BAGUIO CITY — Mass movements against corruption promise not to slow down.
Windel Bolinget, chairperson of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA), the youth turnout on September 21 proves that there is “hope for the future.”
“Nagpakita ng lakas at pagkakaisa ang mga kabataang estudyante noong Sept 21 march-rally laban sa corruption at impunity. Nakipagkaisa sila sa iba’t ibang sektor sa Baguio at Benguet. Pinangunahan nila ang pagkilos sa araw na iyon at sumabay sa dumadagundong na kilos protesta sa buong bansa. Pinakita nila na tunay ngang ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,” Bolinget said.
[Young students showed strength and unity during the Sept. 21 march-rally against corruption and impunity. They united with various sectors in Baguio and Benguet. They led the movement that day and joined the thunderous protest movements across the country. They showed that the youth are truly the hope of the nation.]
A multi-sectoral protest action was held on September 21, in Baguio City, with close to 150 groups and over 5,000 people converging at the Baguio Convention Center. They marched toward Harrison Road, crisscrossing to Malcolm Square for a program by groups and performers, set on the historical remembrance of the declaration of Martial Law by former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., 53 years after its declaration.
Bolinget said even if efforts to sustain the momentum poses a challenge with a long-term fight against corruption “The mass movement must be intensified with a major role for the youth. Conduct studies and analyzes on our society and citizen issues such as bureaucratic corruption or bureaucratic capitalism which is a scourge on our society, organize and continue to strengthen youth organizations to further strengthen their ranks, continue and strengthen their network against corruption, expand the anti-corruption movement to include a wide range of citizens such as academia, professionals, church people, local government officials, farmers, workers and indigenous people.”
CPA founded in 1984 is at the forefront of issues in the region and is committed to the promotion and defense of indigenous peoples’ rights, human rights, social justice, and national freedom and democracy.
Bolinget added that prayer rallies, community meetings, and forums in schools must be done to keep the public aware of current issues, with the campaign extending to reach the provinces of the Cordillera.
The gathering was largely supported and participated in by the youth, led by Kabataan Partylist (KPL), student organizations, as well as regional groups backing long-time organizations who have advocated for human rights, freedom, justice, and peace, all drumming up the call for accountability.
The call for sustained action and accountability was brought to life by the creative energy and personal conviction of the youth who attended the protest
Carlos Reyes, from the University of the Cordilleras, said his attendance to the rally is important “The youth are very much important, as the future [professionals], being involved in events is a testament that the youth is ready for change.”
The youth led creative group, Sulong Likha provided an elaborate protest art for the event ith panels of depicting Vice President, Sarah and former president Rodrigo Duterte, former president Ferdinand Sr and President BongBong Marcos showing a pattern of corruption and fascism.
The youth artists of Sulong Likha also unfurled a long receipt, depicting a list of money stolen by contractors, politicians intended for the people.
Sulong Likha artist, Lianne Tamares said youth artists of today must use their talents to further the call for accountability and justice.
Women Working for Justice and Peace in the Cordillera (Japnet) lead convenor, Engineer Trelly Marigza, in a statement, said: “To the corrupt tyrants, we say: the women of the Cordillera are not afraid. We will not be silenced. We will continue to stand, to organize, and to fight. Our strength comes from the mountains, from our communities, from our ancestors who resisted before us. Let this day be a renewal of our collective vow: to resist corruption, to expose tyranny, and to fight for justice and peace until our children can live free.”
Gabriel Siscar of KPL said: “We celebrate the thousands from Baguio and Benguet who joined us in protest against corruption! Our fight is far from over. In the coming days, let’s expect that more will happen. Let’s strengthen our ranks and further expand our network. We will not stop until true justice and meaningful change are won.” By Maria Elena Catajan
A permit from the local government was secured by the group, both for the march as well as the gathering at the Malcom Square.
