A recent visit by Ukrainian war correspondent Nataliya Gumenyuk to Cebu is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding, dialogue and international solidarity, according to Ukraine’s local partner in the city, Curtis Go, who says he is committed to advancing those values in the province.
Go, who helped plan and co-organise the programme, said it was deeply fulfilling to watch Cebuano students engage more actively with the war in Ukraine and global geopolitics. He described the engagement as “only the beginning” of a broader effort to build long-term ties between Ukrainian institutions and Cebu’s academic and media communities.
“I thank Ms. Gumeniuk, the Ukrainian Embassy, our partner institutions, and the media for supporting this effort. This visit is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding, dialogue, and international solidarity, values that I am committed to continue advancing here in Cebu. This is only the beginning, and I am proud to be part of this mission as we look forward to future activities together,” Go said.
Gumenyuk, a respected journalist and war correspondent, spoke at a special lecture titled “The Strength of a Nation: Resilience Through Democracy” at the University of Cebu (UC) Main Campus on Thursday.
The Cebu leg formed part of a nationwide Philippine tour that also includes Manila, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga. The series is hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine, underscoring growing diplomatic and people-to-people links between Ukraine and Southeast Asia.
In Cebu, the event brought together civic leaders, journalists, academic staff, student reporters and youth leaders for a wide-ranging discussion on how Ukraine is navigating the war with Russia while defending democratic institutions.
Gumenyuk shared her experience documenting war crimes and described how Ukrainian communities have tried to keep daily life and basic services functioning despite ongoing attacks. She highlighted the role of civil society, government agencies and the private sector in working together to maintain critical infrastructure.
She said she was particularly struck by the Filipino concept of “bayanihan”, or communal cooperation, noting that it resonates with how Ukrainians have relied on community support to get through the conflict.
After the lecture, Gumenyuk met Cebu-based media and said she saw “a genuine level of curiosity and openness and eagerness to learn” among students and young journalists.
Organisers also briefed her on recent calamities that hit Cebu, including the Sept. 30 earthquake and Typhoon “Tino” on Nov. 4. Gumenyuk said the disasters reinforced the need for collective responsibility, pointing out that in the face of major events such as typhoons, individuals cannot cope alone and must act as part of a wider community.
Go thanked the Ukrainian Embassy, ECCP, partner institutions and the media for supporting the engagement, adding that he looked forward to future activities that would deepen Cebu’s connection to Ukraine and sharpen local understanding of global crises.
Business News Asia
