Ipinagdiriwang sa Pilipinas at maging sa buong mundo ang paggunita sa kabayanihan ng mga guro. Sila na marahil ang pinakadakilang propesyon na hindi nabibigyang tuon ang kanilang mga batayang benepisyo at priyoridad ng pamahalaan. Marami na ring balita ang lumabas hinggil sa pagpapakamatay ng ilang guro dahil sa bigat at patong-patong na gawaing nagreresulta sa hindi makataong pagtrato sa kanilang kakayanan at limitasyon. Ilan lamang ito sa kalagayan ng mga guro mula sa pribado at lalo’t higit sa mga pampublikong paaralan.

Dahil sa kapangyarihan ng teknolohiya at mass midya, madalas nakasentro ang konsepto ng pagiging guro sa mga paaralan, kolehiyo at unibersidad. At sa tuwing ipinagdiriwang ang Araw ng mga Guro nagiging pokus ang kadakilaan nilang mga nasa loob ng institusyon at tila nakalilimutang bigyang pagkilala ang ilang gurong nasa labas din ng mga haligi.

Isa sa mga gurong nasa labas ay ang mga manlilikha ng bayan o mga cultural masters. Sila ang mga kinikilalang indibidwal na mayroong mga kasanayan at pamamaraan sa isang partikular na tradisyonal na gawain. Sila ay may pananagutan sa pagtuturo sa isang pangkat ng mga mag-aaral na kalimitang kabilang sa parehong etnolinggwistikong komunidad. Kinakailangan nilang tiyakin na ang mga mag-aaral ay matututo ng kanilang kalinangan.

Tinatawag na Balay Turun-an o School for Living Tradition (SLT) ang mga paaaralang pinamumunuan ng isang cultural master. Dito itinuturo ng isang gurong may kakayanan at kaalaman sa kanilang kultura ang mga kasanayan at pamamaraan sa paggawa ng isang tradisyunal na gawain tulad ng sining at mga oral na panitikan. Ang paraan ng pagtuturo ay karaniwang hindi pormal, pabigkas at sa mga praktikal na demonstrasyon ang daloy ng pagtuturo. Kalimitang bahay ng cultural master, isang social community hall, o isang lugar na sinadyang ipatayo para sa pag-aaral. Ang pagkakatatag ng mga SLT ay may layuning pangalagaan ang pamana ng kultura sa pamamagitan ng pagpapanatili nito sa isang buhay na anyo, pagtitiyak sa pagsasalin nito sa susunod na henerasyon at maging ang pagdodokumento sa unti-unting nawawalang katutubong kasanayan. Sa kabuuan, ang programa ay naglalayong kilalanin ang mga aspekto o sangkap ng tradisyunal na kultura at sining na itinuturing na mahalaga sa isang kultural na komunidad na dapat na ipagpatuloy ng mga susunod na henerasyon upang mapanatiling buhay. Patuloy nilang hinihikayat ang pagsuporta sa pag-aaral, pagkilala at pangangalaga ng mga nanganganib na gawaing mula sa mga weaver, chanter, mananayaw at iba pang mga manggagawang kultural.

Sa panahong nilulunod ng pangingibang bayan ang ilang mga guro, mahalagang palakasin ang pwersang nagmumula sa kultura. Tulad ng ibang mga paaralan nanganganib din ang kalagayan ng mga SLT, kasalukuyang kinakaharap nito ang usapin sa badyet upang maipagpatuloy ang programa, kawalang interes ng ilang etnolinggwistikong kabataan, at limitadong mga cultural master na may interes na maging guro. Sa kabila ng mga suliraning kinakaharap ng mga guro sa SLT, ipinagkakasya nila ang badyet na inilaan ng gobyerno sa kanila. At dahil sa malasakit  sa kanilang sariling kultura, sa panahong matapos ang kontrata o suporta sa pagpapatakbo mula sa gobyerno, ang ilan sa kanila ay humihingi ng donasyon o pagpopondo sa mga pribadong indibidwal at institusyon upang maipagpatuloy lamang ang SLT.

Malinaw na sa pamamagitan ng mga programa ng mga cultural master ng SLT, patuloy na maiaangat at maitataguyod nila ang makasaysayan at kultural na pamana ng bansa. Sa pagpapatibay at pagpapahalaga sa moral ng mga guro hindi malayong mararating ang pagdami ng mga guro ng bayang magpapatuloy sa pagtuturo ng kalinangang bayan.  Dahil isa rin ang guro sa manlilikha ng bayan— ang guro ay tagapagdaloy rin ng ating kalinangan at kasaysayan.

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Arists groups UGATLahi Artist Collective, Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) and Sining Bugkos, together with labor groups Defend Job Philippines, Kilusang Mayo Uno, and Kilos Na Manggagawa launched an art exhibition today that features works by visual artists, artist groups, and contractual workers at the University of the Philippines.

‘End Endo’ highlights artworks depicting the struggles of Filipino workers against contractualization and for decent work, higher wages, better benefits, humane working conditions, and safe workplaces.

According to the organizers, artists contributed to this campaign by creating a barrage of works that combine wit and indignation in response to the dispersal of the strike of Nutri Asia workers last July 30. For them, their works are a testament to strong repression in factories and workplaces, and dispelled as well the trite portrayal of strikers as rowdy and violent.

“The End Endo exhibit seeks to foster creative expressions of solidarity in the context of labor rights. Our collective works are commentaries which cross beyond issues of contractualization and explore topics such as living wages, workplace safety, right to form unions and struggle against the government’s anti-worker policies,” said UGATLahi Artist Collective UP Diliman chair Luigi Almuena.

Exhibit curator and CAP member Karl Castro cited the International Trade Union Confederation’s Global Rights Index 2018 in saying that the Philippines is among the top 10 countries that fare badly in terms of labor rights, which explains the escalating number of strikes workers across the country have been launching.

“The times demand our understanding and involvement,” Castro said.

Participating artists also said that they are not blind to injustice and are in solidarity with struggling Filipino workers’ campaigns to boycott their products.

“We stand with the workers whose fruits of labor we consume in everyday life,” Castro added.

Workers to Duterte: Unionism is not terrorism!

Labor groups and workers associations of Jollibee Foods Corporation, Nutri Asia, Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Company, and Uni Pak sardines, who graced the exhibit opening, welcomed the initiative of artist groups and said that the show of support inspires them to struggle harder for their rights.

KMU Metro Manila chairperson Ed Cubelo underscored the Duterte government’s scheme to demonize workers strikes and labor unions as the administration linked such actions to the ‘Red October destabilization plot’ peddled by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Duterte’s paranoia poses serious threats to Filipino workers nationwide as they become open targets of attacks by state forces,” Cubelo said.

“The Duterte government is destroying itself from within as it failed its promises to Filipino workers that it will end all forms of contractualization,” Cubelo said.

End Endo is exhibited at the Atelyer Gallery in the University of the Philippines Bulwagan ng Dangal and will run until October 31.

The post Artists mount exhibit on workers’ struggle against endo appeared first on Manila Today.

Groups who protested oil price hikes today said the Duterte government can do one of two things: remove the excise tax on oil products or remove the 12% VAT on oil.

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Groups protested the ricing prices of oil products along España Boulevard in Manila Today. Photo by Kathy Yamzon.

The demand is addressed to both the executive and Congress in the light of the ninth consecutive week of increase for gasoline prices and the seventh for diesel. This week, oil companies raised gasoline prices by P1 per liter, diesel by P1.45 and kerosene by P1.35 per liter.

Militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said that excise tax amounts to P7.00/ liter for gasoline and P2.50/liter for diesel.

Bayan added that VAT is a percentage of the cost of fuel, whose value increases every time oil prices go up. Protesters claimed that government gets windfall revenues from VAT everytime there is an oil price hike.

“Whichever the administration decides to do, these relief measures cannot wait as prices have soared and inflation has quickened to 6.7%,” said Teddy Casiño, Bayan spokesperson.

“The latest oil price hike makes the removal of burdensome taxes on oil products very urgent and in fact, long overdue,” Casiño added.

Bayan noted that the economic crisis is far more important than any Charter change drive at the Lower House and that the time to act is now.

Casiño said that instead of focusing its attention in creating false conspiracy on its “Red October” destabilization plot, the Duterte government must put an end to the conspiracy of big oil companies which makes oil prices consistently increase.

The post IN PHOTOS: Groups protest ninth consecutive week of oil price hikes appeared first on Manila Today.

Students hailing from the 18 schools involved in the alleged ‘Red October’ ouster plot took to the streets to air their condemnation over the claims of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a protest in Mendiola on Friday, October 12.

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Young protesters lambasted the claims over their schools serving as ‘recruitment grounds of CPP-NPA’ and challenged the Duterte administration to resolve the economic crisis instead of tagging dissent as a form of destabilization against the government.

