To write is to fight

A young author's path to finding the courage to stand by his beliefs

- BY JOHN BENEDICT N. BANDAY, 18

When I was a kid, I used to be quiet in the group, believing that it would be better for me to be in the silent zone.

But when I accepted the role as a young leader and, soon after, as a young journalist, I learned early that speaking up, especially through writing, is the best way to let people see that you are strong enough.

I have learned that writing is not merely putting words on a page, it is choosing to confront what others choose to ignore.

However, it often comes with consequences. You get questioned, doubted, corrected, and dismissed. Sometimes, I was told to stop. Other times, I was told that my words “won’t change anything.” And once again, I listened. I stayed quiet, thinking that silence could protect me from the weight of criticism. But I realized something far more important: silence does not heal the wounds of Inang Bayan. Writing does.