In the 2024 Yearstarter BirdTalk organized by IBON Foundation and held on Thursday, January 18, the research outfit’s analysts urged government to craft better labor policies and pursue reforms in its economic strategy that would cater to the needs of Filipinos. 

The semi-annual forum gathered advocates in various fields to discuss the overall performance of the Marcos administration and evaluate the government’s claims of economic growth and progress amid persistent problems of job scarcity, poverty, among other issues. 

According to IBON’s report, a large percentage of the P5.3 trillion economic budget in 2023 was allotted to infrastructure development, in line with Marcos’ goal to continue and expand the Golden Age of Infrastructure of the Philippines. IBON said this leaves behind the development of basic needs such as health, housing, social security, social welfare, employment, and land distribution. 

IBON research head Rosario Guzman stressed how government policies encouraging foreign-owned companies to operate in the Philippines could lead to low wages and overall job scarcity for Filipinos.

“This jobs crisis, it’s like the law of supply and demand. It becomes favorable for government to cheapen wages so that it can attract more foreign investments. Wages are low and remain short of what even computes as family living wages across regions,” Guzman said.

To address job scarcity, Africa proposed job creation through a public works program that can be sustainable and beneficial for the development of communities.  

“Ang gobyerno…dapat magcreate ng public works program, dapat ma-guarantee na every Filipino na at least 6-month period may 3 months na trabaho kahit minimum wage lamang… It could be local small-scale community infrastructure, expanding the education system, building housing – lahat ‘yan kailangan ng warm bodies, hindi ito kung anong pinapatanong na trabaho lang, kung hindi may produkto siya na kinakailangan,” Africa said. 

(The government must create a public works program, every Filipino must be guaranteed at least a 6-month period with 3 months of work even if only minimum wage… It could be local small-scale community infrastructure, expanding the education system, building housing – all of those need warm bodies, it’s not just any job that’s being asked, instead it has an actual product that’s needed.)

Africa stressed that foreign investment in itself is not necessarily the problem, but the government policies that deal with them. He said that policymakers should also focus on industrialization to further develop local production such as in agriculture.

Guzman supported this by saying that foreign investment can actually be used to support a framework for a national industrial policy that can benefit small-scale industries. 

“We need it because we cannot immediately mobilize all domestic resources of all sectors. And I think it boils down to what he [Africa] is saying that we have to lay down the national industrial policy and from there, we can learn the principles of using financing, use of debt, and the direction of that very policy for real industrialization and development for us,” Guzman said.

Shallow economic growth

The calls to craft better economic policy was made after Guzman discussed the overall economic situation in 2023.

She said that the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) of 5.9% in the third quarter of 2023 also benefited foreign investors, especially following the implementation of the Public Service Act which further opened the economy.

Amid these policies, IBON noted that the government has been forcing the phase out of traditional jeepneys under the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program in partnership with private corporations.

As this economic growth came from an environment of high inflation, Guzman described this as a shallow growth.

“The economy has increasingly lost its capacity to create meaningful and permanent jobs such that alongside the low unemployment rate in November – which they are proud of, is actually the phenomenon of decreasing labor force,” Guzman said in a mix of Filipino and English.

While the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said that there has been a decline of the Philippines’ poverty incidence last year, unemployment fell to 3.6% in November 2023 – the lowest since 2005, according to IBON’s findings. The inflation rate of 3.9% in December is reported to be the lowest since Marcos became president in mid-2022, which is a big drop from the 8.1% in December 2022.

But IBON analysts said the impact of inflation is not the same for all income groups.

“In reality, the average inflation rate of 2023 is 6%…but for the poor, that’s not 6%. Inflation rate for the bottom of the population is 6.7%, which is pushed by an 8.2% food inflation – largely the rice price increase. So, in 2023, the poor was more burdened,” Guzman said in a mix of Filipino and English. 

She said there’s also a problem with the government’s current low poverty threshold of P91 per person/per day, where those who are beyond the threshold are no longer considered poor. Household consumption, which is the spending of families, also slowed down in the third quarter of 2023, despite economic growth.

What can Filipinos do

Given the structural problems in the economy, Guzman and Africa urged Filipinos to join civil society organizations to help increase our political orientation and understand more the advocacies of communities on the ground. 

