CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – St. Scholastica’s Academy here welcomed renowned political journalist Christian Esguerra on Sept. 20, as part of the school’s SSAndaan Centennial Lecture Series underscoring its commitment to fostering informed and socially responsible citizens.
In his lecture titled “Facts First: A Fact-Based Situationer on the Philippine Political Landscape,” Esguerra tackled critical issues in Philippine politics with special emphasis on the urgent need for justice and social transformation, and highlighting the importance of informed civic engagement among the youth.
Esguerra’s insights took particular relevance as the nation approaches the midterm elections.
The host of the online political talk show “Facts First,” also delved on the vital role of young people in combating disinformation.
He urged attendees to verify information before sharing, emphasizing that “the baseline requirement is to avoid spreading unverified information.”
He encouraged responsible social media use to promote accuracy while addressing the challenges of the social media landscape.
“While it may seem small, collectively, these efforts can significantly impact our battle against disinformation,” he said.
Even as he warned: “We must not sit back and relax while the world is burning. The platforms meant to unite us often divide us.”
Esguerra underscored too the importance of civil discourse and shared his experiences of engaging constructively with those holding opposing views as the Philippines prepares for the midterm elections.
Urging his audience to study the electoral process and make informed choices, he reminded them that “The leaders we elect will serve for years, and their actions will have lasting consequences.”
In an interview, Sister Mary John Mananzan, OSB, school directress, reflected on the school’s commitment to social justice, rooted in the 1970 episcopal letter “Justice in the World.”
“Even if you’re preaching the gospel, if you’re not doing anything for justice and societal change, it’s as if you’re not truly preaching. This philosophy is integral to St. Scholastica’s mission, fostering socially conscious students across its ten schools in the Philippines,” she said.
The event was attended by senior high school students from St. Scholastica’s Academy, Don Bosco Academy, Holy Family’ Academy and Holy Cross Sta. Ana; St. Scholastica’s Academy Parent-Teacher Association (PTA); St. Scholastica’s Academy alumni; faculty and staff; representatives from DepEd Region 3; and members of the socio-civic and private sectors.