In a statement, Youth Movement Against Tyranny (YMAT) regional convener Paco Perez blasted the Duterte government over its accusations. “Imbis na unahing solusyonan ang kronikong krisis sa ekonomiya, mas pinili pa ni Duterte at ng AFP na gumawa ng mga gawa-gawang kuwento tungkol sa mga kabataan na ‘di umano’y kasama sa destabilization plot. Pinatutunayan lamang ng rehimeng Duterte na ito ay anti-mamamayan sa pakana nitong pagpapatahimik sa mga kabataan at mamamayang lumalaban para sa kanilang karapatan,” Perez said.

(“Instead of resolving the chronic crisis in the economy, Duterte and the AFP chose to fabricate stories about the youth being involved in the destabilization plot. This Duterte regime only proves itself as a regime that is anti-people with its policies of silencing the youth and the people clamoring for their rights.”)

Educators and administrators also aired out dismay over the red-tagging, citing that the accusations have placed the whole school communities in danger. The Dean of the UP Manila College of Arts and Sciences, Dean Leonardo Estacio, released a prior statement regarding the red-tagging of their University in a press conference held by the UP Manila community on October 5, 2018.

Part of the statement reads:

“Hindi maitatanggi na aming isinusulong ang malaya at mapagpalayang edukasyon—ito ang sagradong tatak ng UP. Kaya sa loob at labas man ng aming silid-aralan, matatag ang aming paniniwala, paninindigan, at pagsasabuhay sa demokratikong proseso at sa malayang pamamahayag at kritikal na pagpuna sa mga nangyayari sa saan mang bagay at sa anumang antas – sa loob man ito ng aming unibersidad o kolehiyo at sa labas – sa ating mga komunidad, lansangan, at sa ating pamahalaan. Ito ang nais naming ipahayag nang tahasan – di po kasali ang aming Kolehiyo at Komunidad sa “Red October” – kung meron mang pagkakataon at kakayahan sasali lang po kami sa October Fest…Mabuhay ang CAS, Mabuhay ang UP Manila, Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino…”

(“We will not deny that we promote the free and liberating education—this is the sacred mark of UP. Within and outside our classrooms, we are steadfast in our beliefs, principles, and praxis of democratic processes and freedom of expression, as well as criticizing whatever is happening in all avenues—whether inside our university and college, or outside –in our communities, in the streets, and even in the government. This is what we would like to explicitly claim – our College and our Community is not involved in the “Red October” – if anything, we would rather join the October Fest. Long live CAS. Long live UP Manila. Long live the Filipino People!)

School communities of the University of the East, University of Sto. Tomas, Adamson University, Far Eastern University, Ateneo De Manila University, and De La Salle University among others also released their respective statements over the course of the week.

Students from red-tagged schools vowed to uphold democratic rights within and outside their campuses amid Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana’s announcement that Red October ‘fizzled out’ because state armed forces ‘uncovered and exposed it’.

“There is no longer any ‘Red October’ plot because there wasn’t any plot to begin with. It’s a mere fabrication of the Duterte government desperate to cover up its incapacity to resolve Filipinos’ increasing poverty,” said Perez.

Meanwhile, the students from the various school communities that mobilized state that they shall continue to fight for their rights amidst the situation.

“Patuloy na makikibaka ang kabataan, kasama ng mga mamamayan para sa tunay na malaya at makatarungang lipunan,” Perez stated.

(“The youth will continue to fight, along with the Filipino people, for a society that is truly just and free society.”)

The post Youth takes to the streets to rage against Red October appeared first on Manila Today.

On the second day of filing of certificates of candidacy of 2019 election aspirants, activists belonging to Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Metro Manila (Bayan), Gabriela Metro Manila and Kilusang Mayo Uno Metro Manila trooped to the Commission on Elections in Manila to enjoin those gunning for high seats in government in forwarding solutions to stop the rising prices of basic commodities and utilities.

The groups pointed out that as the election fever rises amid rising prices of basic commodities, election aspirants must express opposition over the government’s excessive taxes, massive rice importation, deregulation of the oil industry, monopoly of rice supply among other issues directly impacting poor Filipinos.

They also challenge politicians to bare their pro-consumer, pro-poor, and pro-people platforms as their response to the rising cost of living in the country. According to them, “the upcoming elections must be a platform of concrete actions that should lessen prices of basic commodities and social services.”

“Office-seekers in the upcoming polls must veer away from the schemes of the present administration in mass importation and passing on additional taxes and burden to the loaded shoulders of our working people. Loads of taxes and imports causes nothing beneficial to us but widespread hunger and deepening poverty,” said Gabriela Metro Manila Spokersperson Ina Fadrequela.

She added, “High prices of rice, oil, water charges, and social pension contributions brought about by excise taxes, VAT, and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law further drains the already low wages of Filipino workers. Worse, it is already killing families who have no work or no sources of livelihood.”

On the recent 2018 Social Weather Station survey conducted from June 27-30, 2018, around 9.4% or an estimated 2.2 million families experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months. Out of this survery, hunger rate has been up by 7 points in Metro Manila with an estimate of 412,000 families. Self-rated poverty also rose to 52%.

As part of their challenge to 2018 national and local candidates, the groups bare their 8-point Consumer’s Electoral Agenda” which includes: (1) Junking the TRAIN Law; (2) Halting Buid-Build-Build projects; (3) Price control; (4) Halting importation and monopoly of rice, oil and other basic commodities; (5) Implementing a significant wage increase; (6) Decent jobs and employment; (7) Free land distribution for farmers for abundant local production; (8) National industrialization.

The post Groups urge candidates to address ‘consumer electoral agenda’ appeared first on Manila Today.

Katatapos pa lamang ng masamang balitang walang matatanggap na anumang dagdag na umento sa sahod ang mga pampublikong guro noong Pandaigdigang Araw ng mga Guro ayon na rin kay Kalihim Briones ng Kagarawan ng Edukasyon. Isa pang nakayayanig na balita ang ipinukol sa mga guro at propesor ng iba’t ibang kolehiyo at unibersidad- ang pagtuturing sa kanila bilang tagapaghikayat sa mga mag-aaral na makilahok sa pag-aaklas laban sa pamahalaan. Tila absent sa lahat ng itinuro ng guro ang ating kasundaluhan at kapulisang nag-anunsyo sa mga paaralang sanggot sa diumanong panghihikayat sa kabataang maging aktibista.

Sa katotohanan, nagbabago ang kahulugan ng salitang pagiging terorista, hindi awtomatikong terorista ang mga aktibista. Ang pangyayari sa kasaysayan ng mga Katipunero ang magpapatunay na ang konseptong ito ay nagbabago. Hindi kakaiba ang kanilang sitwasyon bilang tinaguriang tulisan ng mga mananakop ngunit sa kabilang banda sila pa ang nagbuwis ng kani-kanilang buhay para sa inaasam na kalayaan. Bilang isang gurong may pangunahing sinumpaang mabuti ang kalagayang pang-edukasyon ng bansa sa kabila ng mababang sahod at ‘di makataong kalagayan, pilit naming itinataguyod ang makabayang edukasyong oryentasyon tulad ng pagtataguyod ng programang laban sa terorismo.

Dahil na rin sa mahabang oras na nakakasama ng mga guro ang mga mag-aaral, tunay na isinasaalang-alang namin ang kapangyarihan ng mga salitang nagmumula sa mga diskusyon, dahil may kakayahan ang mga salitang itakda ang personal na katauhan at maging politikal na kamalayan ng mag-aaral. Hindi lamang pagbibigay-husay sa akademikong larangan ang dapat mabatid ng mga mag-aaral, kinakailangang hamunin ang kanilang pag-iisip na maging kritikal at mapanuri sa kanyang lipunan. Mahalagang maipaunawa na hindi hiwalay sa mga nangyayari sa ginagalawang lipunan ang mga napag-aaralan sa loob ng silid at maging sa mga aklat.  Hindi lamang sapat na nakikihalubilo ang pag-iisip sa mga aklat, mahalagang maisangkot ang talino’t husay sa mga isyung panlipunan. Malinaw na obligasyon ng bawat responsableng mag-aaral ang makialam at manindigan sa pinaniniwalaang tama.

Mag-iba man ang pamamaraan ng pagtuturo ng mga guro ng bayan, ngunit hindi nito maiaalis at mababago na itaguyod ang pagbabago ng sarili para sa kapakanan ng kapwa at bansa. At sa panahong hinahamon ang kakayanan at pamamaraan sa pagtuturo ng mga guro, pagsisikil sa kanyang kalayaang pang-akademiko (academic freedom) at panggigipit sa karapatan ng mga guro, napakahalagang balikan ang kasaysayan sa naging papel ng mga guro para sa pagbabago mula sa loob hanggang sa labas ng paaralan. Hindi lamang tagapagmulat ng kamalayan ang naging gampanin nila, kundi pagpapalaya sa kaisipan na kilalanin at matutunan ng mga mag-aaral na may tama at mali, na may dahilan ang mga mali at kung bakit ang tama ang dapat manaig.