“I hope the response will be on the radical response and change, we will not just play around with the situation, instead let’s be part of the on the ground type of mobilization and organization, more in the flesh type of awareness, action, and mobilization,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English. 

“I-encourage natin ang maraming tao na isama sa laban na ito, dun manggagaling yung buwelo natin, doon manggagaling ang mga bagong mukha, mga bagong ideya, kung paano isulong ang pagbabago [na gusto natin]… I think this is the moment we rally our forces…sumulong tayo,” Africa added.

(Let’s encourage many people to join this fight, that’s where our momentum will come from, that’s where new faces will come from, new ideas, how to promote the change [that we want]… I think this is the moment we rally our forces…let’s move forward.) – Rappler.com

With the start of a new year, IBON will be holding the 2024 Yearstarter Birdtalk, a semi-annual forum that aims to discuss the current economic and political situation, the Marcos Jr administration’s performance, and prospects for the Filipino people.

The Birdtalk shall take a closer look at the government’s claims of economic growth and progress amid the persistent problems of job scarcity, poverty and inflation, among other issues. How are political developments shaping up, and what policies and measures are needed to achieve genuine progress for all?

The IBON 2024 Yearstarter Birdtalk will be held on Thursday, January 18, from 1 pm to 4 pm, at the Institute of Biology (IB) Auditorium, National Science Complex, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman. This is primarily in cooperation with the UP Office of the Faculty Regent, All U.P. Academic Employees Union and AlterMidya – People’s Alternative Media Network.

IBON also partners with various groups to bring the Yearstarter Birdtalk to a wider audience, including AGHAM – Science and Technology for the People, the AgroecologyX Network, Community Pantry PH, Human Rights People’s Empowerment Center (HRPEC), Inclusive Communities Action Network (ICAN), Musika Publiko, Philippine Misereor Partners Inc., Pinoy Media Center, Pinoy Weekly, Pitik Bulag, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Center for Inclusivity and Diversity, and Rappler’s MovePH. More institutions continue to signify their intention to get on board.

“The OSG is still studying various legal options on numerous WPS [West Philippine Sea] issues. one of these options is to file a new complaint before the permanent court of arbitration. The OSG has not made a definitive recommendation to adopt any particular option pending completion of the OSG study,” Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra told Rappler on Thursday, September 21.

Guevarra also clarified that the Philippine government is still on a fact-finding and data-gathering stage with regard to a possible complaint over the reef destruction.

“If the forum chosen is the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague, then that complaint would be the second. Diplomatic protests are a totally different matter,” the solicitor general added.

On Saturday, September 16, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) raised alarm over the suspected massive illegal harvesting of corals in Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea.

AFP Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said they would increase the country’s military presence in the country’s territory at the height of activities of Chinese vessels. The Westcom chief added that the suspected harvesting violates the Philippines’ sovereign rights, including the country’s rightful claim over its resources within its exclusive economic zone.

Must Read

China claims territories without fighting, thanks to its maritime militia

Two days later, on September 18, the Philippine Coast Guard, which leads maritime patrols in Philippine waters, said they found extensive damage in the marine environment frequently visited by Chinese ships.

In 2016, the Philippines won its case against China after an arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the country, invalidating China’s 9-dash line claim in the West Philippine Sea. The tribunal “concluded that, as between the Philippines and China, there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources, in excess of the rights provided for by the Convention, within the sea areas falling within the ‘9-dash line.’”

But the Philippines has not always been successful in international courts. In 2019, three years after its victory at the Hague, then-International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Fatou Bensouda junked the Philippine case against China for violations in the West Philippine Sea, citing lack of jurisdiction.

The ICC case filed by the late former Philippine foreign secretary Albert del Rosario and former ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales cited the harassment of Filipino fisherfolk by Chinese ships, and the damage caused by the Chinese to the country’s maritime environment. – Rappler.com

This is the main call of different youth groups and organizations in the Philippines celebrating International Youth Day on August 12, following the United Nation’s (UN) theme, “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.”

International Youth Day is celebrated annually by various countries to raise awareness on pressing issues and recognize the role of the youth in education, civic engagement, and community development, among others. 

