In commemoration of the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, Project Gunita released a map to pinpoint important landmarks and locations in Metro Manila linked to the Martial Law years and the Marcos dictatorship.

This effort is part of the #RoadToEDSA campaign which features a series of infographics on events and location maps relevant to the 1986 uprising that restored democracy to the country. 

Metro Manila is so far the most documented region in the Philippines linked to the EDSA People Power movement. Project Gunita said that there are still gaps in terms of making history more accessible to the people even in urban areas. 

“We can share this information to popularize it because it’s a waste if we just gatekeep this, right? I guess a lot of the times…it’s only kept within academic circles, fellow enthusiasts, historians – they know it, but when it comes to the people who are really interested in these topics,” Project Gunita co-founder Sarah Gomez said in a mix of Filipino and English.

“We want them to be interested, we want them to learn more about their history, appreciate and learn,” Gomez added.

Project Gunita co-founder Karl Patrick Suyat said in a mix of Filipino and English, “I think the biggest gain of the entire map in terms of making history more accessible – not just resources – but making history itself more accessible, is letting people in Metro Manila know that EDSA was not just in EDSA or the protest movement against Marcos was not just in Mendiola for that matter.”

The #RoadToEDSA campaign aims to debunk misconceptions about the movement, among them, that the uprising only happened in just a matter of days. Project Gunita said it wanted to highlight the buildup of significant events during the Marcos dictatorship through mapping several hotspots where these events happened. 

“Through the maps, we hope to also focus on those little events that I guess pushed it forward. It’s really trying to show that it’s really several movements that converged and culminated into EDSA that ended it all,” Gomez said. 

A separate location map of Cebu was launched on February 21. These two maps were released under the campaign to signify two capitals of resistance relevant to the history of the anti-dictatorship struggle: Manila being the center of power, and Cebu as the center of opposition. 

The Manila map consists of 28 significant locations in Quezon City, Manila, Makati, and Taguig, among others – each representing areas with important historical context.

You may access the full description of the Metro Manila map here.

Here are additional information on some locations.

Ugarte Field

Ugarte Field in Makati, now known as the Ayala Triangle , was one of the important sites of protest actions against the Marcos dictatorship. For instance, one major campaign rally of the Cory Aquino-Salvador Laurel tandem in 1986 took place there. 

“‘Yung mga confetti rallies dati at mga kampanya ni Cory, sa Ugarte lagi ginaganap. Hindi siya sa EDSA…. But in the days, weeks, and years leading to EDSA, ang laki ng papel na ginampanan [ng lugar na ito] sa people’s movement,” Suyat said. 

(The confetti rallies and the campaign of Cory all happened at Ugarte. Not in EDSA…. But in the days, weeks, and years leader to EDSA, this place played a significant role in the people’s movement.)

Gomez also added that given the history of these confetti rallies, Makati was considered a rally zone and center of dissent, paving the way for other opposition parties to stage their campaigns there. 

Corinthian Gardens

The Corinthian Gardens gate in White Plains, Quezon City, was also a significant landmark after one of its walls was crashed into by a military tank in an attempt to avoid the crowd in Ortigas and proceed to Camp Aguinaldo. 

This happened following the order to attack Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame on February 24, 1986. 

Libis

On February 24, 1986, reinforcement troops from Marcos-Ver forces attempted to use tear gas on nuns and civilians to try to disperse the crowd and make their way to Camp Aguinaldo. 

The attempt failed due to “sudden changes of wind” that blew the tear gas to the soldiers, Project Gunita said.

Panay Avenue

Panay Avenue became a historical symbol of battle during the last days of the Marcos dictatorship. According to the post, people massed up in this area to add civilian forces to the rebel soldiers who were trying to take over Channel 9 and Channel 4. 

In particular, the Tropical Hut restaurant at the corner of Panay and Bohol Avenue, which stands to this day, was a place where people gathered and witnessed the firefights between Marcos forces and rebels on the last days of the dictatorship. 

What’s next?

According to Project Gunita, this project does not end in the EDSA commemoration. They are still in the process of researching and collating archives to add more locations and historical context that have yet to be uncovered, especially in other provinces. 