Ngayon, sino sa atin ang utak pulbura? Ang gurong pinapatay sa tambak ng trabaho, mga gurong naglalakad at tumatawid ng ilog para lamang makarating sa paaralan, mga gurong sinusuong ang panganib sa mga lugar na laganap ang militarisasyon, at mga gurong tanging pinatay ay ang kamangmangan ng bayan. O kayong mga nasa uniporme na may rekord ng pagpatay at panggugulo? Sino sa atin ang pulbura kung mag-isip?

The post Utak Pulbura appeared first on Manila Today.

Kabataan Party-list (KABATAAN), the sole youth representative in Congress, closed the second day of filing as nominees submitted their Certificates of Candidacy (COC) for the 2019 midterm elections, on Friday October 12, at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) head office.

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Along with its founding organizations and supporters, the six nominees of KABATAAN marched from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to COMELEC, affirming that it aims of continuing its campaigns for free education, as well as forward the rights of the Filipino people, within and outside the Congress.

Panata ng Kabataan

In a short program outside the COMELEC, KABATAAN’s National President Angelica Reyes introduced the six nominees committed to continue what they call the ‘politics of change’ within the House of Representatives.

Incumbent legislator Sarah Jane Elago serves as the first nominee of KABATAAN, followed by Erika Cruz from the National Capital Region (NCR), Vennel Chenfoo from Northern Mindanao, Elle Balgos from Cagayan Valley, Florence Kang from the Ilocos Region, and Atty. Kristian Lora from Cebu.

The partylist reinforced its promise to deliver and legislate pro-people agenda committed to represent the marginalized youth and sectors. KABATAAN also highlighted the youth’s substantial role in nation-building and maintained its stand to fight against historical revisionism and state repression in its campaign for rights, freedom, and justice while also campaigning for a genuine free education with no preconditions.

“Ang ating inspirasyon sa pagtakbo sa susunod na eleksyon ay ang ating napagtagumpayan nang mga laban,” said KABATAAN’s representative Sarah Elago in the short program following the confirmation of the partylist’s COCs.

(“Our inspiration in running for the next elections is our victories in our campaigns.”)

Elago maintained that while there are merits in the implementation of Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education, education is still not accessible to all, as is the case with ongoing militarization of Lumad communities and attacks on their alternative schools. The legislator expressed the partylist’s commitment to pass House Bill 4800 or the Comprehensive Free Public Higher Education Act, a more inclusive education policy filed by Kabataan Partylist.

“Hamon na patuloy na gampanan ang ating pagiging pag-asa ng bayan. Magagawa lang natin ‘yan kung sa harap ng atake sa ating demokratikong karapatan, sa harap ng atake sa ating sama-samang pagkilos, tayo ay magpapalakas ng ating hanay. Ang sandata natin ay ang ating pagkakaisa. Ang ating pagkakaisa ang ating ibabandila sa lahat ng nagmamaliit, na walang walang kinikilalang edad ang paglilingkod sa bayan,” Elago continued.

(“The challenged bestowed upon us is to continue our responsibility as the hope of our nation. We can only do that if, despite the attacks on our democratic rights, despite the attcks on our collective action, we are still steadfast in strengthening our ranks. Our only weapon is our unity. Our unity is what we will show to those who belittle us, that age should never be a requirement when it comes to serving the people.”)

Rage against Red-bait

KABATAAN also belied the accusations of Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in the latter’s statement that partylist members under the Makabayan bloc are terrorists and linked to communists groups, citing that it is an attack to the strength of the youth movement vocal against the current policies of the Duterte administration.

“Bitbit ng KABATAAN at ng Makabayan ang prestihiyo ng politikang nakabatay sa pag-asa, sa pagkilos, at sa pagbabago. Sa kabila ng atake sa demokratikong karapatan, mga atake sa kolektibong aksyon lalong lalo na sa kabataan na aktibo sa kanilang pamantasan, sa kanilang mga komunidad na nagsasalita at nagpapahayag laban sa extrajudicial killings, laban sa repressive provisions ng TRAIN, at laban sa kahit anong pagbabanta ng diktadurya, ang mga kabataan, nakikita niyo po kung paano siya nagkakaisa at matapang na isusulong ang kanyang boses hindi lang sa loob ng Kongreso kundi pati na rin sa kanilang komunidad. Kaya po kami ay lalo pang magpapalakas ng aming unities at isusulong ang collective aspirations ng mamamayan natin sa loob at labas ng kongreso,” Elago clarified.

(“KABATAAN and Makabayan [bloc] carries the prestige of politics grounded on hope, mobilization, and change. Despite the attacks on democratic rights and our collective action especially on the youth actively voicing out their stand against extrajudicial killings, against the repressive provisions of TRAIN [law], and against the signs of dictatorship in their universities and communities, you can still see their unity and how brave they forward their voice not only within the Congress but also within their communities. We aim to strengthen our unities the collective aspirations of the people within and outside the Congress.”)

The youth partylist also spoke out against red-baiting and seeing dissent as destabilization, claiming that it is only imperative for the youth to be critical of the society that they are part of.

The post Sole youth representative in Congress aims for three seats as it files for 2019 polls appeared first on Manila Today.

Hands Off Our Schools petition with signatures

Nagpapahayag kami, mga guro mula sa iba’t ibang antas ng paaralan at pamantasan sa Pilipinas at mga kawani sa ilalim ng sektor ng edukasyon, ng mariing pagkondena sa kasalukuyang paghahasik ng takot ng PNP at AFP laban sa mga guro at mga pamantasang inaakalang sangkot sa Red October o ang hinalang malawakang destabilisasyon laban sa rehimeng Duterte.

Katatapos lamang ng Pandaigdigang Araw ng mga Guro. Sa halip na magpakita ng pagpapahalaga, pagkadismaya at pananakot ang iniregalo ng pamahalaan: ang paggiit ni DepEd Secretary Briones na hindi pa rin uumentuhan ang suweldo ng mga pampublikong guro, ang paglalabas ng AFP ng listahan ng mga pamantasang itinuturing na lunan ng recruitment ng mga rebelde, at ang pahayag ng PNP laban sa mga gurong nagtuturo umano ng konsepto ng rebelyon.

Bukod sa mapanupil at mapagbanta ang mga hakbang na ito–na hindi nalalayong makita bilang bahagi ng nakaambang opisyal na diktadura–sa mga guro, mag-aaral, sa mismong mga pamantasan bilang institusyon, maituturing din ang mga ito bilang pambabansot ng AFP at PNP sa sektor ng edukasyon sa pamamagitan ng pagkakait dito ng prinsipyong nakasandig sa kasaysayan, katotohanan, at malayang pagpapahayag.

Malaki ang ginagampanan ng paaralan sa paghubog sa kabataan bilang mga mamamayan. Bukod sa pangunahing mga kasanayan, ang pinakamahalaga nilang kailangang matutuhan ay ang magtanong, magsuri, at kumilos tungo sa isang lipunang may pagpapahalaga sa dignidad at buhay ng tao. Maisasakatuparan ito sa pagbibigay sa mga guro, lalo na sa mga nagtuturo sa pamantasan, ng kalayaang akademiko na nagbibigay karapatan sa aming pumili ng lalamanin ng silabus. Kabilang dito ang karapatang magpalabas ng mga pelikulang tumatalakay sa madilim na kasaysayan ng bansa tulad ng Batas Militar.

Habang sinisikap naming gawin ang mga ito sa kabila ng mababang suweldo, nais namang lumikha ng AFP at PNP ng mga pasibong mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng pananakot sa mga nakikisangkot.

Hindi pasusupil ang mga guro ng bayan. Pagkondena sa mapanupil na rehimen!

Isang paalala kina AFP Chief Carlito Galvez, Jr. at PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde:

Ang edukasyon ay rebelyon laban sa kamangmangan.

