Jessica Soho urges UP alumni in Guam: Keep hope, fire alive that PH must change

Veteran broadcast journalist Jessica Soho has called on alumni of the University of the Philippines (UP) in Guam to remain hopeful and continue to seek change in the Philippines amid corruption and social ills confronting the nation.

Speaking at the recent 45th anniversary rites of the UP Alumni Guam (UPAG), Soho asked attendees to stay engaged in critical issues and to veer away from falling into apathy.

"Let us not be numbed with all the corruption and injustice happening in our country. We should rage because to stay angry is to keep the hope and the fire alive that things must and should change," said Soho, a journalism graduate of UP Diliman.

Soho looked back at her career in journalism, lamenting that many of the same issues she covered four decades ago still persist today.

"Forty-one years later I'm still here basically doing the same thing… reporting the news… Sadly, it is the same old issues and problems I am still reporting on. Walang nagbago, parang na-rerecycle lang ang mga suliranin ng ating bayan (Nothing has changed, it feels like the country's problems are just being recycled)," Soho said in her speech last November.

She said the lack of progress is especially frustrating given the Philippines' history and potential.

"Bakit hindi tayo umusad?… napapabuntunghininga na lang kami about the sad state of affairs in our country."

(Why haven't we progressed?… We can only sigh at the sad state of our country.)

The Kapuso journalist pointed to corruption as a key issue weighing down national development.

"Where the stealing is now in the trillions of pesos, many remain poor and hungry," she stressed.

Responsibility to serve

Soho stressed that being an Iskolar ng Bayan of the state-run University of the Philippines carries a deeper obligation to serve the Filipino people.

"Mayroon tayong pakialam. Obligasyon at responsibilidad natin sa bayan at taumbayan na tumustos sa ating pag-aaral," she said.

(We care about things happening around us. We have an obligation and responsibility to the country and the people who funded our education.)

She likewise stressed the influence of overseas Filipinos, which carries a responsibility as well.

"You are a strong force; that's why politicians even campaign amongst you. And I hope you use your power wisely."

PH falling behind neighbors

Recalling a recent trip to Thailand, Soho said the Philippines has been lagging behind its neighbors in infrastructure, agriculture, and education.

"Airport pa lang [sa Thailand], taob na tayo… Kahit sa kanilang mga kalsada, wala tayong panama… Mas food secure din sila," Soho said, noting that Thailand learned rice production techniques from the Philippines.

(Just by looking at Thailand's airport alone, it is already clear that we have fallen behind… We cannot compare with their roads… They are more food secure.)

She also cited Vietnam's progress, noting Filipino students are now being outperformed in global assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

"Napag-iwanan na talaga tayo (We have truly been left behind)," Soho added. 

Stories that spark action

Despite the grim realities, Soho underscored the power of storytelling to spark change, citing the successes of investigative and human-interest reports of her award-winning, top-rating TV magazine show, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS).

"By way of stories, we can change lives… one episode at a time."

Soho cited uplifting stories of individuals who inspired KMJS and its viewers—such as Ranilyn, a malnourished child from Bantayan Island, Cebu who recovered with public support; Reymark, a young farmer boy who returned to school after receiving help; and Daxen, a child with a severe skin condition who gained access to treatment after his story aired on television.

She also noted efforts to reunite missing persons with their families, with hundreds of successful cases over the years through KMJS and her former show, Reunions.

Filipinos' innate compassion can be harnessed to help others and push for change, the KMJS host said.

"Matulungin tayo (It's in our nature to be helpful)… it just shows we care."

She encouraged continued support for outreach initiatives, such as the UP Diliman EATskolar student meal program for scholars struggling with food insecurity.

"Sana, balang araw… 'yung mga matulungan natin ngayon, makatulong din sa iba (Hopefully, in the future, those we help today will help others)."

In ending her speech, Soho posed a familiar question to UP students and alumni—one that is rooted in collective responsibility.

"Kung hindi tayo, sino? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan? (If not us, then who? If not now, then when?)" Soho asked. — VDV, GMA Integrated News