“This isn’t just a Manila experience. We’ve seen a lot of propaganda being put out there saying that EDSA is a Metro Manila experience, that the abuses are mainly in the National Capital Region (NCR)…but it’s not really about being in the capital, because there are a lot of abuses, a lot of movements in the countryside that aren’t reported; that aren’t popularized,” Gomez said. 

She encouraged Filipinos to make use of the map to visit these sites in Metro Manila to learn more about the history of the People Power Movement. 

“Even if they see the map late, it’s okay. I guess this is also a way for us to let people commemorate EDSA, even if it’s not the anniversary,” Gomez said. 

“Let’s not always forget about the ‘people’ in People Power. And when you make all of these places more closer to the people, it’s making them closer to their own story,” Suyat added. – Rappler.com 

Organizers acknowledged that there is a deliberate effort to make this year’s celebration bigger and more felt, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to remove the anniversary from the list of holidays in 2024.

Here are some of the events you can attend to mark the day that the Filipino people ousted the President’s late father and namesake, the dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, from office in 1986.

February 22

• Manila | The University of Santo Tomas Artlets Student Council invites students to “Supling Binhi ng EDSA: People Power Commemoration-Film Viewing” at the Central Laboratory Auditorium from 1 pm to 5 pm. Register here.

February 23

• Cebu | The group DAKILA will mount a screening of 11,103, a documentary about Martial Law survivors, at 1 pm at the Southwestern University PHINMA.
• Manila | A film screening will be held at 9 am and 2 pm at the Benilde Center for Social Action, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
• Manila | A mass will be held at 9 am at Plaza Roma in Intramuros. The event is a prayer “against lies, corruption, and abuses.”
• Marikina | A Liberal Party chapter in the city will conduct a tree planting event and tying of yellow ribbons along Marikina Riverbank.
• Quezon City | The League of Filipino Students-Katipunan along with progressive youth organizations are organizing a protest in Gate 3 of Ateneo de Manila University, at 5 pm. The protest aims to ramp up demands on education, rights, livelihood, and land amidst the push for charter change under the Marcos administration.
• Quezon City | Jesuit priests Manoling Francisco and Nono Alfonso will preside over a Mass at 9 am at the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace in EDSA. The event is dubbed a national day of prayer and action to commemorate the 38th year since the uprising, and to oppose the charter change initiative under the Marcos administration.
• Zamboanga City | Fundacion Climaco, in partnership with The Gallery of the Peninsula and the Archipelago and the Ateneo Center for Culture and the Arts, holds “Telegrammed Truths: The Valiant Correspondence of Cesar Cortes Climaco,” an educational exhibit showcasing the “never-before released telegrams and letters of the late mayor of Zamboanga City Cesar Climaco” during the Martial Law years. The launch is set to happen at The Gallery of the Peninsula and the Archipelago, 5 pm. The exhibit runs until March 16. 
• Zamboanga City | USAD Ateneo de Zamboanga invites students to a series of educational discussions themed, “Defend our Democracy: Commemorating EDSA People Power and Response to Charter Change,” from 3 to 5 pm at the Bellarmine-Campion Quadrangle and Lobby.
• Online | Rappler civic engagement arm MovePH, in partnership with ABKD Network, Tanggol Kasaysayan, and Project Gunita, is holding a chat discussion themed, “Paano isusulong ang diwa ng EDSA People Power sa kasalukuyang panahon?” at 6 pm via the Rappler Communities app. Join the discussion here. 

February 24

• Iloilo | Ateneo de Iloilo-Santa Maria Catholic School organizes an installation art exhibit themed,
  “Alab ng Puso: Pagpupugay sa Tapang ng 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution,” inside the school campus. A separate flag rites ceremony is also set to happen from February 26 to 28.
• Laguna | The Liberal Party chapter in the province will distribute yellow ribbon pins, and offer free taho.
• La Union | La Union-based library Alfredo F. Tadiar Library, in collaboration with La Union Peace and Justice Advocates and Pelicula Union, is holding a series of film screenings and community dialogues themed, “Pag-alala sa EDSA, paglaban sa China,” at the Alfredo F. Tadiar Library from 1 to 5 pm. Register here to join. 
• Pampanga | The National Historical Commission of the Philippines in collaboration with Makiramdam will host a workshop and lecture titled “The EDSA Legacy,” at Museo ni Jose B. Lingad from 10 am to 3 pm. 
• Quezon City | Various groups will convene at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani for numerous commemorative events: tying of yellow ribbons at 8;30 am, a public discussion to be led by veterans of the August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) at 9:30 am, and a public theater performance from 1 pm to 4 pm.
• Quezon City | DAKILA will screen the film 11,103 at the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission along Panay Avenue at 1:30 pm.
• Quezon City | The group Every Woman will have a discussion on experiences of women during the EDSA People Power Revolution at 2 pm at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Social Work and Community Development.