#ResistTyranny
#StopTerrorizingTeachers
#UpholdAcademicFreedom
#HandsOffOurSchools

Roma Estrada, Manila Science HS
Jonathan Geronimo, UST
Tilde Acuna, UP Diliman
David Michael San Juan, DLSU Manila
Rae Rival, PHSA
Ruby Ana Bernardo, Sta. Lucia HS
Michael Pante, ADMU
Phoebe Cor-oyen, Quirino HS
Emmanuel Halabaso, JPLSHS
Don Vittorio Villasin, FEU HS
Wilmor Pacay III
Chuckberry Pascual, UST
Lakan Umali, UP Mindanao
Roman Marcial Gallego, Letran
Conchitina Cruz, UP Diliman
Sarah Raymundo, UP Diliman
Ayer Arguelles, DLSU Manila
Arren Santos, PCU
Elimar Ravina, UST
Allan Popa, ADMU
Edgar Samar, ADMU
Jose Mojica, UST
Laurence Marvin Castillo, UPLB
Eileen Narvaez, UP Diliman
Jema Pamintuan, ADMU
Glenn Diaz, University of Adelaide
Maria Francheska Berdin, Treston College
Jethro Tenorio, ADMU
Dolores Taylan, DLSU
Kloyde Caday, NDMU
Ramilito Correa, DLSU Manila
Veronica Aco, SRNHS
Nanoy Rafael, Raya School
Rommel Pamaos, CELP
Ansherina May Jazul, UPHSD- Molino
Ramon Guillermo, UP Diliman
MJ Rafal, PUP Manila
Mon Karlo Mangaran, FEU/DLSU
Mirylle Calindro, DLSU
Grace Tabernero, DLSU Manila
Kevin Armingol, FEU
Marc Reuben.K. Cuento, Raya School
Carla Mae C. Melendez, CSA-B SHS
Jose Socrates S. Delos Reyes, ADMU SHS
Allan Paul Catena, OMSC
Vic Teano, PWU-JASMS QC
Reynele Bren Zafra, UST
Rowell Madula, DLSU Manila
Ruby G. Alcantara, UP Diliman
Wennielyn Fajilan, UST
John Toledo
Om Narayan Velasco, UPLB
Joseph Salazar, ADMU
Raymond A. Sebastian, CC
Rolando B. Tolentino, UPFI
Adrian Romero UST NSTP
Jun Guevarra, UST
Froilan A. Alipao, UST
Gerome Dela Pena, PLMar
Clarissa Mateo-Regalario, UST
Aloysius Maraña, UST
Ernesto Carandang II, DLSU Manila
Raquel Sison-Buban, DLSU-Manila
Angelo Lazaro, ESPS Manila
Rex Nepomuceno, UP Diliman
Abner Dormiendo, RIS
Mark Norman Boquiren, UE
Ian Harvey Claros, Antonio Maceda SHS
Ned Parfan, UST
Kenneth Pangilinan, OMSC
Jorge Cuibillas, FEU
Melania Flores, UP Diliman
Catherine Panganiban, CSB
Paul Castillo, UST
Vijae O. Alquisola, DLSU-Manila
Ma. Alyanna Mae Capiral
Sharon Briones Pangilinan, UP Diliman
Louise Jashil Sonido, UP Diliman
Joel Malabanan, PNU Manila
Alvin Campomanes, UP Manila
Mykel Andrada, UP Diliman
Crizel De Laza, UPD
Juan Manuel Banquito, PLV
Mark Anthony Salvador
Leversia E. Rivera, Manila Science HS
Joi Barrios-Leblanc, UC Berkeley
Larissa Mae Suarez, UP Diliman
Francezca Kwe, UP Diliman
Karlo Mongaya,UP Diliman
Dominic Sy, UP Diliman
Jerry Imbong, Letran
Christianlyn Magcalayo, Manila Science HS
Martin Sese – UPHS – Molino
Reggie Rey C. Fajardo, CLSU
Francis Gealogo, ADMU
Nerisa del Carmen Guevara, UST
Dekki Morales, PUP
Aurora E. Batnag, DLSU
Galileo Zafra, UP Diliman
Jun Cruz Reyes, UP Diliman, PUP
Vanessa T. Haro, Eastern Quezon College
Ann Murray J. Tan
Joselyn F. Martinez, Imelda ES, Malabon
Solita S. Daz, Raja Soliman Science and Technology High School
Nestorio L. Reyes Jr, Jose Abad Santos HS
Eden May D. Calata, Manuel Roxas HS-Manila
Jocelyn E. Cruz, Araullo HS
Eileen Marie C. De Leon , Timoteo Paez HS-Manila
Barbara V. Calma, V. Mapa HS
Ezra A. Canlas, Aurora A. Quezon ES-Manila
Hogier Villarias, A. Bonifacio ES-Manila
Junifer Ganzan, Quirino SHS-Manila
John Candelaria, J.P. Rizal ES-Manila
Joselino Entereso, J.P. Rizal ES-Manila
Ma. Aura B. Bisnar, Lakandula ES
Anne Besin, T. Alonzo SHS-Manila
Nastasia Besin, Corazon Aquino SHS-Manila
Alberto Matira, Cecilio Apostol ES-Manila
Carlota Francisco, ADMU
Ma.Diosa Labiste UP Diliman
Juanito N. Anot Jr., FEU Manila
Francis Martinez Esteban, FEU Manila
Ildefonso Fulgar, FEU Manila
Rita Morales, FEU Manila
Jaco B. Tango – SHS FEU
Fructuoso Sabug, ADMU
Felix Muga, ADMU
Cynthia Lynne P. Cauzon, Manila Science HS
Jorge P. Cuibillas, FEU-Manila
Eros Sanchez Atalia, DLSU-Manila
Jomar Empaynado, ADMU
Rose Roque, UP Manila
Jessel Duque, DLSU
Rhea B. Gulin, BulSU
Vladimier Gonzales, UP Diliman
Kora Albano, UP Diliman
Maritess Adaon
Jemyr Buenaventura Garcia, Assumption College
Ronnel Agoncillo, LPU
Dr. Gene Nisperos, UPM
Nelson Ramirez, UE
Darlene Rivera, UE
Romhel de Jesus, UE
Emelita Regondola, UE
Rhayan Quirap, UE
Jona Iris Trambulo, TUP
Jennifer P. Alinsunod, TUP
Dr. Hilda San Gabriel, PUP
Fermin S. Aguila, PUP
Dean Ramir Cruz, PUP
Perla S. Carpio, PUP
Jomar Adaya, PUP
Arlan Camba, PUP
Esther Soraya Ambion, PUP
Richard Ramos, PUP
Nestor Castro, UP Diliman
Edmund Centeno, UP Los Banos
Gonzalo Campoamor II, UP Diliman
Celeste Tumonong
Jonah Leigh Ramos
Shireen Rosales, ADMU
Jonathan G. Ytang, Manila Science HS
Danilo Arao, UP Diliman
Jonallin Yang, Raya School
Shekina Peras Malonzo, WMLC
Mary Deane Camua, BulSU
Jecon Dreisbach, DLSAU
Rommel F. Bonus, RAI
Rosa May M. Bayuga
Mark Pee Ortil Pornasdoro, Malusak NHS
Jan Henry M. Choa Jr.
Mary Angelica Reginaldo
Wrichmond Chua, Lyceum Northwestern University
Krisnah Ann Tan, Letran-Calamba
Regina Banaag-Gochuico UP Diliman
Roel Robles, UST
Grey-An Keith Pascual, UP Diliman
Mylene Hazel De Guzman, UP Diliman
TP De Luna UP Diliman
Fidel Nemenzo, UP Diliman
Bernadette V. Neri, UP Diliman
Aileen May P. Mijares, UP Los Baños
Geoffrey V. Domingo
Clarissa V. Militante, DLSU Manila
Christine Bellen, ADMU
Robert P. Ignacio, Bacoor National HS-Molino Main
Maricel R. Herrera Bacoor National HS Molino Main
Santy Flora, PSLLF
Maria Orara-Santos, PCC
Johnatan Pimentel , FEU Manila
Rita Cucio, FEU Manila
Precy Bandiola, Guisijan Elementary School
Rosette Anne Rogelio, UP Los Baños
John Iremil Teodoro, DLSU Manila
Richard S. Lemence, FEU Manila
Crisby de los Santos, Magsaysay NHS-N. Samar
Jackeline B. Abinales, Tala High School, Caloocan City
Vicky U. Magno Kasarinlan HS
Rowaldo V. Ramiscal, Urduja ES
Mylene Amparo, Kalayaan National HS
Reginald Vallejos, UP Manila
Marion Kenneth Samson, PCCCANHS
Mabelle Caboboy, Manuel Roxas HS
Kristhean Navales, General Roxas ES
Annariza Alzate, Maligaya HS
Neneth R. Delgaco, Tañong High School, Marikina City
Myrvene Tesorero, Magpayong HS
Ruby Edna Lumabi, Nagpayong HS
Roniel Pagaran, Nagpayong HS
Arthur Ancheta, Nagpayong ES
Marielle Marcaida, UP Diliman
Cristina Manalo – E Rodriguez Sr HS
Michael Esposo ERodriguez Sr HS
Maris Bulawan Erodriguez HS
Myla Del Rosario General Emilio Aguinaldo HS
Noella Orozco DLSU Manila
Jeselle Alfonso Osmenia High School
Flody Fernandez Ramon Magsaysay High School Cubao
Angeli Ann Rescober, Adamson University
Zaldy Collado, DLSU-Manila
Arthur Ancheta, Nagpayong ES
Samuel Sonio, Santolan HS
Jacinto Barro, Santolan HS
Basil S. Abenes-Estrope, FEU Manila
Ophelia Gallardo Tabacon Camaman-an Elementary School
Niel Kenneth Jamandre, UP Diliman
Myrvene Tesorero, Nagpayong HS
Welhelmina O. Vibar, Acacia ES, Malabon
Regina Ramos Navotas Natl HS
Alex Legaspi Pinagbuhatan NHS
Divina Esteban, Nigan ES
Cristina Manalo E.rod Hs
Ma. Salome Bulawan E. rod hs
Franz Jude Abelgas, Letran

The post Nagkakaisang Tindig Laban sa Panunupil ng Estado sa Sektor ng Edukasyon appeared first on Manila Today.