This year, the UN aims to promote among the youth green skills or “knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes needed to live in, develop, and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society.”

Aligned with this year’s goal, local groups are celebrating International Youth Day in their own creative and sustainable ways.

Here is a running list of groups and youth organizations around the country that advocate for a greener Philippines in support of International Youth Day.

ASEAN Youth Advocates

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Youth Advocate is hosting a summit themed “Speak Your Truth: Empowering ASEAN Youth for a Resilient Future.” The event will be held on Saturday, August 12, at the Jose Rizal University in Mandaluyong City. 

Participants may register here. 

City Youth and Sports Development Office, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

The City Youth and Sports Development Office of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan is organizing “A Rising City: Youth Trade Fair” on Saturday, August 12, at the River Park Esplanade (Amphitheater). Performances from various youth groups in the province are also expected. The fair will be open from 3 pm to 10 pm.

MakeSense Asia

MakeSense Asia Philippines is inviting everyone to join its weeklong Breakup Party happening from August 16 to 18 in various locations in Quezon City, Taguig, and La Union. 

The event will feature activities such as spoken word poetry performances, art workshops, and singing competitions advocating for the environment. Participants may register in the following events for free:

• BreakUp Party at Quezon City
• BreakUp Party at La Union
• Sense_fest at Taguig

Positive Youth Development Network

The Positive Youth Development Network is organizing Youth Hour 2023 from August 11 to 12 in Dumaguete City to highlight the importance of the youth’s participation and contribution in climate action and disaster risk reduction management (DRRM).The two-day event features a DRRM training, a youth concert, and a graphic design challenge. Participants may register here. Registration fees are required.

Red Cross Youth-Iloilo Chapter

Red Cross Youth’s Iloilo Chapter is organizing Arsiway Amigo, featuring an on-the-spot poster making, hip-hop dance competition, and lip-syncing competition, among others, on August 26. 

A registration fee of ₱100 will be collected from non-participating youths, and an additional ₱20 for those who will participate in the competitions. 

The full set of guidelines may be accessed through this link. Participants may register here. Registration for the event will close on August 18. 

SK Federation-Cebu City

The Sangguniang Kabataan Federation in Cebu City is inviting everyone to join its lineup of activities happening from August to September. The activities include fun runs, concerts for a cause, pageants, and the Sangguniang Kabataan Congress, among others.

Social Watch Philippines

Social Watch Philippines is hosting a word art contest in line with its advocacy of a smoke-free environment. The contest is open to all Filipinos aged 15 to 24 years old. Deadline of submissions is on August 20 at 12 pm. 

Interested participants may access the mechanics below.

Youth Affairs and Sports Development Office, Muntinlupa City

The Youth Affairs and Sports Development Office of Muntinlupa City is calling on participants to join its Linggo ng Kabataan video awareness contest. Submissions must tackle themes of youth volunteerism, anti-illegal human trafficking, mental health, and environmental awareness. 

The contest is open to all youth officers and members who participated in the municipality’s Linggo ng Kabataan Pep Talk, which was held last August 10.

Deadline of submissions is on August 31. Winners will be announced on September 8. 

Mechanics may be accessed below.

– with reports from Chariza Leen Crudo/Rappler.com

Do you know of other events and activities in celebration of International Youth Day? Email them to move.ph@rappler.com.

Chariza Leen Crudo is a Rappler volunteer from De La Salle University-Manila. She is currently in her last year taking up Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts.

Research and advocacy group IBON Foundation will be holding this year’s Midyear Birdtalk as Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration ends its first year in office.

The midyear forum will be presenting data and analysis on the country’s current situation and assess the Marcos government’s first year performance – from promises made to measures actually undertaken on pertinent issues. These include economic recovery and growth, jobs and food security, fiscal stability, climate action, governance, and foreign policy.

Did Marcos’ pledge to the electorate translate to people-centered economic and political strategies? What are the immediate and longer-term doables that can be pushed to address the country’s chronic woes?

The upcoming 2023 Midyear Birdtalk will be on Tuesday, July 18, at 2 pm at the University of the Philippines School of Statistics.