February 25

• Bacolod | DAKILA said there will be a public exhibit on democracy and human rights.
• Bulacan | There will be a storytelling session for the youth in Malolos. Two churches will also ring their bells at 9 am in Meycauayan.
• Cavite | The Liberal Party chapter in the province will hold a musical event at the Naic Church Plaza beginning 5 pm.
• Cebu | The University of the Philippines Cebu Student Council invites everyone to their on-ground protest happening at 9 am at the Department of Health (DOH) Fuente Circle.
• Davao City | A public forum on the EDSA uprising will be held at Cursillo House at 1 pm.
• Iloilo | The Liberal Party chapter in the province will commemorate the anniversary of the revolution in front of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
• Laguna | The Liberal Party chapter in Laguna will mount a story telling event with high school and college students, as well as a forum and an art exhibit.
• Makati City | Mamamayang Liberal’s weeks-long event themed, “Buhay ang EDSA! Cancel Cha-Cha,” culminates on February 25. This will showcase the Edsa Freedom Ride at Ayala Avenue, Makati City, at 7:30 am.
• Metro Manila | Organizers will begin the day with a motorcade against charter change along Ayala Avenue in Makati City at 8 am, to be followed by an event at Club Filipino in San Juan at 10 am. A concert will be held at the People Power Monument in Quezon City at 7 pm.
• Pasig City | Various groups under the No to ChaCha Network invites everyone to join their protest themed, “Tuloy ang laban ng EDSA! Biguin ang Chacha!” at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue at 3:30 pm. This will be followed by a mass at the EDSA Shrine.
• Rizal | The Liberal Party chapter in Angono will hold a forum on the day that Marcos Sr. was ousted 38 years ago.
• Quezon | In Lucena, a Mass will be celebrated at the Saint Ferdinand Cathedral at 8 pm, to be followed by a march at the Quezon Perez Park at 9:15 am.
• Quezon City | A free concert themed, “#EDSAKahitSaan” will be held at the People Power Monument in White Plains Avenue at 7 pm. 
• Zamboanga | Interested participants can join a caravan from KCC Mall to Pasonanca Butterfly Park at 2 pm, to be followed by a public picnic at Climaco Freedom Park.
• Caraga | The People Power Volunteers for Reform in Caraga is set to hold a film viewing event in various parts of the region in the afternoon.
• Hong Kong | Numerous groups will hand out yellow ribbons and turon along Chater Road.

February 26

• Cavite | De La Salle University Dasmariñas invites students to “Remembering EDSA: Upholding Democracy,” a democracy march and mass program from 3 pm to 5 pm. Students are requested to wear yellow.

Do you know of other events and activities in commemoration of the 38th EDSA People Power anniversary? Email them to move.ph@rappler.com.

– with reports from Dwight de Leon/ Rappler.com

In a statement on Saturday, December 23, Malacañang said that the President saw the need to “reinforce the Diversity and Inclusion Program (DIP) and reconstitute its Inter-Agency Committee to ensure the country’s continuous compliance with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.” 

It added that the new order aims to strengthen “existing mechanisms to address the continued discrimination against the community and provide them an avenue to participate in policy formulation of the government.”

The committee will be led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The secretaries of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will co-chair the committee while Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary will serve as vice chair.

Meanwhile, the secretaries of the Department of Education, the Department of Justice and the Department of Health, and the chairpersons of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs will serve as members.

The Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs was created under the Inter-Agency Committee to be headed by an official with rank of an undersecretary with three members with the rank of assistant secretary. They will all be appointed by the President from among “members of reputable LGBTQ+ community.”

The Philippine Corporate SOGIE Diversity and Inclusiveness (CSDI) Index, a 2018 study conducted by the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce and research firm Cogencia, said that out of 100 companies they’ve surveyed, not one Philippine-based company has implemented policies meant to protect their employees from SOGIE-based discrimination.

