UPLB community commemorates Martial Law Declaration through candle-lighting activity

by ALBERT JOHN ENRICO A. DOMINGUEZ

Students and various campus organizations gathered at the Carabao Park last September 21, 2015 to commemorate the 43^rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law through a candle-lighting ceremony. The activity was led by the UPLB Perspective, the official student publication, and the College of Human Ecology Student Council (CHE-SC).

Clariza Concordia, associate managing editor of the Perspective, pointed out how people of today’s generation still experience the same tribulations of those who lived during the Marcos Regime. “Ngayong araw ay ginugunita rin natin ag mga biktima ng karahasan ng estado dahil hindi pa natin ganap na nakukuha ang kalayaan sa ating bansa.” Concordia said in her opening remarks.

Student leaders also stressed how collective actions can help in ending the struggle. “Dito pa lamang sa ating unibersidad, ang mga Freshmen ay pinagbabawalang sumali [sa mga organisasyon] dahil alam nilang kapag nagka-isa ang mga Iskolar ng Bayan kayang patumbahin ng kabataan ang isang estado katulad ng panahon ni Marcos.” Vincent Amores, president of Anakbayan-UPLB, said.

“Kailangan tayo ay kumilos rin. I-uplift natin ang hustisya. Makiisa tayo para maipaglaban ang mga biktima ng Martial Law.” Mhao Palevino, CHE-SC member, reminded the students.

Various student organizations and institutions gave out solidarity messages. “Kinitil ang karapatan sa pagpapahayag at pag-oorganisa sa panahon ng Martial Law. Pero hindi dito natigil ang paglaban ng mga Iskolar ng Bayan” Shaira Cledero, from the University Student Council, said in her remark.

Other organizations who gave out solidarity messages are Gabriela UPLB, Youth Advocates for Peace and Justice (YAPJUST), UPLB Writer’s Club, Center for Nationalist Studies, and National Network of Agrarian Advocates Youth-UPLB (NARRA).

It was 43 years ago when the Philippines had its darkest times when former President Ferdinand Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1081 back in September 21, 1972. This placed the whole country under the Martial Law. Social injustices like political violence, human rights violations, and press repression were prominent during this time. [P]