Birdtalk is a biannual forum where IBON presents its analysis and prospects of the country’s key socioeconomic and political trends. It aims to promote a wider understanding of economics and alternatives from the perspective of the Filipino people.

There will be a P100 registration fee to cover food and venue costs. Interested attendees are advised to register at bit.ly/BTMY23registration to help secure slots. -Rappler.com

Groups such as Pamalakaya, Katribu BAYAN, Gabriela along with youth organizations League of Filipino Students and Kabataan Partylist, gathered at the Chinese Consulate in Makati, Metro Manila as early as 9 am to raise their calls. They later proceeded to the US Embassy in Manila to continue the protest.

Metro Manila

During the protest, the group Pamalakaya asserted the rights of the Filipino fisherfolk amidst Beijing’s continued presence in the West Philippine Sea. They also urged the government to stop reclamation and seabed quarrying in Manila Bay and other areas.

Despite Chinese assertiveness in the West PH Sea, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains optimistic over the ties between the two countries. 

Earlier, the President attended a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, where he again called for unity. This marked his first Philippine Independence Day as President.

Katribu, an indigenous peoples (IP) group, also expressed its strong opposition to the construction of China-funded dam projects such as the Kaliwa Dam, which will cause environmental damage and possible displacement of communities. The Kaliwa Dam is a 12.2 billion project signed under the Duterte administration that has been collectively opposed by environmental groups and indigenous peoples organizations.

Kabataan Representative Raoul Manuel along with its other members also marched from the Chinese Consulate to the US Embassy despite police presence along the route. 

“Sa ika-125 na Araw ng Kalayaan, ang Pilipinas ay patuloy pa ring humaharap sa matinding hamon at banta mula sa mga bansang naghahangad na supilin ang ating kalayaan. Ang Tsina at Estados Unidos ay nagtutunggalian para isa ang manaig bilang kapangyarihan sa Pilipinas,” the party-list Kabataan said in a statement.

(On the 125th Independence Day, the Philippines still faces many challenges and threats from countries that want to curtail our freedom. China and US are competing in order to reign over us.)

Despite a 2016 landmark Hague Ruling which invalidated Beijing’s claim over most of the vast South China Sea via the nine-dash line principle, China has maintained vessels within the West Philippine Sea.

The US, on the other hand, has been granted access to four new local bases where the American military will be allowed to build facilities and preposition defense assets. This was announced when US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited the Philippines on February 2. 

Militant youth group Anakbayan also expressed its opposition to the continued attacks on national sovereignty by the US and China.

Other church groups also urged the government to free former senator Leila de lima, reiterating that her continued detention showed that the country is not truly free. (READ: ‘Not truly free as a nation’: Rights advocates decry De Lima’s continued detention)

Davao

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and Anakbayan Southern Mindanao also organized a protest at Freedom Park in Davao. They urged the current administration to implement and keep an effective independent foreign policy in relation to the rising tensions between the US and China over the West Philippine Sea. 

Bacolod City

Meanwhile in Bacolod City, sectoral groups also echoed the calls of the groups in Metro Manila and Davao. They also called for an immediate response of the government in certain issues including jeepney modernization, continuous oppression of local vendors and farmers, and privatization of Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO)  vendor spaces. 

“For us in the marginalized sector of the city, there’s no true and genuine independence in terms of our evidently [poor] living conditions,” secretary-general of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap Ante Berlita told Rappler. 

Bacolod City also organized a program featuring a military parade, flag raising ceremony, and a wreath laying at the monument of an unknown soldier. 

Members from various groups including the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Drum and Bugle Corps of various participating schools, and PNP Bacolod also took part in the civic-military parade from Lizares and Araneta Streets to the public plaza. – with reports from Alexandria Grace Magno and Amiel Antonio/Rappler.com.

Alexandria Magno is a Rappler Volunteer from the University of Santo Tomas.

Amiel Antonio is a Rappler intern from Bulacan State University — Main Campus. He is an incoming fourth-year journalism student.

In an interview with Rappler, cartoonists Zach and StephB, described the murky situation of editorial cartooning in the Philippines.

For one, editorial cartoons were removed in at least two major print publications in 2022. First, The Philippine Daily Inquirer scrapped editorial cartoons in March. This was followed by The Philippine Star, which also ended the inclusion of editorial cartoons in its op-ed pages in August. 