While the Philippines has no laws criminalizing homosexuality, it also does not have laws focused on protecting them.

The problem, advocates stress, goes beyond marriage equality. Without a national law, several members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to live in layers of fear and inequality. Some stop living all together. 

Read the full copy of EO 51 here. – Rappler.com

The late dictator, Ferdinand E. Marcos, signed Proclamation No. 1081 on September 21, 1972, declaring Martial Law, a nearly 10-year period known as a dark chapter in Philippine history. Amnesty International recorded about 70,000 prisoners, 34,000 tortured, and 3,240 deaths during this period.

With another Marcos sitting in office, Filipinos continue to face the threat of historical revisionism, especially in the education system. At the Department of Education, there is a proposal to change “Diktadurang Marcos” to “Diktadura” in the grade 6 Araling Panlipunan under the new Matatag curriculum. 

To address these issues and more, several groups are organizing different activities to mark the 51st Martial Law commemoration. Here is a running list of events that challenge the administration’s branding and the distortion of truth:

On-ground events

• BAYAN (Bagong Alyansang Makabayan), along with other progressive organizations, will hold a unified marching protest at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Thursday, 2 pm. Participants are encouraged to wear black and carry placards and photos of Martial Law victims, as well as victims of the current administration. The protest will end in a march to Mendiola bridge where participants from various groups will converge to light candles and torches as a symbol of the continuing struggle against the forces of tyranny and oppression.

• Cinemata in collaboration with The Polytechnic University of the Philippines Center for Heritage Studies (PUP CHS) and in partnership with DAKILA, Active Vista, among others will hold a film screening titled, “Legacy of Struggle: Cinematic Perspectives on Martial Law” on Friday, September 22, from 1 pm to 6 pm, at the UP Film Institute Center in Quezon City. Check the schedule here. 

• DAKILA, in collaboration with education center Active Vista, launches the annual Active Vista Human Rights Festival (AVHRF), comprising a series of screenings, forums, performances, and exhibits from September 21 to October 7. This year’s theme is “Rebelasyon: Breaking the Spell of Deception.” Check here for a detailed overview of AVHRF.

• De La Salle University (DLSU) Committee on National Issues and Concerns, in collaboration with the DLSU University Student Government, invites DLSU students to “Boses ng Nakaraan, Buhay sa Kasalukuyan: Ika-51 Anibersaryo ng Batas Militar” on September 18 to 23 at DLSU. The upcoming activities include a campus protest, prayer vigil, panel discussion, and a benefit event featuring a performance by Apl.de.Ap.

• PUÓN, a local bookstore based in La Union, is inviting everyone to “Panaglagip ken Panagkadua (Remembering our Comrades),” a gathering featuring poetry, music, and a discussion with cultural workers on Sunday, September 24, from 2 pm to 6 pm, at the Alfredo F. Tadiar Library in San Fernando, La Union. 

• The UP Baguio University Student Council is organizing an exhibit themed, “Martial Law Noon, Terror Law Ngayon,” featuring art displays and stories of activists, from September 19 to 20. The exhibit is happening at IM Plaza, CAC Dap-ay, KA Quad, and CSS ISP in UP Baguio. 

• The UP Cebu Communication Program invites everyone to “Lift the Sheets: Uncovering the Dictator’s Dirt: The 6th Annual 1081 Exhibit in Commemoration of the Victims of Martial Law,” which features a series of film screenings, art exhibits, protests, and educational discussions on journalism, history, and resistance from September 15 to 22, at the University of the Philippines Cebu. Participants may access the complete details of the event here.

• RESBAK (Respond and Break the Silence Against Killings) will hold a solidarity night, “Bagong Pilipinas Na Ba?” on Saturday, September 23, at 4 pm at the Silingan Coffee in Cubao. The event will feature a paper presentation on “Danas at Dagok ng Tokhang: State Terror, Gender, and the War on Drugs” by Professor Aileen May Mijares, and a documentary screening. The entrance is free of charge but attendees may donate funds to support Paaral Fund, a fundraising project which provides educational assistance to children of extrajudicial killings victims. 

• Student Christian Movement of the Philippines invites everyone to join “DALUYONG: Unity Walk Against Marcos Tyranny and Facism” on Thursday, 12:30 pm, at the UP Manila PGH Oblation Plaza. Participants are encouraged to wear black. 

