The LANCE in retrospect
The LANCE Editorial Board AY 2020 - 2021:
Editor-in-Chief: Meilinda Marie Malacat
Associate Editor: Chantal Macaraeg
Managing Editor: Melody Jade Soriano
News Editor: Roni Mae Serrano
Features Editor: Justin Santelices
Sports Editor: Maria Sofia Dimaculangan
Photo Editor: Patrick Dominick Romero
Design Editor: Eldrick Nolasco
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This is not your ordinary history.
It is not a story where facts are enumerated and datelines are significant. Looking back at the years of the official student publication of Colegio de San Juan de Letran would reveal not only what happened, but how Letranites acted upon these situations This story will prove why The LANCE is worthy of its name.
Four years after martial law banned student publications, The LANCE was born with the sheer passion to be the voice of the students. In September 1976, the first issue was released defining the name of the publication as a symbol of Letran’s spirit of sportsmanship, kindred-spiritedness and chivalry. It also posed the challenge not only to its writers but to the student body as well.
An excerpt from the first LANCE editorial by its editor-in-chief, Ramon A. Aliño states that: “…the success of this publication rests on the students, singly and collectively since the LANCE’s aim is not only to record events but also to poke the students out of their shell… Its continued survival depends on what you contribute to the paper, not what it can do for you. Indeed, a worthy challenge.”
It is in pursuit of truth and justice that kept the fire burning in the hearts and hands of staffers. Nothing could be compromised.
In the time of Retro
The 70’s were not a merry season for the press. This period of supposedly colors and music was dimmed by the suppression of freedom of expression.
However, with fresh belief in the newly established form of government—still with hope— LANCE staffers opted not to contradict the government but educate the students about new decrees and laws. A section in the opinion page was devoted to chronicling political changes so that the readers may understand these.
Aside from straight news and opinions, the pages of The LANCE were also filled with artful prose and poetry that showcased the creativity of the writers. A co-ed’s corner featured the beautiful faces in school.
Staffers also conducted regular interviews with students to know their complaints against and suggestions for the administration. Knowing the pulse of the students gave The LANCE a clearer voice to speak out.
In the time of New Wave
Gradually, the now infamous “conjugal dictatorship” was revealed, yet more journalists were getting killed. It was during the early 80’s when The LANCE staffers began to fight not only as Letranites, but as vigilant Filipinos as well.
Martial law was lifted in 1981 when the charade of press freedom began. Perhaps the biggest relief of this period was when Education Minister Onofre D. Corpuz assured The LANCE of its independence from the school administration or any other authority.
Ministry of Education and Culture Order 62 s.1981 stated that “no individual who is not a staff member should define nor determine the contents of the paper.” This gave more fire and courage for the staffers to hold their “lances” and fight with their pens.
Though the paper was shut down and subsequently revamped in almost a year, it was published with a January 1983 issue. Instead of the traditional hierarchy, The LANCE decided to compose an editorial board which would decide how the paper should be run. Under the editorial board chairperson Medallon Abrena, The LANCE came back on track.
The year 1984 can be characterized as the publication’s boldest period, where libel and death threats did not move the staffers from their stand to fight with the Filipino people.
Pages of The LANCE during this year were filled with photos from rallies and stories about the struggle against the dictator. Even the feature pages presented the realities of the streets—how people were being killed and how officials were being manipulated. As LANCE staffers braved the streets, they also inked the pages.
Ceferino Basilio, editor-in-chief of The LANCE, wrote in his editorial for the September 1984 issue the paper’s view on the political struggle. “They may put journalists behind bars, torture politicians, close down critic-oriented newspapers but one thing’s for sure, ‘PEOPLE POWER’ will prevail. The LANCE will surely do its share in preserving ideals and aspirations, whatever the price.”
Looking up to Marcelo “Plaridel” H. del Pilar—a Letranite who founded the propagandist paper La Solidaridad—the staffers were threatened with a libel suit by a faculty member because they expressed the truth with so much valiance.
“This is probably going to be the bleakest Christmas we’ll ever have…we have nothing to blame but Mr. Marcos who has led us into this miserable state,” said News Editor Froilan Castelo in his column “Recollections” in The LANCE’s December 1984 issue.
From the 90’s to the present
The fire of campus journalism continued to burn as a new decade entered. Because the revolution was over and new presidents took over the country, the right to press freedom has never been used more often.
LANCE staffers became watchdogs, not only to the government but to the Colegio as well.
Discussing the apathy of Letranites remains to be one of the favorite subjects of editorials. Since the foundation of The LANCE, this has been the goal, to take Letranites out of their shell, and it is only reasonable to take some steps for action.
Paolo Jamisola, editor-in-chief of The LANCE in 2002, suggested that students would be satisfied with tuition hikes when they see where their money goes. To students, the meaning of “better education” is better information and communication technology and access to better facilities.
Students may have agreed with such observation but apathy was still commonplace. However, The LANCE became their mouthpiece so that sentiments were voiced.
Also in 2002, Political Science students moved for a change in grade. The LANCE publicized the event and the quest to break apathy was somehow fulfilled.
The LANCE encouraged students to air their complaints and not be fence sitters who were nonchalant about their environment. However, the paper reminded them that by doing so, they must not be fidgety but stand up for what they believe in.
Beyond the stories and proficiency in language and grammar, The LANCE through the years has maintained a passion and purpose. The LANCE remains to be the students’ voice and the extension of their mind.
This purpose may seem difficult to achieve but in the end the sense of fulfillment will be worth the effort. Someone has to stand up for somebody, and that someone is The LANCE.
In the new millennium
Thirty years have passed since The LANCE began its mission to be the voice of the students. Still, life in our country has been a continuous struggle against the evils that corrupt the minds of people. Many Letranites are still apathetic about relevant issues that concern them. Problems are similar to what the early breed of writers gave their heart to in search for a solution.
The battle is not yet over. Going back to the roots of The LANCE reminds us on what we must set our hearts to, find the passion once more to be the voice of the students, risking anything without compromise.
The success of The LANCE still depends on how, together with the student body, make it more than pieces of paper, but priceless convictions inked in every page.
All of us have the duty to keep the might of the sword and pen alive as we write new chapters of history.
An article written by Lutchie Anne Coral