Naglunsad ng protesta sa harap ng Quezon City Hall ang higit sa 100 residente ng Sitio Kawayan, Brgy. San Agustin, Novaliches upang ipanawagan ang kagyat na pakikipagdayalogo ng Quezon City Local Government sa mga maaapektuhan ng itinatayong Socialized Housing Project sa kanilang lugar.

Tinatayang aabot sa 300 pamilya ang nanganganib na mawalan ng tirahan at kabuhayan dahil sa proyektong ito ng lokal na gobyerno.

Anang mga apektadong residente, nitong nakaraang Biyernes, Oktubre 19 ay pwersahang pumasok sa komunidad ang mga tao ni Secretary to the Mayor Taddy Palma kasama ang Philippine National Police at pilit na binuwag ang barikada ng mga residente. Sa halip na magpakita ng katibayan tungkol sa sinasabi nilang proyekto ay pinagbantaan pa ng mga ito ang mga residente na pagdadadamputin sila ng mga kapulisan kung sila ay lalaban.

Nagsimula na rin magpasok ng mga materyales na gagamitin para sa proyekto.

Wala pang kahit anong konsultasyong nagaganap sa hanay ng mga apektadong residente.

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Nangangambang mapalayas sa kanilang mga tirahan ang mga residente ng Sitio Kawayan, San Agustin, Novaliches. (Larawan mula kay Sophia Villarama)

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Nangangambang mapalayas sa kanilang mga tirahan ang mga residente ng Sitio Kawayan, San Agustin, Novaliches. (Larawan mula kay Sophia Villarama)

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Nangangambang mapalayas sa kanilang mga tirahan ang mga residente ng Sitio Kawayan, San Agustin, Novaliches. (Larawan mula kay Sophia Villarama)

The post Mga residente ng Sitio Kawayan sa Novaliches, nagprotesta sa QC Hall appeared first on Manila Today.

“Workers are not beggars. We don’t deserve alms and wage increase that will only be used for publicity and grandstanding of those in power,” said Jun Ancheta, Kilusang Mayo Uno Metro Manila spokesperson.

KMU Metro Manila and Defend Job Philippines held a picket protest at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City, where the Department of Labor and Employment – Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board – National Capital Region (DOLE-RTWPB-NCR) conducted its public consultation for labor sector on minimum wage increase for NCR workers today.

Ancheta added, “What we need is a wage that can help us survive the deep impacts of the record-high 6.7% inflation rate, high prices and cost of living, higher taxes, high unemployment margins, and high hunger and poverty incidence rates under the current administration.”

Defend Job Philippines said that “only a meaningful, substantial and living wage increase would be acceptable for Filipino workers nationwide.”

The group said that the Duterte government must show compassion and concern to our working people by providing wage hike that will truly be helpful and beneficial for all Filipino workers.

P750 national minimum wage pushed

KMU Metro Manila also demanded to DOLE and to President Duterte to enact the P750 national minimum wage for all workers across the country. They insisted that a standard minimum wage nationwide could somehow help working Filipinos survive the rising cost of living in the country.

Ancheta said, “Prices of products and services steadily rise accordingly all over the country. It crosses no regional nor territorial boundaries. Thus, these increases must also be resolved by a national minimum wage for all workers without regionalist and provincial rate perceptions.”

To do this, he said said that it is high time for the Duterte government to abolish the Regional Wage Boards, which they said have long been discriminating workers in provinces and depriving them of of higher wages.

The post Labor groups demand wage hike at regional wage boards meet appeared first on Manila Today.

Kinilala ang Pilipinas sa mayamang agrikultural na lupain, kaya’t hindi kataka-taka na ituring ang bansa bilang pangunahing hanguan ng bigas sa Timog-Silangang Asya. Tayo rin ang ang nagturo sa mga karatig-bansa ng pagsasaka at pagpapaunlad ng butil ng bigas.

Sa kasalukuyan tila nag-iba ang ihip ng hangin, ang mga dating bansang umaasa sa atin sa usapin ng pagsasaka, ngayon ay siya nang pinaghahanguan ng bansa upang matugunan ang kinakaharap na kakulangan ng bigas. Ang Pilipinas na rin ang isa sa mga pinakamalaking exporter ng bigas.

Araw-araw na kalbaryo

Ang mga magsasakang Pilipino ay nakararanas ng mga kaawa-awang kalagayan tulad ng kawalan ng sariling lupaing sinasaka, buwan-buwang maghapong pagtatrabaho sa sakahan kapalit ng maliit na kita, atake ng peste at sakuna, kakulangan sa akmang makinarya, pagpapalit ng mga lupaing sakahan sa mga naglalakihang subdibisyon at gusali, mabagal na repormang pang-agraryo, pang-aabuso ng mga panginoong maylupa at kakulangan sa serbisyong publiko.

Marami mang nabanggit ay ilan lamang ang mga iyan sa mga kinakaharap na problem ng magsasaka sa isang agrikultural na bansa, sa isang lupalop kung saan mataba ang lupa para sa pananim. Ang mahihinuha ay ang maliit na pagpapahalaga ng administrasyon sa sektor ng agrikultura.

Ang nararanasang problema ng mga magsasaka ay tumatagos sa pambansang kalagayan, katulad ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas, seguridad ng pagkain, at malawakang gutom.

Malinaw sa kasaysayan na simula noon hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay patuloy na nakikibaka ang mga Pilipinong magsasaka. Higit pa sa dugo’t pawis ang kanilang ibinubuhos para ipaglaban ang kanilang mga karapatan sa lupang hindi naman sa kanila. Sila ang mga naghihirap sa lupang hindi kailanman mapapasakanila at kung maging sa kanila man ay ikapuputi na nang kanilang mga mata sa kahihintay. Sila ang mga nagpapakain sa atin, ngunit sila mismo ay walang maipanlaman sa tiyan.

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Protesta ng mga magsasaka ng MARBAI sa platnasyon ng saging ng Lapanday, ang lupang naipamahagi na dapat sa mga magsasaka.

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Minamarkahan ng mga bandila ng mga grupo ng magsasaka ang kanilang binubungkal sa Lupang Ramos.

Masaker sa mga magsasaka

Lupa ang pangunahing kahingian ng mga magsasaka. Lupa rin mismo ang ipinagkakait sa kanila ng isang lipunang dominado ng mga malalaking nagmamay-ari ng lupa, mga pulitikong malalaking pagmamay-aring lupa at may kontrol sa mga pulis at militar. Lupa ang nagbibigay-buhay sa magsasaka. Sa pagpapayabong ng lupa nila inaalay ang kanilang buhay. At sa maraming pagkakataon sa kasaysayan ng bansa, lupa rin ang kanilang pinagbubuwisan ng buhay.

Ilang makaulit na sa ating kasaysayan na ang mga nagbubungkal at nagbibigay sa atin ng bigas ay sinusuklian ng mga nakaupong administrasyon ng bala.

Parang naulit naman ang kasaysayan sa isa na namang masaker ng magsasaka sa Negros Occidental. Ito na ang pangalawang masaker ng magsasaka sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.

Hustisya sa araw-araw na kawalan na panlipunang katarungan at hustisya sa mga pinaslang na magsasaka–bagay na hindi pa rin nakakamit ng mga nagbubungkal sa ating bayan. Isang sitwasyong nagbubunsod ng paulit-ulit na masaker sa mga magsasaka.

Pagkain ng mamamayan, ng bawat Pilipino ang dapat pinakamahalaga sa lahat ng pinahahalagahan ng ating pamahalaan. At sentral sa usaping iyan ang kalagayan ng mga lumilikha ng ating pagkain. Hangga’t hindi napagtutuunan ng pansin ng pamahalaan ang kalagayan ng mga magasasaka, magpapatuloy ang kalunos-lunos na kalagayan ng mga magsasakang nagpabusog sa ating mga Pilipino. Hindi rin maiigpawan ng ating bayan ang paulit-ulit na usapin ng kakulangan ng pagkain, matataas na presyo, at kagutuman sa bansa.

The post Lupang hinarang, lupang magpapalaya appeared first on Manila Today.