• The Human Rights and People Empowerment Center will hold “MiyerKULET! Kulay at Malay” for the month of September, featuring films on Martial Law and indigenous peoples’ stories. The screening will be held at the Fil Garcia Tower, Kalayaan Avenue, Quezon City. Entrance is free. Access the full schedule of screenings here.

• The Martial Law Museum invites the Ateneo de Manila University community to “Martial Law @51: Nasaan ka, Atenista?,” a series of protests, exhibits, educational discussions, and walking tours inside the campus. To see all the activities’ details, check the schedule here. Access the Martial Law Museum’s educational resources here.

• University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) University Student Council invites everyone to join its protest action with the call “Never Again, Never Forget,” on Thursday. The assembly will start at 10:30 am at the steps of Palma Hall and will meet with other progressive groups at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila at 2 pm. 

• University of the Philippines Los Baños’ (UPLB) College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) Student Council invites students from all colleges of UP Los Baños to join “SALAMIN AT SANDATA: Pakikibaka ng Kapaligiran sa Panahon ng Diktadurya,” an educational assembly, on September 20 and 28, 6:30 pm, at the UPLB CFNR Admin Building’s Varrons Room. Dinner and transportation after the program will be provided. Students may register here; walk-ins are also allowed.

• University of the Philippines Mindanao College of Humanities and Social Sciences calls on the UP Mindanao community to join “Balik Lantaw 2023: Martial Law” in Davao, which features a series of gallery viewing, forums, and film screenings from September 19 to 21.

• University of the Philippines Visayas University Student Council invites everyone to a sectoral protest on Thursday, from 1 pm to 5:30 pm, at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. 

Virtual activities

• Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHCR) launches a series of reels on Memories of Martial Law featuring people who lived through one of the nation’s darkest periods. Everyone is encouraged to share their insights by sharing the reels and tagging them on Instagram Stories. Along with this, AHCR is also hosting a watch party for the documentary, The Kingmaker, on Friday, September 22, from 6 pm to 10 pm, via Zoom. A roundtable will be held afterward. Register for the watch party by scanning the QR code here.

• EdukSine offers a lineup of local films to celebrate National Teachers’ Month and the 51st Martial Law commemoration this September. The streaming platform provides two days of unlimited streaming for all films in their platform for P100. While the list is promoted in line with the month’s events, you can watch them all at any time. Check out other films from EdukSine here.

• Kabataan Partylist – Pasig invites everyone to its series of educational discussions on the Marcos regime. Its upcoming discussion, “Panlipunang Reyalidad ng Pilipinas,” is set to happen on Sunday, September 24, at 5 pm via Google Meet. To join, visit this link or scan the QR code here. 

• Tudla Productions, in partnership with Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, is organizing a documentary titled “Huwag Natin Silang Kalimutan (We Must Not Forget Them)” featuring true stories of Martial Law victims and survivors. A new episode will be launched every day from September 11 to 21 at 7 pm on Tudla Productions’ Youtube channel.

Do you know other upcoming events that commemorate Martial Law’s 51st anniversary? Feel free to share the details through move.ph@rappler.com. – with reports from Mari George Sta. Ana/Rappler.com 

Mari George Sta. Ana is a Rappler volunteer from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She is currently in her final year of taking up Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies.

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

What is put out on social media has great influence on people’s beliefs. Regardless of whether this content is an opinion or not, all individuals have a responsibility to uphold truth-telling in our online spaces to avoid contributing to the massive disinformation and misinformation problem.

Vloggers, artists, and even national institutions have at times spread false claims and accusations to shape public perception. Some school textbooks have also been found lacking in thorough discussions of history, which potentially leads to historical distortion and the reinterpretation of historical accounts. What is shared online has real-life consequences.

These factors potentially leave communities vulnerable to online disinformation, affecting their way of understanding history and reducing their ability to empathize with certain issues.

How exactly can fact-checking help uphold transparency and accountability? What can we do to help combat the potential impacts of historical distortion? Why should facts always come first?

This will be discussed in depth in the upcoming #CourageON webinar titled, “What the FACT: The primacy of truth over personal opinions,” happening on Friday, October 21, at 1 pm. 

