of which she has covered and stood her ground on.

Despite an overwhelming threat to curtailing human liberties, Maria Ressa continues to persist and persevere. “Press freedom is not just about journalists. Press freedom is the foundation of every single right of every Filipino to the truth so that we can hold power to account,” she says, encouraging the nation to speak up. It doesn’t take a great deal, you know. All it takes is an active hand to enact a ripple of discourse, because eventually, all this would lead to the clearing and salvation that this country needs and deserves at this point, and Maria Ressa continues to do just that, reporting and reacting as is her journalistic duty. “I always said, when I look back a decade from now, I want to make sure that I have done all I can,” Ressa concludes. “We will not duck, we will not hide, we will hold the line.”—ARDC