The power of music will be used to effect change.
Top bands in the city are set to convene at Malcolm Square on September 21 to join an anti-corruption campaign aimed at changing government systems.
Gelo Lagasca of the band The Lowtechs said the decision to perform was an easy one for his group. “We’ll play to let our disgust for the corrupt be known. They need to be held accountable, but this isn’t just about ‘music for music’s sake, Tutugtog tayo para ipaalam ang disgusto sa mga kurap. Kelangan silang panagutin.”
Starting at 2 PM on Sunday, the event will feature performances by Open Space Productions, The Lowtechs, Ibarra, Space Flower Show, Indiego, the Jahnkees, Cavesought, and Monggo with Macaroni, with more artists expected to join.
Baguio-Benguet groups have agreed to converge at the Baguio Convention Center at 9 AM, marching toward Harrison Road and then to Malcolm Square for a program led by various groups and performers. This gathering is strategically set to coincide with the historical remembrance of the declaration of Martial Law by former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1972.
Lagasca explained that performers were inspired to take action when light and sound providers pitched in their support and pledged equipment. “The sponsors for the stage initiated this. Hendrix was the one who started it,” he said, citing the generosity of the technical crew.
Members of Baguio Pro-AVL (Professional Audio-Video and Lighting), including Hendrix Sanchez, Michael Laurence Quirino, and Rj Lu, as well as local businesses Audio Enhance Sounds and Lights, Reinforcement Lights & Sounds, and MTS Digital by Mario Menor, have all pledged to provide the necessary technical services for the event. The gathering has since expanded to include speeches from various sectors and curated pieces from performers.
In a statement, the Baguio-Benguet Against Corruption Network said “We are facing a challenging time—a time that urgently calls for unity, action, and resistance. Our demands include:
- Hold accountable, imprison, and remove from office all those involved in widespread and blatant corruption. Return all stolen wealth! To the last cent, the last mansion, luxury car, and all the wealth plundered from the people’s money, the citizens will demand it back.
- Expose and name all politicians involved in corrupt activities in infrastructure projects, aid distribution, and more.
- Implement full disclosure of politicians’ Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) and their ties to contractors and businesses.
- Ensure a pro-people budget! While the budget deliberation for the next year is ongoing, scrutinize all anomalous items and projects in the national budget such as secret confidential funds, unprogrammed funds, and others. Allocate the nation’s funds for education, health, housing, and other social services.” By Maria Elena Catajan