The community show aims to put the spotlight on pressing issues in the Philippines and the ways we can take collective action on them. It is organized by Rappler’s civic engagement arm MovePH and Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, in partnership with the Senior High School – Leadership Development Program, the Arrupe Office for Social Formation, and the Ignatian Spirituality Formation Office of Ateneo de Davao University.

The show will feature the following speakers:

• Pauline Macaraeg – Rappler digital forensics researcher
• Mike Pante – Ateneo de Manila University assistant professor and Tanggol Kasaysayan member

This will be hosted by Rappler’s head of community Jules Guiang and Ateneo de Davao University SHS Blue Ridge moderator and Davao Writers’ Guild, Inc. vice president Reil Benedict Obinque.

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

Interested participants may register here.

Registration is open until Thursday, October 20, 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 October 20.

Those unable to register may also check out the Facebook Livestream via MovePH and Ateneo de Davao University’s pages. – with reports from Gaile Patanñe/Rappler.com

Bilang paggunita sa ika-50 anibersaryo ng deklarasyon ng batas militar, pinangunahan ng mga mag-aaral ng NSTP CAL UP Diliman at ng Akademiya at Bayan Kontra Disimpormasyon at Dayaan (ABKD) ang Martial Law ABCs. Layunin nitong ipaalam sa mga kabataan ang mga naganap sa madilim na bahagi ng ating kasaysayan.

Kabilang ang ABKD sa #FactsFirstPH, isang koalisyon na binubuo ng lagpas 100 mga grupo mula sa iba’t ibang sektor na may layuning banggain ang disimpormasyon. Sa ilalim ng #FactsFirstPH ay inilunsad naman ang #SaysayNgKasaysayan, isang kampanyang naglalayong ituwid ang lantarang pagbabaluktot sa ating kasaysayan. – Rappler.com

Animation by Janina Malinis
Creative direction by Emil Mercado
Narration by Jules Guiang

During this benighted period, freedom of speech was suppressed and human rights were outright violated. Marcos formally ended Martial Law on January 17, 1981, but it was not until 1986 when democracy was restored – after the dictator and his family were forced into exile, overthrown by a popular uprising that came to be known as the People Power Revolution.

As the Philippines marks the golden anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, the country is seeing yet another Marcos at the helm. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, now the Philippine President, is reaping the benefits of long-term campaign disinformation that not only whitewashed the atrocities under Martial Law but also targeted critics and political opponents, among others.

Fifty years after, many are seeing similarities between what happened then and the Philippines’ current situation. Several journalists and media organizations, for instance, have slammed efforts to stifle press freedom and independent journalism. Media organizations in Southeast Asia recently called on the Philippine leader to ensure press freedom and protection of media workers in the country.

Aside from Marcos Jr. refusing to join presidential debates and interviews, his camp was known to block and sideline journalists who asked tough questions during the presidential campaign. 

Human rights advocates and critics are once again being targeted and being red-tagged. 

Decades after Martial Law, are we seeing history repeat itself? What can we do to ensure we learn from our history?

We answer these and more in “#CourageON: History repeats itself?” on Wednesday, September 21, at 4 pm.

The show will feature the following speakers:

• Ruben Carranza – Former Presidential Commission on Good Government commissioner
• JC Punongbayan – Columnist, Rappler
• Jonathan de Santos – National Union of Journalists of the Philippines chair
• Inday Espina-Varona – Rappler’s head of regions

This episode will be hosted by Jules Guiang, Rappler’s head of community.

The community show, organized by Rappler’s civic engagement arm MovePH in partnership with Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, aims to put the spotlight on pressing issues in the Philippines and the ways we can take collective action on them. This episode in particular is also part of MovePH’s campaign #SaysayNgKasaysayan which aims to combat online disinformation and historical distortion. – Rappler.com

On September 23, 1972, late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos declared the start of a gruesome 10-year military rule by virtue of Proclamation No. 1081, which was signed on September 21, two days prior the declaration on live television.

During this period, freedom of speech was suppressed and human rights were outright violated. According to Amnesty International, about 70,000 people were imprisoned, 34,000 were tortured, and 3,240 were killed from 1972 to 1981. Several political prisoners, also known as desaparecidos, are also yet to be found up to this day. (READ: #NeverAgain: Martial Law stories young people need to hear)

Along with this, the country’s economy skidded, racking up $24.4 billion in debt, due to massive corruption and imprudent debt management, resulting in a full-blown debt crisis by 1983. The country is still paying the debt accumulated during this period up until today.

