Filipino Role Models
Maria Ressa
Known for her strong will and determination to serve justice, Maria Ressa is a Filipino-American journalist who deserves recognition by young Filipino girls who wish to bring change in society. She is a co-founder of Rappler, a Manila-based digital media company for investigative journalism, and she used this platform to expose government corruption and human rights violations. Because of this, she received backlash from the Philippine government, but she stood her ground and continued to fight for press freedom, eventually earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for her courage and dedication to the truth.
The documentary A Thousand Cuts follows Ressa’s journey as she faces legal battles and relentless attacks, demonstrating her perseverance and unwavering dauntlessness. Even if you aren’t planning to pursue journalism in the future, Ate Maria’s story surely encapsulates the true essence of a modern-day Filipino woman—fearless, principled, and unafraid to stand up for what is right, inspiring others to use their voice and take action when your community needs your help.