When I hear praise about how my tenure transformed and changed Unibê into the publication it is now, I refuse to say I changed it. Since its inception, the publication has been a positive force of expression and representation of students' interests. It never changed, but like most organizations and institutions, it has had its dark times. A period of despair when its purpose and history are forgotten, resulting in an identity crisis, much like a human person in their mid-life mess. Fortunately, I was there, and I saw it all.
I witnessed both the bad times and the good times. I observed how its editors and staff struggled to maintain the glory of Unibê while keeping themselves sane in the process of juggling academics and editorial responsibilities. There were times when they, like me, failed to do their job. We aren’t perfect, and I admit it. However, these failures of the past motivated me to recalibrate the publication’s purpose and revisit the question of its existence back in 1970. We exist to combat injustice, protect the marginalized, and be the voice of those who don't know how to fight back. Those within need to reconnect with Unibê's history to see the light and rise from the dark times.
During the period of editorial enlightenment, I considered myself lucky because I worked with a talented roster of editors who aligned with my goals and objectives for the publication during my two terms as editor-in-chief. So, when I receive compliments that I was one of the best chief editors Unibê had ever produced, I always shrug them off. Not because I am not deserving, but because I believe it wasn't me alone. It was my editorial team that helped me navigate through thick and thin to execute my plan of action, and it was the marginalized community and the students we served that inspired us to tell stories and fight for them.
Over the span of two years, we also achieved full digitalization of our content, from developing our own website to venturing onto different social media platforms to extend our audience's reach. As I step down from my position, the Bicol Universitarian has now amassed 50,000 followers on its Facebook page, up from 28,000 when I first assumed the role of chief editor. This milestone is significant for the publication as we have now entered an era of media consumption where everything is online. The publication has been at the center of social and political discussions for the past years and will continue to be so forever.
These were the most special two years of my life thus far. I served as chief editor during the most crucial period in the community, albeit for a relatively short time. Some say I had the best of both worlds: leading the publication both online and in-person during the pandemic and the return to campus. I was present during the 2022 national elections coverage, where we conducted a mock election that trended online. I was there during the BU presidential selection, where we pioneered the first-ever special coverage by the Universitarian.
I witnessed the transition from virtual to in-person classes, the shift from the Duterte to the Marcos administration, and the change from Mascariñas to Nebres. It was all thrilling and exhilarating as we set the agenda people would talk about for the next weeks. However, the most rewarding aspect of my time at Unibê was comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.
When I look into the eyes of the people I interviewed and see the spark of hope radiating, I'm even more encouraged to continue what I'm doing. Those sparks ignited because these people were relieved that finally, someone listened to their stories. This always propels me forward, driven by the glimmer of optimism in their gazes, etched forever in my memory.
I was comparable to a young river when I began at Unibê. The vision was clear, and I knew where to go because I was naive – ignorant of the dangers, criticisms, and power an editorial position holds. I consider that ignorance bliss; my ambition was the same. But my dreams for Unibê will forever live on because they have materialized, and the editors after me will continue what we started.
This will be my last editor's note, Unibê.
You've changed me.
DENVER GODEZANO
Editor-in-Chief (2021-2023)
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