Award-winning Ukrainian war correspondent Nataliya Gumenyuk delivered a powerful message of resilience and community solidarity during her special lecture at the University of Cebu, drawing striking parallels between her country's experience under Russian invasion and the Filipino tradition of bayanihan.
Ukraine's Democratic Struggle Against Invasion
Nataliya Gumenyuk, chief executive of the Public Interest Journalism Lab, spoke to students on November 13, 2025, at the University of Cebu's main campus. Her lecture, titled "The Strength of a Nation: Resilience Through Democracy," highlighted how Ukraine has maintained its democratic values despite facing unprovoked invasion for three and a half years.
"Ukraine is fighting an unprovoked invasion. Bombs have been falling for three and a half years, and part of the country is occupied," Gumenyuk told the audience. "Yet we remain a democracy fighting for survival through the strength of society and the creativity of our people."
The journalist emphasized that Ukraine's endurance demonstrates how societies can survive when citizens, government, and business sectors work together despite constant threats. She shared documentary work on war-crimes documentation during her visit, providing students with firsthand accounts of the conflict's realities.
Bayanihan Spirit Mirrors Ukrainian Resilience
Gumenyuk expressed finding strong similarities between Ukrainian resilience and the Philippines' long-standing tradition of community response to disasters. She specifically highlighted the concept of bayanihan as resonating deeply with Ukraine's experience.
"You cannot outsource crisis response," she stated emphatically. "You need to work together. The Filipino word bayanihan resonates with me because that's how we live."
The war correspondent noted that both nations face comparable challenges related to migration and displacement. While Ukraine continues to lose people to war and refugee flows, the country simultaneously struggles to maintain essential services under extreme conditions.
Student Engagement and International Impact
University of Cebu students showed keen interest in Ukraine's situation, asking thoughtful questions about resilience, journalism, and crisis reporting. Gumenyuk described their inquiries as "curious, open and eager to learn." Some students even asked how they could contribute to supporting Ukraine.
"This war has implications in geopolitics, human rights, the world economy, and the future structure of global security," Gumenyuk explained, emphasizing the conflict's broader significance beyond Ukraine's borders.
Curtis Go, the local partner who helped organize the visit, praised the Cebu engagements as "a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding, dialogue, and international solidarity." He expressed fulfillment in seeing Cebu students become more aware and engaged with Ukraine and global geopolitics.
Gumenyuk's Philippine tour continues with visits to Davao, Manila, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga. Her visit is hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine, following the successful trip of Ukrainian Ambassador to the Philippines Yuliia Fediv, who earlier met with Governor Pamela Baricuatro and other local officials to discuss potential collaborations between Cebu and Ukraine.
