More than a hundred students, faculty and staff members of De La Salle University expressed indignation over the Supreme Court's (SC) decision allowing the burial of the former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LMNB).
During the mass that preceded the indignation rally, Fr. Arockiam Singarayar, SVD started by acknowledging the mystery of God's ways in light of the SC Ruling. He reminded those present to stay holy as temples of God and pray for peace and truth amidst the recent issues besetting our country today.
After collectively praying for the nation, the congregation marched to the South Gate for the candle-lighting and noise barrage.
Lasallian Prayer for the Nation
During the program at South Gate, student-leaders took turns explaining that former Pres. Marcos does not deserve to be buried at the LNMB and be honored as 'Hero' or 'Bayani.'
They reminded the public of the numerous human rights violations during Martial Law and the billions of pesos in Marcos ill-gotten wealth. They urged those present to reject all efforts to rewrite our history, especially during the Marcos regime. They lit candles, sang "Bayan Ko" and shouted: #MarcosNotAHero!
"Is this the kind of man who deserves to be buried together with all those Filipino heroes who genuinely dedicated their lives in service and protection of our motherland?"
-Isaac Go, Majority Floor Leader Legislative Assembly, University Student Government's (USG)
"We are on the pursuit of what is just and we will not waver."
-Rafael Zaballero, Convenor COSCA-LOVE Volunteers
A day after the rally, Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC, President of De La Salle Philippines released a statement "urging all Lasallian teachers and partners to strengthen all educational and community engagement efforts and programs towards a deepening of our people's appreciation for democracy and human rights."
The indignation activities were organized by the University Student Government (USG) in partnership with the COSCA-LOVE Volunteers, Office of Student Leadership, Involvement, Formation and Empowerment (SLIFE), the Lasallian Pastoral Office (LSPO), Office of Student Affairs, the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Lasallian Mission.
The event was covered by The Lasallian, Ang Pahayagang Plaridel and the Archers Network. Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are those of the individuals and organizations mentioned and may not necessarily reflect the views of De La Salle University.
Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417 & 147
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More than a hundred people gathered at De La Salle University's Corazon Aquino Democratic Space today to commemorate the Declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines last September 23, 1972*. With candles, prayers and shouts of "Never Again!", Lasallians clad in black shirts gathered to express their commitment never to let this dark era ever happen again. Earlier during the day, members of political party, Alyansang Tapat sa Lasalyano (TAPAT), took turns holding photos of slain or missing activists in the 'silent memorial' they staged at the grounds. Sandy Palacios, holding a photo of slain Kalinga leader - Macli-ing Dulag - explained that the silent memorial explained that more than highlighting former dictator, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the stories of human rights victims deserve more attention. "This silent memorial is being held to humanize the people during Martial Law," she said. The formal program started with the singing of the National Anthem led by Justine Millete, President of TAPAT. During the prayer-service that followed, the Lasallian Pastoral Office (LSPO) and officers of the University Student Government (USG) led by Mr. Reigner Sanchez, Vice President - Externals focused on the theme of peace and non-violence as exemplified in the Life and Teachings of Christ and the Essential Writings of Gandhi. "Hindi po pinipitas na parang prutas ang kalayaan. Ipinaglaban po ito ng ating mga bayani. Bakit ngayon pa natin ito gustong isuko?" During the middle portion of the service, Prof. Xiao Chua of the History Department shared his impassioned plea for Lasallians to remember, value and fight for the freedom that our heroes so valiantly fought for. He scored people posting on Facebook that the martial law years were good and that they were willing to let go of some rights in favor of national discipline. "Hindi po pinipitas na parang prutas ang kalayaan. Ipinaglaban po ito ng ating mga bayani. Bakit ngayon pa natin ito gustong isuko?," he asked.