“Cartoons used to be one of the most anticipated in major publications–Philippine Star, Inquirer. You will notice that the pages in the newspapers are getting thinner and thinner. Because of cost-cutting, because social media is also rising. So one of the first casualties was the cartoon, cartoonists were the first removed,” Zach said in a mix of Filipino and English.

He also pointed out how some publishers avoid controversial cartoons that would pose conflict to some political interests. 

This has pushed cartoonists like Zach and Steph to use the digital platform as a new avenue to promote their work. 

“Akala siguro nila– some newspapers, na hindi ganun ka importante yung cartoons, pero, I think social media proves otherwise, na alam mo na grabe yung engagements, grabe yung reception ng mga tao. (Some newspapers thought that cartoons were not important, but I think social media proves otherwise, because you know, the engagements and the receptions from people were really enormous),” Zach added.

But for Steph, social media as a wider platform also brings its own set of challenges to remain relevant online.“Since ang kakumpitensya mo ngayon is the whole world ‘di ba? Yung hindi lang dito sa Pilipinas…. kailangan medyo iimprove mo lagi ang sarili mo para manotice ang artwork mo. Mas malaki na ngayon ang playing field eh (Since you have a bigger competition worldwide, you need to also improve yourself as a cartoonist so your artwork will stand out from the rest. The playing field has become bigger),” Steph said. 

Regardless of the boost that social media can give to their work, Zach, meanwhile, expressed that editorial cartooning is a profession that must be balanced along with other jobs in order to meet the costs of living. 

“There are no full-time cartoonists in the Philippines. It is always necessary to have a side job. If you are an artist, you are not only a cartoonist, but also a graphic artist, you do the layout too. Because you need to make a living, the challenge is you cannot be a full-time cartoonist,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.

“Social media has a huge potential. But of course, artists have to pay their bills so it is necessary to balance with other passions you love,” Zach added.

Call for support

Despite these challenges, cartoonists like Zach and Steph managed to keep the art alive. They mentioned the importance of belonging to an organization such as Pitik Bulag, an artist-collective co-founded by Cartoonist Zach, which aims to provide aspiring cartoonists a platform to showcase their works on sociopolitical issues.

According to them, such organizations serve as a strong foundation of support, encouragement, and motivation necessary for them to accomplish more as cartoonists. 

“I think because I’m part of an organization, I’m able to take part, and also join exhibits, collaborations and such- which on my own, If I’m not a part of a group, perhaps, I will not be able to do,” Steph, who is the only female member in the group, said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Both of them also added that their followers’ simple act of recognizing and sharing their works on social media can make a big difference to further amplify their advocacies and awaken people’s consciousness towards pressing issues.

“Sa pamamagitan ng paggawa ng cartoons meron kang abilidad… para isiwalat ano yung mensahe mo, ano yung gusto mo ipahiwatig tungkol sa mga issue na napapanahon. (Through creating cartoons, you have the ability…to reveal your messages, the things you wanted to share on issues that are relevant in our time),” Zach said.

This is especially important, according to Zach, because even if cartoons portray an issue at a certain time, its significance cannot be buried in the past. 

“Marami sa mga martial law or mga lumang cartoons na hanggang ngayon ay super relevant pa rin. (Most old cartoons, and those released from the Martial Law period are still relevant up to this day) And that’s a manifestation of a good cartoon. It’s a timeless concept,” Zach added.

Alongside its timeless value, Steph added that cartoons also create an instant connection among its audience beyond words. 

“I guess the editorial cartoon, for example, I will illustrate without words – if I do it well, someone from Iran or Japan will understand it, anyone who doesn’t speak English or Tagalog, they will understand. That’s how powerful it is,” Steph said in a mix of Filipino and English.

That is why for both of them, editorial cartooning still plays a very important role in journalism and upholding press freedom, especially in today’s online landscape. 

“I know the importance of facts. So before making a cartoon, like I said before, I make sure na I do my research….  Facts help a lot pag gagawa ka ng isang illustration or editorial cartoon,” Steph said, highlighting the importance of facts in creating editorial cartoons and its influence on people’s perception.