With another Marcos sitting at the helm for the next six years, attempting to distort history in their favor, several groups and organizations from #FactsFirstPH launched #SaysayNgKasaysayan, a campaign that aims to fight disinformation and remind the public the relevance of remembering the Martial Law era as a crucial part in the country’s history. It will include a series of events and activities debunking the ‘golden age’ myth, while calling for a comprehensive economic plan especially amidst a global crisis. 

Here is a running list of events and activities commemorating the 50th Martial Law anniversary:

Virtual events and activities

Although face-to-face activities are now allowed in areas under Alert level 1, most organizations still opt to hold some of their activities online.

Below is the list of virtual events and activities you may join in the run-up to the 50th year of Martial Law declaration:

• IBON Foundation, a non-governmental organization, launched Krisis at Batas Militar, a series of activities, including an exhibit, video series, forum, film screenings, and book launch, as part of its 44th anniversary along with the 50th year of Martial Law. Among these activities include Krisis at Batas Militar, an exhibit and book sale on 114 Timog Avenue, Quezon City from September 6-30; Ekonomiya Noon at Ngayon, a video series and forum from September 7-14; Presyo at Buwis: Isyung Konsyumer Noon at Ngayon, an online forum co-organized with SUKI Network and Gabriela Women’s Party about prices and taxes on September 17; and Martial Law @ 50: Alaala at Kasaysayan ng Pagbalikwas, a book launch organized by Tanggol Kasaysayan and CONTEND on September 30.

• Pitik Bulag, a group of professional cartoonists, will hold the 3rd Tagisan: Editorial Cartoon Contest to give an avenue for young cartoonists to express their opinions through illustrations especially amidst a tumultuous political climate.

• UP Institute of Human Rights, a government organization that concerns the protection and promotion of human rights, is holding The Legal Construction of Dictatorship: We Remember, a weeklong Martial Law series highlighting the events that transpired before, during, and after the declaration of Martial Law. It aims to help the generation after the momentous EDSA Uprising to understand how the laws were maneuvered to proclaim the Martial Law and use it against the people.

Other online activities:

• Akademiya at Bayan Kontra Disinpormasyon at Dayaan (ABKD), a network of educators and academic institutions, together with MovePh, will launch a video version of the Martial Law ABCs initially produced as a book for children that aims to explain Martial Law in a simple manner. You may download the book for free here.

• Out of the Box, a non-governmental organization focusing on media literacy, launched ML@50 Video Reels Contest (How to Get Away with Historical Distortion), a video contest that aims to spotlight the ways we can recognize and respond to propaganda that aim to distort our collective history. Deadline for submission is until September 26, 2022.

On-ground

Film screenings, art exhibits, and performance gigs

• Altermidya, an alternative media organization, launched Ang Katotohanan sa mga Marcos at Martial Law, a film screening of Martial Law films all over the country, as well as some parts of the world. It will run from September 10 to September 25.

• Matanglawin Ateneo, one of the official student publications of Ateneo de Manila University, in collaboration with Altermidya, The Ateneo Assembly, Ateneo Martial Law Museum, and Loyola Film Circle, is launching the Martial Law Film Festival, which aims to tell the truth through films, on September 19 to September 23. You may register for free here.

• Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law (CARMMA), a campaign network of martial law victims, civil libertarians, peace and freedom advocates, and human rights groups, will be launching Sing Kwenta: Mga Kanta at Kwento Tungkol sa Martial Law which will be held on September 21 along the University Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

• Youth Advocates For Climate Action Philippines, an environmental conservative organization, launched Global Climate Strike: “Fashion against Fascism”, a political fashion show that will bring back 70s fashion and activism to reject the fascists ’empty words. This will be held on September 23. 

• DAKILA, a group of artists, students, and individuals, along with Active Vista, will premiere 11,103, a documentary about martial law survivors, as part of the 10th Active Vista International Human Rights Festival, on September 17, at Cañada College, Redwood City.

• A collaborative effort of Akbayan, SCAP, CYAN and Youth Resist embark on a Tour named ROADTRIP: Martial Law History Bus and Walking Tour. This aims to combat false information and historical revisionism. It will be held on September 18 for Metro Manila residents. You may register here.