Lumads and Moro peoples troop to the Department of National Defense at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on October 23 to protest Martial Law, militarization, rampant killings, increased surveillance on activists and suspected individuals, violent dispersals of people’s protests in Mindanao.

Martial Law in Mindanao was enforced by the government last year following the Marawi siege of the Maute brothers and other ISIS-inspired groups. Martial Law was extended until the end of 2017 even after fighting ended and then another year, until the end of 2018.

Members of Kalumaran and Save our Schools Network, who temporarily evacuated to Manila to hold the ‘bakwit school’ of Lumad children, and Suara Bangsamoro members led the protest.

“The regime’s response to the people’s legitimate demands is nothing but ultra-fascist attacks which exposes its outright neglect to our poor condition,” said Kerlan Fanagel, Vice Chairperson of Kalumaran.

The group cited several massacres under Duterte’s rule such as the Lake Sebu Massacre, Patikul Massacre, the killings of peasants in Compostela Valley and Caraga, and in other parts of Mindanao, where total death toll numbers to 153.

“Thousands became internal refugees due to Duterte’s bloodthirsty policies. Our youth had to stop studying because of the forced closure of our schools,” stated Fanagel.

The groups lament that aside from extrajudicial killings of drug war suspects, peasant, indigenous peoples and activists, countless cases of arbitrary arrests of student and youth activists, peasant leaders, union organizers and other known dissenters were recorded, like the case of GenSan 13. They also decried the attempts of government forces to suppress rallies, fear-mongering and red-tagging and the violent dispersals of picket lines, such as the cases of Shinsun and NAMASUFA strikes.

The Moro peoples’ group protested that displaced residents of Marawi are not yet allowed to return home and are unable to rebuild their lives even a year after the ‘liberation of Marawi.’

“Duterte and his minions consciously and indiscriminately use fascist terror even though it’s more than obvious that the poverty and hunger of the people, which necessitates substantial economic reforms, is the root of their revolt,” stated Jerome Succor Aba, national chairperson of Suara Bangsamoro.

“The people of Mindanao and the Filipinos in general demand change. Two years has passed since he assumed presidency but there is no sign of any improvement in our lives,” he added.

Protests across Mindanao

Simultaneously, thousands of Mindanaoans under the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Mindanao and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Mindanao held rallies in Cagayan de Oro and Davao City others to “demand the accountability of [President Rodrigo] Duterte’s regime for its crimes.”

In a statement, BAYAN Mindanao and KMP Mindanao accused the Duterte of “waging a colossal fascist terror and warfare against the people, from the destruction of Marawi, to the continuing bombings and militarization, terror reigns supreme in Mindanao.”

The groups stated that the Duterte administration turned the lands of Mindanao into “killing fields” by murdering peasants, workers, Lumad, and Moro people with impunity under the counter-insurgency program ‘Oplan Kapayapaan’ and ample supply of weapons by Chinese and Russian arms dealers.

“Oplan Kapayapaan bastardizes ‘peace’ and is obviously patterned on the United States counter-insurgency guide. Around 75% of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are deployed in Mindanao and they are using foreign military equipment to kill and sow terror among our people. The US-Duterte regime doesn’t only violate our right to life but also our national patrimony and sovereignty,” the groups added.

The groups said that since yesterday, arrests of agricultural workers have been made in Cagayan de Oro City as a means to stop the region-wide peasant rally in time with the International Peasant Month. Two members of Onyon sa Yanong Obrerong Nagkahiusa (Union of United Agricultural Workers – OGYON) were illegally arrested and detained by members of the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army in a checkpoint in Lumbo, Valencia City in Bukidnon.

The groups also condemned the government’s smear campaign against rallies organized by BAYAN Mindanao and KMP Mindanao by linking it to the “Red October” destabilization plot. They said it is black propaganda to discredit the the legitimate calls and demands of the people and divert the attention of the people from the real issues that affect them.

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority, inflation rates are skyrocketing in Mindanao regions. The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao has the highest inflation rate across the country, which reached 8.1% last August. Several regions in Mindanao also surpassed the national average such as Region IX and X. Food production also slowed down due to the bombings of rice fields and displacement of peasants. In some provinces, a kilo of rice costs more than PHP 70.00.

“We will not cower over Duterte’s iron-fist rule, nor will we falter in advancing our rights and fighting for genuine social change. While the fascists bathe with the blood of the people, resistance become a necessity even more. Our present situation demands not sham reforms nor empty promises. The crisis rapidly accumulates and requires the ouster of the fascist US-Duterte regime. We are appealing to the Filipino people to heed and support, in any form, our just call.” the groups said. #

The post Mindanaons decry Martial law, killings, arrests, high prices appeared first on Manila Today.

On October 23, church people, especially bishops, priests, deacons and lay people of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) or Aglipayan Church, joined the Mindanao Day of Protests spearheaded by peasant organizations. They support the struggle of the peasant organizations for genuine agrarian reform and rural development.

October is Peasant Month as declared by the peasant movement in the Philippines.

Why October?

The month of October is supposedly the “emancipation” of the poor farmers through Ferdinand Marcos’ PD 27, issued on October 21, 1972, declaring the whole country covered for land reform but for “rice and corn” only. It is a sham land reform because the Marcos regime allowed landowners to transform their landholdings into a commercial lands, most specially plantations of banana, pineapple, rubber, palm oil, mango and other cash crops.

At present, with the suspension of the peace talks between the government and National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the land problems worsen.

The “land-to-the-tiller” demand of the poor peasants was paid by blood as seen in recent spate of farmers’ killings and other forms of military attacks against peasant communities nationwide. The latest is the Sagay massacre in Negros Occidental.

Some leaders of the peasant organizations are arbitrarily arrested and detained or abducted slapped with trumped-up charges or even killed.

The breaking of the monopoly of big tracts of land is impossible without an implementation of genuine agrarian reform and rural development.

The government “land reform programs and laws” such as the Presidential Decree No. 27, Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), National Tourism Act of 2009 and Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act, have allowed landowners to deny the farmers of land distribution and even convert lands to non-agricultural use.

According to Ibon Foundation (Ibon), records in the Department of Agrarian Reform “show that 98,939 hectares of land were approved for conversion from 1988 to 2016, while 120,381 hectares were approved for exemption from land reform coverage for the same period.”

“The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), an average of 165,000 hectares of irrigated prime agricultural lands are converted to other uses annually. Varying data and evidence from the ground show that there have been illegal conversions and correspondingly, violations of social and economic rights of farming and fishing communities affected by such conversions,” said a report by Ibon.

Genuine land reform is always a challenge of the struggling people. In fact, the national democratic struggle is basically a peasant struggle. The ongoing peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the NDFP had addressed the land problem and the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Rights (CASER), which includes the implementation of genuine agrarian reform as a necessary first step in addressing the root causes of pervasive poverty especially in the rural areas. The agreements on agrarian reform and rural development were set to be signed last June 2018, but was aborted by the military officials in the Duterte administration.

The Duterte regime had abandoned the peace talks and fully followed the powerful landlord and comprador interests, also that of his military-cabinet officials.

The farmers’ organizations have vowed to sustain their concerted action pressing for genuine agrarian reform, rural development and national industrialization.

In Mindanao, however, the peasant organizations are not only fighting for genuine land reform. They are also fighting against Martial Law in Mindanao, massive human rights violations, military, police and paramilitary abuses and attacks and plunder of the natural resources by the foreign investors and local corporations.

The struggle of the peasant organizations, especially the poor and middle farmers, along with workers and other democratic sectors in the Philippine society have to face also the current rice crisis, high inflation rate and rising costs of the basic commodities and services, like water, electricity, transport and other government fees.

Comprising more than 70% of Philippine society, the poor and middle peasants and farm-workers are the most exploited, oppressed and neglected people in the Philippine society. Along with the national minorities, they suffer the most from the economic crisis and the first victims of state terrorism and fascism in the countryside.

Many church people had already awaken on the true problems of the Filipino peasantry.

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The IFI recognized the need for a strong solidarity of all struggling sectors who are addressing the same problems.

Other churches and church organizations have been also supporting the struggle of the peasant sector. The Rural Missionaries in the Philippines has been doing it since its foundation. It continues to say at present, “As Christians who vowed to serve the rural poor, we are one with the Filipino peasants in the continuing struggle for land, justice and peace.”

The IFI will never waive its prophetic role to denounce the evils that inflict the Filipino people, especially the peasants, fisherfolk and national minorities.

The Supreme Council of Bishops of the IFI in May 1988 had issued statement in solidarity with the struggling Filipino peasantry, which most of us, clergy and lay people have cherished.

“The Iglesia Filipina Independiente has no land to give and wealth to offer. We only have ourselves to share. Living out our heritage is our response,” read a part of the statement.

The IFI concluded its statement (May 1988) with a call: “Let us all come together to resolve them so that this country shall be a land of justice and peace.”