The Martial Law Commemoration was jointly organized by the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), University Student Government, Lasallian Pastoral Office (LSPO), Office of Student Leadership, Involvement, Formation and Empowerment (SLIFE), and the Alyansang Tapat sa Lasalyano (TAPAT). It is part of De La Salle Philippines' month-long "Lasallians for Peace and Human Rights" activities. ------ *As explained by Prof. Chua, the actual declaration of Martial Law happened in September 23, 1972. What transpired in September 21, 1972 was Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino's pronouncement in UP Diliman that Martial Law is about to be declared due to lawless violence and the rising threat of communist insurgency in the country. Historians however believe that Martial Law was declared not to save the Republic but to ensure that Ferdinand Marcos Sr. would be able to stay in power, he adds. Disclaimer: The views and opinions stated in this article reflect the sentiments of individuals, offices and organizations represented during the Martial Law Commemoration. It does not represent the official position of the university or its leaders. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 All photos courtesy of Nelca Villarin. Last August 1, 2016, the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) joined representatives from Luzon-based La Salle Schools in reflecting on the pastoral letter issued by DLSP President, Br. Jose Mari Jimenez FSC, against the culture of death. A total of fourteen (14) individuals from De La Salle University attended the event organized by DLSP's Lasallian Justice and Peace Commission (LJPC). The DLSU contingent was composed of members and officers from the USG, POLISCY and Ley La Salle, as well as staff members from the Office of the Vice President for Lasallian Mission (OVPLM), the Student Leadership, Involvement, Formation, and Empowerment (SLIFE) and COSCA. The program opened with a prayer lead by Mr. Mel Oribe of DLSU-STC and a welcome remark from Ms. Grace Lazo, the incoming director of DLSP's Lasallian Mission Services (LMS). During his talk, Atty. Chito Gascon, Chair of the Commission on Human Rights, thanked De La Salle Philippines for its pastoral letter that paved the way for other organizations to speak out against Extra Judicial Killings (EJK). He further emphasized the need to respect the dignity and human rights of all. His talk was followed by Br. Jimenez's sharing on the salient points of the pastoral letter that he issued. He further clarified that the statement does not only reflect his personal views on the matter, but that it also voices out the sentiments of the Brothers in the community he is part of. In response to Br. Jimenez's call, Karl Yuan of Ley La Salle and Matthew Ang of the USG Legislative Assembly (LA) read their respective organization's statement of support to the pastoral letter. The reflection session ended with suggested activities that the schools may consider to strengthen the advocacy on life and human rights. For information on how you can join this advocacy, you may contact LJPC National Coordinator Mr. Gladstone Cuarteros at [email protected] or Mr. Sofronio Lingatong Jr., manager of COSCA's Lasallian Formation and Action Program (LSFA) at [email protected]. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 Sa tuwing sasapit ang SONA ng ating mga naging pangulo, malimit nating napapakinggan sa telebisyon, radyo at maging sa internet ang mga kuro-kuro at opinyon ng maraming mga eksperto. Bagama't kinikilala natin ang halaga at malaking tulong na nai-aambag ng mga pagsusuri ng mga dalubhasa sa maraming larangan, mahalaga ring marinig ang boses ng mga kabataan at ng iba't-ibang samahang kumakawatan sa mga sektor na nasa laylayan ng ating lipunan. Upang simulan ang adhikaing ito, bumunot kami ng ilan sa aming mga katuwang na samahan at hiningi ang kanilang maikling opinyon sa naging SONA ni Pangulong Duterte. Amin na ring kinapanayam ang mga volunteer na kasama naming nanood ng SONA ng Pangulo. Narito ang ilan sa kanilang mga naging tugon. Disclaimer: " Ang nakaraang SONA ng ating kasalukuyang presidente na si Rodrigo Duterte ay maaaring maging panimula sa tunay na pagbabago na kaliangan ng ating bansa. Una, ang pagbawas ng pursyento ng Tax ng mga manggagawa na kumikita lamang ng pang average. Pangalawa, ang pagdagdag ng kagamitan at programa para sa pang-agrikultura, ang pagsugpo ng korapsyon at kriminalidad sa bansa. Ito ay ilan lamang sa mga pinangako nito na sana ay matupad sa kanyang termino bilang pangulo. Tunay din na nakuha ng bagong pangulo ang tiwala ng buong sambayanan dahil na rin sa kanyang pusong makabansa at bilang isang buhay na solusyon sa mga problema na kinakaharap ng ating bansa." Jerome Manalo, St. Anthony De Padua Parish "Medyo inconsistent and wala siyang tiwala sa data na nasa script. Ayaw niya paniwalaan yung nasa script kasi parang hindi reliable yung statistics." Don Mac, COSCA Volunteer "Mahusay at nakakahanga ang mga binitiwang pangako ng pagbabago ni Pres. Duterte. Tunay na tinalakay niya ang katotohanan na nararanasan ng mga Pilipino sa kasalukuyan. Kapaki-pakinabang