• The Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission, in cooperation with other groups, is holding “Tao sa Tao: Mga Totoong Kwento ng Martial Law” on September 21 and 24 and October 1, 8, and 15 at the Multipurpose Hall and Lobby Area of the College of Fine Arts in UP Diliman.

• University of the Philippines Cebu (UP Cebu) , UP Cebu Communication Program, UP Cebu Creative Writing Program, and Communicators of UP, will launch their fifth annual 1081 Exhibit, a yearly commemorative event for martial law victims, with this year’s theme, Fool’s Gold: Debunking the Myth of the Golden Age, focusing in battling against historical distortion through fact-checking and real testimonies from Martial Law victims. The event, including a multimedia exhibit and a film showing, will run from September 21 to 25. You may check other details here:

•  Bagong Alyansang Makabayn (BAYAN), a multisectoral formation, calls for monetary donations to produce a 7 X 24 mural that will encapsulate the essence of people’s resistance against tyranny, especially in the context of Martial Law. You may send cash donations through GCash and PayMaya using 09365480087.

• UP Departamento ng Kasaysayan will be launching Historians’ Meet: Manindigan sa Katotohanan, Itanghal ang Katarungan, a meeting of historians and public forum that will tackle the truth during Martial Law. It will on happen at TVUP studio on September 21. You may register here:

• Politikal ang Komiks, an art and cultural exhibit featuring various local artists that is part of Active Vista Human Rights Festival, will commence from September 22 to October 22 at Gravity Art Space.

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• Join the candle lighting event to commemorate the darkest period in our country’s history, whether in front of your houses or in Timog Circle, Quezon City on 6 PM, September 20. You may take a photo and post it on social media using #ML50YEARSTOTOOYARN. Keep the lighting until 6 PM, September 21. 

Do you know of other events, protests, or activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Martial Law declaration? Send the details to move.ph@rappler.com – with reports from Arjay Hije and Alek Mangasar/Rappler.com

Arjay Hije is a Rappler intern from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. He is an incoming Communication Arts senior focusing on written communication.

Alexandra L. Mangasar is a Rappler volunteer under MovePH. She is a 4th year journalism student at the University of Santo Tomas.

Ngunit dahil sa impluwensiya at kapangyarihan ng mga salita, laganap ang pagbabanta sa ilang mga libro at manunulat. 

Mula sa pagbaybay ng ating kasaysayan, bilang na rin ang mga pagkakataong itinuring bilang banta ang mga akdang mapanghamig – lalo na ang bumubunyag sa mga realidad ng lipunan. Makikita ito nang ipagbawal ang Noli Me Tangere at El Filibusterismo ni Jose Rizal noong sinakop ng mga Espanyol ang Pilipinas, gayundin ang The Conjugal Dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos ni Primitivo Mijares noong panahon ng Batas Militar.

Kahit ngayong 2022, may mga libro pa ring ipinagbabawal. Nito lamang Agosto, ipinag-utos ng mga komisyoner ng Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino (KWF) sa Sentro para sa Wika at Kultura na itigil ang paglimbag ng mga aklat na sinasabing naglalaman ng “political, subversive and creative literary works with subliminal ideologies that encourage to fight the government.”

Ano ang nakababahala dito? Bakit ito patuloy na umiiral? Paano natin ito masosolusyonan? 

Pag-usapan natin ito sa “#CourageON: Bakit nakababahala ang pagbabawal ng libro?” sa darating na Miyerkoles, Setyembre 14, alas-kuwatro ng hapon.

Para sa ating talakayan, makakasama natin ang mga sumusunod na tagapagsalita:

• Edita Burgos – human rights advocate
• Rommel Rodriguez – awtor, Kalatas: Mga Kuwentong Bayan At Kuwentong Buhay
• Julie Po – may-ari, Popular Bookstore

Ang community show na ito ay inorganisa ng MovePH kasama ang Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom; Foundation for Media Alternatives; K4 Kilos na para sa Kalusugan, Kabuhayan, at Karapatan; National Council of Churches in the Philippines; at Project Gunita.

Layon ng programang ito na bigyang pansin ang mga iba’t-ibang isyu sa Pilipinas at ilatag ang mga hakbang para sa sama-samang pagkilos para sa mga ito. – Rappler.com