Commemorating the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law since its declaration in 1972, IITians from all over the seven colleges united in a solidarity walk on Monday, September 22, to condemn the brutalities of Marcos Sr.’s dictatorship and protest against the corruption that continues to plague the country today.
Organized by the Political Science Society (PSS) with support from the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA) and the College of Arts and Social Sciences - Executive Council (CASS-EC), students stood in solidarity, carrying placards and flags that brandish displeasure and indignity in a color scheme dominated by black—symbolizing the grievance and outrage of the Filipino people over the injustices left behind by Martial Law.
“Commemorating would be more meaningful if we mobilize the students. It is our right to free speech, we need to realize the importance of echoing our voices, because if we keep up with the silence, nobody in the government will bat an eye,” PSS Minister of Public Relations Shayma Gani expressed in an interview.
Gani emphasized that the purpose of this annual event is not only narrowed to commemoration; it also serves as a platform wherein students can freely participate in boosting the spirit of Filipino democracy in the continuous and seemingly never-ending journey of attaining justice.
“Ipakita rin natin sa kanila na bumo-boses tayo, at ramdam na ramdam natin ‘yung pagdudusa mula sa failure na ginawa ng government,” she added.
Meanwhile, during the initial gathering at CASS just before the walk, guest speaker Asst. Prof. Yasmira Moner reflected on the events of the 'darkest' era in Philippine history, recalling how it deeply affected the nation and expressing hope for the Filipino people to heal from the wounds caused by the historical injustices of Martial Law.
“We are fighting with the aim of seating a leader that will never impose upon us again the inhumane occurrence that happened 53 years ago, let us not be complicit and entirely consumed by the declarations that the Malacañang is spouting,” Asst. Prof. Moner emphasized.
She also stressed the need for accountability among those who are deemed by the society and the law responsible for the heinous acts of corruption, pointing out the disgruntling fact that the one sitting at the highest position in the country is none other than a dictator’s son and that “a mistake can never be corrected by another mistake.”
“It was never imagined that a black president would then be sitting in a very white country like America, at ngayon ay hindi imposible na magkaroon tayo ng isang bagong pinuno na may pusong totoo sa pakikipaglaban sa korapsyon,” she added.
Another guest speaker, Asst. Prof. Fitzgerald Torralba spoke of the vitality of democracy, especially among students; he accentuated that activism will never be the same as terrorism.
“We must be wary, we must be critical, we must always challenge them in any means that we can,” Asst. Prof. Torralba declared.
During the opinion-sharing session where participants of the walk gathered, BA Political Science student Pherl John pointed out the importance of remembering this pivotal moment in history, stating that by doing so, “We amplify the necessity and the need to never allow ourselves to be ruled again by another dictatorial regime such as the Marcos administration.”
He added that, much like the EDSA People Power Revolution, this movement—no matter how small—is the people’s response to the increasing number of challenges the country continues to face, warning that if corruption remains unchecked, the government will continue to victimize and subjugate the Filipino citizens.
“This is the way of the marginalized to make their voices heard and to continue taking action, so that the advocacies that these vulnerable sectors of the society are championing for, will not only remain as advocacies, but will be given a point of action,” Pherl John asserted.
Another attendee, Frank from BS Philosophy, shared in an interview that the biggest contribution one can make for the country right now is to voice out and make a stand.
“It’s time to wake up to reality now,” Frank remarked, encouraging parents, guardians, and students to become a catalyst for change and join the movement in hopes of making even the smallest difference, “because if not us, then who will?”
The Solidarity walk took course from CASS Lawn to the Institute Park and finally to Rizal Park, where the crowd waved their placards and banners amid loud chants and shouts—“Ikulong na yan, mga kurakot!”, “Makibaka! H’wag Matakot!”, and others—reverberating across the whole campus.
Written by Tresha Angelica De Villa
Proofread by Andrea Ross Sedero
Photos by Aiyeesha Abah and Jahnamae Quinga
Photo Edit by Aiyeesha Abah
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