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President Rodrigo Duterte conferred the Order of National Artist (ONA), a presidential award, to a new roster of awardees on October 24 at the Malacañang Palace.

The seven new National Artists are Raymundo “Ryan” Cayabyab (Music), Lauro “Larry” Alcala for visual arts, Francisco Mañosa (Architecture and Allied Arts), Ramon Muzones and Resil B. Mojares (Literature), Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio (Theater) and Eric de Guia a.k.a. Kidlat Tahimik (Film and Broadcast Arts).

“In ways more than one, art has been a witness to this storied history of our nation. It gave rise to the revolutions and served as a voice to those who fought for democracy and emboldened the spirit of the Filipino during the turbulent times,” Duterte said in the awarding ceremony.

The award was established through Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. Presidential Proclamation 1001 of April 2, 1972, conferring a posthumous recognition to painter Fernando Amorsolo, who died earlier that year.

In 2003, through Executive Order 236 s. 2003, it was raised to the level of a Cultural Order, fourth in precedence among the orders and decorations that comprise the Honors of the Philippines, and equal in rank to the Order of National Scientists and the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan.

Duterte also conferred Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awards to Ambalang Ausalin, Estelita Bantilan and Yabing Masalon-Dulo.

The Order of the National Artists is supposed to be conferred every three years and awarded in Malacañang on the first day of June. A shortlist of nominees is submitted to the president through the recommendation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The NCCA and CCP would form a secretariat for research, selection and deliberations.

Past controversies

A controversy in the awards in 2009 derailed processing of nominations.

In May 2009, four names in the shortlist were sent to then-President Gloria Arroyo. Arroyo issued proclamations on July 2009 for three and excluding for one nominee, Ramon P. Santos for Music. Arroyo issued proclamations for four others, Cecile Guidote-Alvarez (Theater), Francisco T. Mañosa (Architecture), Magno Jose J. Caparas (Visual Arts and Film), and Jose “Pitoy” Moreno (Fashion Design), who did not go through the screening and selection process.

Protests from the art community—including living members of the order—filed a petition before the Supreme Court questioning the ‘president’s prerogative’ that they felt then was a way for Arroyo to ‘accommodate her allies.’ The proclamation for Guidote-Alvarez was criticized for delicadeza (propriety) as she was the Executive Director of the NCCA, on of two bodies who administer the selection process, at the time of her proclamation. Caparas was also criticized for having to his credit ‘chop-chop lady’ films .

In July 2013, high court invalidated Arroyo’s four additions to the Order. The court decision said that as the source of all honors, the president has the discretion to reject or approve nominees. However, the president does not have the discretion to amend the list by adding names that did not go through the NCCA-CCP process. The discretion is confined to the names submitted by the NCCA and CCP.

Prior this year’s awarding, the last recognition was given in 2014 under Benigno Aquino III. It was mired with controversy as well, for Aquino’s dropping of Nora Aunor in the awards.

Receiving flak for his decision for about two weeks since the awardees were announced, Aquino spoke on the issue for the first time on July 1, 2014.

“Ang naging problema ko lang dun ay alam naman natin lahat…naconvict po sya sa drugs,” Aquino said at the sidelines of the Philippine Air Force’s 67th anniversary at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga, referring to Aunor.

(My only problem with Nora Aunor’s nomination is that she was convicted for the use of illegal drugs.)

Contrary to Aquino’s statement, Aunor’s lawyer on the same day clarified that the actress was not convicted.

Aquino was once more absent from the spotlight after that. But other critics think it might no longer be about the National Artist controversy. The Supreme Court ruled Aquino’s Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) as unconstitutional on the same day. The Executive Department released of P1.107 billion of savings to 20 senators’ projects under DAP.

Selection and screening

National artists can be recognized under the categories music, dance, theater, contemporary arts (painting, sculpture, etc.), literature, film and broadcasting. New categories have been introduced, such as the recognition for historical literature given to Carlos Quirino by then-president Fidel Ramos.

The criteria for the Order of the National Artists:

1. Living artists who have been Filipino citizens for the last ten years prior to nomination as well as those who have died after the establishment of the award in 1972 but were Filipino citizens at the time of their death;
2. Artists who have helped build a Filipino sense of nationhood through the content and form of their works;
3. Artists who have distinguished themselves by pioneering in a mode of creative expression or style, making an impact on succeeding generations of artists;
4. Artists who have created a significant body of works and/or have consistently displayed excellence in the practice of their art form, enriching artistic expression or style; and
5. Artists who enjoy broad acceptance through prestigious national and/or international recognition, awards in prestigious national and/or international events, critical acclaim and/or reviews of their works, and/or respect and esteem from peers within an artistic discipline.

The post Seven added to Order of National Artists appeared first on Manila Today.

“We are lighting candles not only to remember the lives taken by the brutality of this regime, we are also demanding the accountability of the perpetrators of the massive killings, harassments, and repression and justice for the victims,” said Rev. Dionito Cabillas, spokesperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Metro Manila.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Metro Manila held a die-in protest in front of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente National Cathedral at Taft Avenue Manila today.

The group said the recent massacre of nine farmers, including women and children, involved in a ‘bungkalan’ (cultivation) program at Hacienda Nene in Sagay, Negros Occidental is only the latest in a line of massacres under President Rodrigo Duterte.

They also lit candles for those who died in Sagay.

“There were also the massacre Lumad farmers in Lake Sebu last year, also first paraded as an encounter between insurgents and State forces and the recent Patikul massacre which took the lives of seven young farmers who were maliciously accused by the Armed Forces of the Philippines as members of the Abu Sayyaf Group,” Cabillas said.

This makes Duterte “not different from the past regimes, especially his most revered fascist dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Duterte’s rule is marked by series of massacres,” Cabillas added.

Karapatan has recorded over 13 cases of massacres across the country from 2016 up to present.

“Over 13 massacres took place and not one perpetrator has been brought to justice. The culture of impunity is alive and well, while the people, especially the poor and working classes, die either a slow painful death through hunger or a swift, violent one through the gun,” Cabillas emphasized.

The group also iterated their disgust over rising prices of basic commodities and services.

“It is enraging that as the cost of living in our society skyrockets, the killings keep on rising too. Because more and more people will be protesting from the injustice, the government takes a fascist approach to silence dissent,” said Cabillas.

He also said, ‘the government keeps on boasting ‘change’ through superficial progress, all of which are beneficial to multinational corporations, their lapdogs in the bureaucracy, and the very few elite families” said Cabillas.

The group also decried the Red October fiasco of the military. They claim that the reality of the conspiracy is contrary to the government propaganda and fear-mongering.

“The Red October Plot has completely unfolded – it is no ouster conspiracy, but another killing spree by a trigger-happy fascist regime. Duterte and his minions must be reminded that the more the people bleed, the more they become ready to fight,” he added.

Cabillas appealed to the Filipino people to ‘unite and struggle against the injustices perpetuated the government.’

“There’s neither change nor future for the people under our present circumstances if we allow this condition to prolong and bleed us dry. Real change and justice will only prevail through our unity and strength,” Cabillas ended.

The post ‘Die-in’ protest condemns massacres under Duterte appeared first on Manila Today.

Last night I was watching the Warriors game held at the Oracle. How big is the Oracle? Maybe it has a capacity of 18 to 20,000. Imagine the Oracle full of dead bodies. This is the estimated number of drug-related extrajudicial killings in the Philippines under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Perhaps you already learned from the news about the notorious anti-drug war, the mad president and his frequent outbursts against the church, women, and his critics. But what is not clearly explained is that in the past two years, Duterte has been waging three wars: the war on drugs, the war on terror in Mindanao, and the all-out war against communist groups.

Who are the casualties of these wars? The farmers, the Lumad and other indigenous peoples, plantation workers, activists, students.

A few minutes ago, we observed a moment of silence for the nine farmers who were killed in Sagay, Negros Occidental. They were massacred while resting during a bungkalan (collective farming) campaign in a hacienda. Hacienda? Indeed, we continue to use the word hacienda, a word first used in the 17th century, because oppressive feudal relations continue to exist in our homeland.

Starving farmers killed for trying to survive and for demanding land reform. Farmers accused of sympathizing with communist forces are the principal victims of Duterte’s all-out war.

To escape blame, authorities resort to lies and red-baiting instead of pursuing justice.

Facebook recently deleted 95 accounts, mostly pro-Duterte pages, for violating the platform’s standards. Most of these deleted accounts spew out fake news and outright lies meant to stir public opinion in favor of Duterte’s controversial policies. But the Sagay cover-up by authorities is a reminder that even if Facebook is removing rabid DDS pages, the machinery of disinformation is still running and its command center is inside Malacanang Palace led by Duterte, the country’s troll-in-chief.

But I am not here to bombard you with depressing updates from our country.