They also called for support from Filipinos so they can continue to do the work that they do. 

“In this age of disinformation, many people share false information. I want to make something different because art has the ability to instill awareness in people. It has the ability to mobilize, to arouse people’s political consciousness,” Zach said.– with reports from Angelica Coleto/Rappler.com

Angelica Coleto is a Rappler intern from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa. She is currently a senior taking up a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literary and Cultural Studies. 

This wastage was uncovered by the Commission on Audit (COA) which said Maasin’s mishandling led to spoilage and wastage of perishable goods intended for disaster response.

In COA’s 2022 audit report on Maasin City released April 27, government auditors found that part of its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund was used to procure groceries and other ready-to-cook meals.

Items purchased in the P1.182 million allocation were canned sardines, beef loaf, corned beef, instant noodles, and purified water. As for rice, the government auditors found that Maasin had ample supply of the staple coming from donations.

However, only P199,500 worth of the goods from the calamity funds were tapped during the year.  This left a total of P982,400 stocks. The auditors said these stocks were listed as “welfare goods for distribution” as part of disaster response.

But government auditors found these food items rotting and infested by pests in their storage areas, rendering these all but useless.

COA said: “During inspection, it was found that the welfare goods were not properly stored. There is leaking from the ceiling of the storage in Barangay Rizal. The storage room in Barangay Combado is unsanitary/unhygienic. Dust, spillage, and cockroaches were observed during the inspection.” 

“There were damaged goods due to the unpleasant smell and discoloration on some of the packed rice. Gnawing holes or damages observed on the box and packs of noodles is a sign of mice and cockroach activity,” the auditors added.

The auditors conducted onsite inspections at the storage facilities in Purok Bangkal in Barangay Rizal and at the Liga ng mga Barangay Building in Barangay Combado. The inspecting team concluded that both sites were unfit to store perishables.

The officer-in-charge of Maasin City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) told COA that the two venues were only temporary store rooms.

The CSWDO said the current facilities were damaged when Super Typhoon Odette swept through Eastern Visayas in December 2021. 

During the exit conference, city government officials told COA that a new storage facility was now being constructed. 

COA said providing adequate storage areas was also part of disaster preparation. It also said that the Maasin City mayor must also remind the CSWDO to constantly monitor the state and volume of the stored foodstuff. – Rappler.com

According to SINAGBAYAN spokesperson and Indi Na Maliwat’s production manager Faye Aldefolio, justice has yet to be served to the families of the victims, and farmers are still being harassed and exploited. She highlighted that farmers should not be perceived as enemies of the state especially since they have always been the backbone of our economy. 

The play was first launched on September 19, but SINAGBAYAN has steadily commemorated the Escalante massacre to help combat efforts in undermining dissent and attempts to revise the narratives among the plight of farmers. 

As part of the protest, she emphasized other similar events that happened in Negros, as well as relevant commemorations in November such as the Hacienda Luisita massacre and Ampatuan massacre which all involved civilians and farmers. 

“Kapag Pilipino ka at kumakain ka, kailangan mo suportahan yung mga magsasaka. Kahit anong administrasyon pa ‘yan, napaka evident ng massacre among farmers. May Hacienda Luisita Massacre, may Escalante Massacre, may Negros 14, may Sagay 9, especially sa Negros. Napakaraming massacre na nangyayari against farmers,” Aldefolio said.

(If you are a Filipino who eats, you have to support farmers. No matter what administration it is, the massacre among farmers is very evident. There is the Hacienda Luisita Massacre, there is the Escalante Massacre, there are Negros 14, there are Sagay 9, especially in Negros. There are so many massacres happening against farmers.)

Through this platform, they hope to donate proceeds to Defend Negros Network, an organization that calls for real land reform and acknowledges human rights violations in Negros Occidental. 

By tying the production to its home community, ensemble cast member Jules Azaula hopes that these experiences become more tangible to the audience by allowing them to learn, feel, and empathize with the Negrosanon people.

Art as dissent

The play follows the story of the Escalante Massacre, which happened just a day after the 13th Martial Law anniversary on September 20, 1985, in Escalante, Negros Occidental. The incident occurred after paramilitary forces gunned down at least 20 and wounded at least 30 civilians, including students, community leaders, farmers, and fisherfolk in a protest rally demanding for fair wages, work benefits, and genuine land reform in the province. 