ang mga pangako niya na pro-poor at clean and good government...droga, FOI, fisherfolks, lumad, mining, women, illegal settlers, train, traffic, runway, taxes, hotline na 888, lahat ng ito ay dalangin natin na matupad at magkaisa ang bawat Pilipino." Lisa Arnaldo Program Coordinator, Teresa Charities for the Elderly Program Inc. "I was amazed at how Duterte delivered his speech in which he skip the prepared script and utter an honest opinion. I can see his wisdom and passion on what he is saying to address the issues presented in our country. He also talked about his initial accomplishments in a statistical way in which there are a lot of people that are being arrested and willingly surrendered for rehabilitation." Kyle, COSCA Volunteer "Maganda at nagkakaroon ng pag-asa na may pagbabago at pag-unlad pa ang Pilipinas. Sana maipatupad niya." Maricar Malate, President Kababaihang Yumayabong, tungo sa Kagalingan (KAYUMANGGI), Quezon City "Sometimes he goes with the script, sometimes does not. I see some inconsistencies from what he said now and what he said before during the campaign period." Luis, COSCA Volunteer "Ang SONA ni DU30 ay nagpapahiwatig ng pag-asa sa ating bansa. Lalo na po yung pagbibigay halaga sa mga dukha o mahihirap." Michael Bauyon, Pangulo Samahan ng mga Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Binubusan (SMMB), Lian, Batangas "Totoo yung nangyayari at dapat gawin ng gobyerno." Anselmo Astilla, President Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC), Lian, Batangas "Ang masasabi ko lang po sa SONA ni DU30 ay napakaganda. Sana ay magawa. Lalung-lalo na ang umaasa sa Pantawid Pamilya. Sa facilities ng PINAS ang fast net, fast LRT, kasi tayo lang bulok na LRT. TAGAL PILA. Ang laban sa droga pag-igtingin. Sa lahat ng plano tuparin at pagbutihin para umasenso ang PINAS." Analyn Solis, President Bukluran ng mga Migranteng Manggagawa at Kapamilya sa Brgy. 28, Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan City Bitin ba ang mga nakasulat na saloobin sa naging SONA ni Pangulong Duterte? Halika't pahabain natin ang diskusyon. Ipadala ang iyong pananaw sa: Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 Last July 21, 2016, the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) and the University Student Government's Office of the Vice President for External Affairs (USG-OVPEA) organized a talk on "The Role of Children and Youth in Helping Build a Peaceful Society." Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, Founder of the Teach Peace Build Peace Movement, related her own "peacetale" - the narrative that prepared her and hardened her commitment for peace. She also shared the journey of the Teach Peace Build Peace Movement and the many ways by which Lasallians may contribute to peace-building in their own spheres of influence. She emphasized that "Without a counter-narrative or a long-term strategic program to guide conflict-affected people, they will eventually become a problem of the Filipino society - they will either joing gangs, violent or terrorist groups, because they feel that they have a group who will defend them." She encouraged Lasallians to start peace-building by doing random acts of kindness for others. After all, "Every act of kindness is an act of peace," she said. The talk is part of #DLSULetsMOVE, a volunteerism week aimed at increasing awareness on social issues concerning education, poverty, peace, justice, and human rights. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 Mr. Wolfgang Heinze, Country Director of Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) with representatives from the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), Lasallian Justice and Peace Commission (LJPC), Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance (JMRIG) and the Office of the Vice President for External Affairs of the University Student Government (USG-OVPEA). "If you deny Human Rights to one group, then it may also be denied to others in the future. How sure are you that it won't happen to you next?" These are just some of the lines that Wolfgang Heinze, Philippine Country Director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), shared to Lasallians during his talk, "FNF in the Philippines: Freedom and Human Rights" held at DLSU last July 19, 2016. Mr. Heinze also talked about the brief history of FNF and its work in the Philippines. He also gave some thoughts on the ongoing anti-drug campaign of the Duterte Administration. He ended the talk with a challenge to Lasallians: "You should stand up for the things that you believe in. Whatever you do, do it because you believe in it. And do it with passion." The talk is part of #DLSULetsMOVE: Mobilizing Opportunities for Volunteer Experience, a joint project of the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) and the Office of the Vice President for External Affairs of the University Student Government (USG-OVPEA) to increase awareness on social issues concerning education, poverty, peace, justice, and human rights, by providing an avenue for members of the DLSU Community to engage with various Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 |