There are also inspiring stories to share. For example, the renewed enthusiasm among young people in resisting the return of tyranny. The brave defiance of many youth groups in rejecting the misogynist remarks of Duterte, his anti-poor statements, and incoherent rants. The online and offline organizing to defend rights and civil liberties. The campaign for free education, the agitation versus corruption, student support for labor demands.

How can we in the United States participate in the people’s protest? Help expose websites and social media pages promoting fake news. Inform our families and friends about the state-backed campaign of disinformation. Turn the 2019 midterm polls into an opportunity to discuss urgent people’s concerns. Draft a migrant agenda, an alternative agenda that should be highlighted during the campaign period. Put forward a people’s criteria in choosing the country’s next leaders. Be part of the struggle for real freedom, peace, justice, and democracy.

More than just beautiful islands and our sparkling seas, more than adobo and sinigang, be proud of the Filipino heritage and our tradition of dissent. We waged Asia’s first anti-colonial revolt led by the Katipunan. We became Asia’s first independent republic after the World War II. Our titos and titas fought Matial Law and dictatorship.

From Berkeley to Binondo and Diliman, there is solidarity among students, workers, and migrants. We support the ongoing strike by UC workers in their demand for equity and better conditions. Wherever and whenever there is injustice, there is resistance.

Makibaka, huwag matakot! Mabuhay ang paglaban ng mamamayan!

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Photo from Mong Palatino

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Photo from Mong Palatino

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Photo from Mong Palatino

Remarks delivered by Bayan Metro Manila chairperson Mong Palatino during the Filipino American Visibility Day at University of California Berkeley on October 25, 2018

The post Filipino American Visibility Day at the University of California Berkeley appeared first on Manila Today.

Paco residents staged a ‘unity walk’ to protest the impending eviction threat due to the North-South Railway Project under President Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program.

The group marched from Philippine National Railway (PNR) Paco Station to nearby barangays that are expected to be carpeted to pave way for the said project.

They called out to onlookers to support and join the protest appealing to suspend and review the construction of the railway project.

“Sa halip na igiit ng PNR ang right of way na makakasagasa sa daang kabahayan, dapat pagtuunan nito ang rehabilitasyon ng mga bagon at mismong riles.” said Rey Navarro, spokesperson of Sta. Mesa-Pandacan-Paco People’s Alliance.

[Instead of PNR asserting the government’s right of way that would trample hundreds of homes, they should focus on rehabilitation of the train’s coaches and the railway.]

Thousands of families in Sta. Mesa, Pandacan, and Paco in Manila City in 112 barangays would be displaced due to the construction of the railway project.

In Paco, residents estimate that hundreds will be evicted to pave way to the construction of a PNR Central Station.

Residents of these communities expressed their dismay by tying white ribbons with written demands against their impending eviction.

“Hindi kami tatahimik sa harap ng napakalaking banta ng pagpapalayas sa amin sa aming mga komunidad at tahanan,” said Navarro.

[We will not be silent in the face of this huge threat to displace us from our communities and homes.]

The group challenged the Duterte administration to stop and review the said project and consider the appeal of residents.

“Dapat maging makatwiran ang pamahalaan sa lahat ng plano nito,” said Navarro.

[Government should be reasaonable in all its plans.]

Navarro said the residents were also ready to dialogue with authorities to relay their demands and their call to stop the demolition of their homes.

The post Paco residents decry eviction appeared first on Manila Today.

Kilusang Mayo Uno and other people’s organizations held a protest outside the Sta. Cruz Regional Trial Court in Laguna in time for the arraignment of activists Hedda Calderon, Ireneo Atadero, Ediesel Legaspi, Julio Lusania and NDFP consultant Adelberto Silva.

Silva, 71, and his four companions were arrested on October 15 at Barangay Pagsawitan. The four were to meet with Silva on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER). Arresting officers said Silva had firearms in his possession.

Calderon, 63, is Gabriela Women’s partylist consultant. Atadero, 55, is a labor union organizer, Legaspi, 60, an agriculturist and organic farmer, while Lusania is the driver of the vehicle.

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KMU, Gabriela, Kadamay and other groups protest at Sta. Cruz, Laguna RTC. Photo by Kathy Yamzon.

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Protesters demand release of five detained in Sta. Cruz. Photo by Kathy Yamzon.

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Police keep protesters at bay. Photo by Kathy Yamzon.

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Protesters demand release of five detained in Sta. Cruz. Photo by Kathy Yamzon.

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Protesters demand release of five detained in Sta. Cruz. Photo by Kathy Yamzon.

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Protesters demand release of five detained in Sta. Cruz. Photo by Kathy Yamzon.

According to the arrested, their vehicle was stopped and they were made to alight and turn away from the vehicle and that was the time they thought the firearms were planted in their vehicle.

A release order for Calderon, Atadero, and Legaspi was already issued by a Laguna prosecutor on October 17. However, the order was immediately amended after the police submitted additional evidence. All five are now facing the non-bailable offense of illegal possession of explosives. The arresting authorities were later identified as combined elements of the CIDG, 2nd Infantry Division – 1st IBPA, and the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP).

Silva is supposedly protected from arrest, surveillance and harassment under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees or JASIG–among the binding agreements in the 30-year old peace negotiations.

The GRP and NDFP negotiating panels were set to approve the parts of the CASER, as the two parties were said to have come to an agreement on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development. This should have been included in the Interim Peace Agreement package, along with coordinated unilateral ceasefire and general amnesty documents, part of the

President Rodrigo Duterte, however, cancelled the fifth formal round of talks last June. The last round of talks during his administration were held in Amsterdam on April 2-6, 2017.

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The post Martyr Piece # 1 appeared first on Manila Today.

Last year, Philippine Churches, especially the Roman Catholic Church, marked the month of November for Christian martyrs. Cathedrals, national shrines, and parishes supposedly be “awash in red lights and adornments in November to mark the sacrifice of Christians all over the world.”

The “Red Wednesday,” is a global campaign of the Churches through-out the world that “aims to raise awareness on the persecution of Christians.”  The red color symbolizes martyrdom.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) ordered “all bishops to illuminate all cathedrals, national shrines, and minor basilicas with red lights to remember the blood of the faithful who have been killed because of the Christian faith.”

The Red Wednesday campaign was initiated in the United Kingdom by the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) foundation. The Philippine Churches joined the campaign last year.

Participating in this “Red Wednesday” campaign in the month of November is a noble, meaningful and relevant deed of Christians. Though, the first day of November was observed by many Filipinos as the day to commemorate their faithful departed but the truth is that November 1 is an All Saints Day. All saints and martyrs should be remembered on November 1.

The progressive church people should help popularize the commemoration of the martyrs in November. There were many martyrs during the Philippine Revolution who are also worth of remembering. Filipinos should not forget the martyrs during the Marcos dictatorship and the subsequent regimes. There are still many martyrs at the present time, in the continuing struggle for national liberation and democracy.

Last month, the military-concocted “Red October” claimed the blood of the victims of Sagay massacre and other victims of extra-judicial killings through-out the country.

Massacres or killings are pictures not only of the martyred individuals but scenes of the sufferings of the families and the communities they belong or have served. Basically, the suffering of the Filipino people is also seen as a martyrdom of the people in the Philippines, a nation of martyrs.

As martyrdom is being applied only to those who suffered for their religious beliefs, in the modern world the term has come to be used in connection with people killed for a political belief and cause.

In general, the demand of ultimate sacrifice is common to all Christians and church people as prophets. Joining in the struggle in the Philippines also demands sacrifices. The Philippines as a nation of Christians is still a nation of martyrs given to its character as a semi-colonial ad semi-feudal society. It entails sacrifices so that the poor and oppressed will be emancipated, and justice and lasting peace will reign.

The martyrdom of the Filipinos can be seen in the faith of the Filipino people. The faith in Jesus Christ who was the victim of trumped-up charges, executed but had rose in glory to show to the world that death is not the end. The blood of Jesus Christ and the martyrs will surely wash away the works of the devils, the oppressors, in this country.

The participation of every Filipino in the struggle for national liberation must be understood as a form of self-sacrifice, a kind of martyrdom.

Everyone’s life offered in the altar of the new democratic struggle is a strength to his/her comrades and the encouragement to persevere in the struggle because in the Philippine context a struggle is an imperative. Thus, a theology of struggle was conceptualized and actualized by those church people whose faith was being nurtured by the poor people they have served.

The Red Wednesday in November is only proper and right. The sacrifices of the Filipinos and the people around the world will be given importance as the Christian seasons will end in November. The last Sunday of November will mark the Feast of Jesus Christ as King. His kingly power is service. The Gospel of Mark 9:35 says, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.”

November 30 is also the martyrdom of St. Andrew, the Apostle of Jesus who brought “a boy with two fish and five barley loaves to Jesus, who multiplied them to feed 5,000 people (John 6:8-13). He died on the cross. The iconography of the martyrdom of Andrew — showing him bound to an X-shaped cross.

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