With these issues still being relevant to the present situation of human rights in the agricultural sector, SINAGBAYAN highlighted how art can be utilized as a platform to expose the injustices happening in the country. 

But as a group dedicated to mobilizing and organizing the masses through artistic expression, they are hardly strangers to government suppression. 

“Hindi na maisagawa yung Escalante massacre commemoration at reenactment sa Negros Occidental. Hinuhuli yung mga cultural workers, yung mga artista ng bayan na gustong mag-reenact at sumama,” Aldefolio lamented. 

(The Escalante massacre commemoration and reenactment can no longer be held in Negros Occidental. Cultural workers and local artists who want to participate are being arrested.)

Bringing it to Manila and around the country not only cultivates awareness among those unfamiliar with the massacre and its relevance today, but also keeps these stories alive. According to Azaula, the act of truth-telling becomes visceral when it is done through his craft. 

Aldefolio echoes the sentiment of involving oneself in other local agricultural advocacies, whether that be through an art form like acting, joining protests, or simply educating oneself and others of the situation.

“Kailangan nating sumigaw at umiyaw para sa katarungan. Walang ibang gagawa nun kung hindi ikaw at tayong lahat,” she asserted.

(We need to shout and scream for justice. No one else will do that but you and all of us.)

“I-kwento [natin] yung naging kwento ng mga characters. Kung hindi ito hango sa totoong tao, hango sa kolektibo ng mga kwento mula sa mga interview ng mga nakaligtas ng Escalante massacre,” Azaula added. 

(Tell people about these characters and their narratives. Even if they don’t mirror specific individuals, these narratives are still based on a collection of interviews and accounts from those that survived the Escalante massacre.)

The play Indi na Maliwat: Alaala ng Escalante is scheduled for two reruns on November 27 at the 3rd floor of Alcantara Hall, Student Union Building in UP Diliman, Quezon City at 3 PM and 6 PM. Check out more updates on SINAGBAYAN’s Facebook page.—with reports from Gaile Patanñe and Marypaul Jostol/Rappler.com

The growing abundance of places to obtain information is putting credible news at risk. This is exacerbated by efforts to debilitate press freedom and everyone who stands for it. At this rate, the pressure for journalists to retain their place in a democracy will only intensify. 

Today’s public sphere has seen the rise of influencers, propagandists, trolls, and the like who actively partake in spreading disinformation online. Many rely on the internet as source of information, and it may be a matter of time before people are unable to distinguish what’s credible or false. 

Journalists, along with activists and fact checkers, will not concede to this trend. Amid personal attacks and ongoing threats to press freedom is a need to uphold their commitment to the truth and right to criticize. But how can they work against people’s waning trust in the news? How can others show their support for members of the press and protect their own right to trustworthy sources? How does fact-checking improve the way we consume information? 

To answer these questions and more, join us in our fact-checking webinar titled, “How can we #HoldTheLine in the post-truth era?” It is happening on Friday, December 2, at 4 pm, spearheaded by MovePH, Rappler’s civic engagement arm. 

This is part of MovePH’s series of fact-checking webinars, which aims at teaching participants about the current online landscape, how to spot and combat disinformation online, and about initiatives to help spread facts.

The program will feature the following speakers:

• Gemma Mendoza – Rappler head of digital services
• Loreben Tuquero – Rappler researcher-writer
• Ailla dela Cruz – Rappler researcher-writer

This webinar is co-presented by Amateur Media Association of Philippine Scouts, AUF College of Arts and Sciences – Lighthouse, Batangas Eastern Colleges, FEU IAS – Department of Communication, Kasingkasing Press, Limitless Lab, Rotary Club of Malolos Congreso, and The Kingfisher SLSU.

The show will happen on Zoom. Only limited slots are available.

Interested participants may register here.

Registration is open until Thursday, December 1, at 5 pm. If you signed up past the deadline or have any questions about the event, you may send an email to move.ph@rappler.com. Registered participants will receive a confirmation email from MovePH on or before December 1. – with reports from Marypaul Jostol/Rappler.com