Since the pandemic, more people have turned to biking to get around. As a response, the government put up bike lanes across the metro. To find out how bike-friendly Metro Manila is, Rappler rode a loop of 120 kilometers around the capital in January for a documentary. Riding 100 kilometers or more is part of the bucket list of many bikers due to its sheer distance and the challenge it poses.

The loop covered Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Malabon, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Taguig.

To assess bike-friendliness, Rappler drew up criteria evaluating the bike lanes using four factors: lane width, road conditions, obstructions, and segregation. 

These are factors that affect a biker’s safety on the road, also take into account the infrastructure the government put in place, and gauge the attitude of other motorists with respect to the lane and the bike commuter.

Only portions of the major roads covered in the loop were measured in the scorecard. 

But how safe is Metro Manila for bikers? Rappler’s Iya Gozum biked a 120-kilometer loop in Metro Manila to find out. – Rappler.com

Reporter/writer: Iya Gozum
Producer/field director: Nina Liu
Supervising producer: Beth Frondoso
Video editor: JP San Pedro
Environment editor: Jee Geronimo
Animator: David Castuciano
Graphic artists: Raffy de Guzman, Marian Hukom, Nico Villarete
Director of photography: Jeff Digma
Second camera operator: Errol Almario
Assistant cameramen: Danny Espina, Ramil Cedeno

Improving active transportation facilities and policies is part of the call of various groups to #MakeManilaLiveable. On Rappler, we have created a dedicated space for stories and reports about liveability in Philippine cities. Learn more about the movement here.

The Young Communicators’ Guild, the official radio and news arm of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Communication, proudly announces the tenth-year milestone of its flagship event: the PUP Radio Conference. This year’s theme is R-BOT: Decoding Media’s Fate in the Age of A.I.

The conference is on March 8, 11 am, at the Tanghalang PUP, College of Communication building. With over 600 expected attendees from various senior high schools and universities across the country, this year’s conference aims to be a transformative exploration into the future of media amidst the presence of artificial intelligence.

Through the symposium, the organization intends to ascertain if these technological advancements could help solidify the radio sector in the industry, as renowned media personalities who will serve as speakers offer valuable insights on AI’s presence and its repercussions.

Gefriene Manabat, the project head of PUP Radio Conference 2024, said of the event, “As future radio practitioners and members of the PUP-COC’s official radio organization, it is only right and just that we use this event to give our participants an insightful learning experience about the future of the media in AI applications with the help of our guest speakers from the radio industry.”

Manabat said that this year’s symposium shall offer an array of entertaining and interactive activities both around the venue and throughout the event proper, enhancing the participants’ experience.

Interested attendees can register for PUP RCon 2024 through this link until March 6.

Meanwhile, the PUP Radio Festival, a sub-event of PUP RCon, is still open for entries until March 12. Categories for both High School and College Division this year are Radio News Production, Podcasting, and Radio Jingle Making. Participants can register through this link.

For inquiries on event registration, contact puprconreg2024@gmail.com via email or send a message on the event’s Facebook page for the latest news and announcements. – Rappler.com

Rappler’s new mobile app, powered by the latest chat and community-building innovation, is a first of its kind in the Philippines and around the world. We now bring news closer to you while providing you with a space to interact with people who care about the same things as you without getting drowned in the noise.

Download the new Rappler Communities app on App Store or Google Play and join the chat rooms that matter to you. We hope to chat with you soon!

Play Video

BABAE NAMAN!

On Women’s Month, let’s celebrate the women who inspire and empower us through art. 

Draw your female heroes using Rappler’s template and let’s talk about how their stories influence you in the public art chat room on Rappler Communities on Friday, March 15. 

WHO RUN THE WORLD? GIRLS!

In celebration of National Women’s Month, let’s honor the remarkable women who stand as beacons of hope and inspiration in challenging times.

Draw your female hero and join the roundtable discussion in the public art chat room on Rappler Communities on March 15.

Budol besties! We’re having our first ever #CheckThisOut Community Chat with no other than Jax Reyes of Kaskasan Buddies. Tuturuan niya tayo how to get the most out of our credit cards especially when it comes to shopping!

Lazada vouchers will also be given away to lucky members!

Join the channel on the Rappler Communities app!

Over the past few years, Taylor Swift has gotten flak from environmental advocates because of her carbon footprint.

According to the Carbon Market Watch, her private jet produces carbon emissions about 1,800 times that of an average human.

What should celebrities do to lessen their impact on the environment? Join the discussion in the climate change chat room on Wednesday, March 13, at 6 pm.

A total of 15 couples recently became the first to receive Quezon City’s “right to care card,” marking the next step in the city’s efforts to become a safe space for its LGBTQ+ residents.

How did the QC local government work towards this moment? What can be done more to uphold gay rights in the Philippines?

Join this Rappler Communities chat on Tuesday, March 12 in the liveable cities chat room.

SHOW YOUR SCHOOL PRIDE! ✊

Get the latest news and updates on your favorite UAAP teams straight to your mobile!

Engage in conversations in the collegiate sports chat room on Rappler Communities.

NAIA: How embarrassing can it get? Let’s chat!

What has been done to improve NAIA? Will it one day be a source of pride for Filipinos and not a source of shame?

Join us for a Rappler+ exclusive chat session this Friday, March 8, at 1 pm with Rappler transportation and infrastructure reporter Lance Yu. We will dive deep into the recent issues (bed)bugging NAIA and what needs to be done.

Share your thoughts and get your questions answered!

TRAVEL MODE: ON ✈️

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flies to Australia for the second time in a week to join other Southeast Asian leaders for the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne from March 4 to 6.

Rappler senior multimedia reporter Bea Cupin is in Melbourne to report on the President’s latest trip. Learn more about Marcos’ foreign travels by joining the security and global affairs chat room of the Rappler Communities app.

Patuloy na lumalawak ang kapasidad ng teknolohiya na lumikha at magpakalat ng impormasyon. Sa harap nito, gaano pa rin kahalaga ang fact-checking?

Ibahagi ang iyong opinyon sa #FactsFirstPH chat room ng Rappler Communities app sa Biyernes, Marso 1, 6 pm.

More about Rappler Communities

• Rappler launches Rappler Communities: Here’s what you need to know
• Dreaming big with you: Chat for change
• Rappler Communities: FAQs on community-building initiatives
• Rappler Communities: Tech FAQs
• Rappler Communities: Platform FAQs

– Rappler.com

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 

During a panel discussion on Saturday, February 17, in Move PH’s “By the youth, for the youth” on-ground event, Explained PH editor-in-chief Archie Bergosa stressed the importance of consistently organizing students to bring their causes outside their usual communities. 

For example, the battle against the cutting of 83 trees in the North Carpark of Ateneo de Manila University also jibed with similar, if not the same, issues beyond the campus – transport and climate crises – thus making the extension of the cause crucial.

For Bergosa, it’s important for students to foster a sense of community among stakeholders because doing so will create allies among those who support the same advocacies.

Blue Mobility president and co-founder Maxine Cuartero said it is important to acknowledge both differences and similarities in mindsets between parties involved – especially between the youth and administration officials – and find opportunities to organize both communities effectively.

University of the Philippines (UP) student regent Sofia Jan Trinidad said during the panel discussion that challenges inside campuses can only be addressed by consultations with students themselves. They will only get to understand pressing issues in their communities if student councils present their campaigns to the student community.

Trinidad, who was also one of the mobilizers for the housing of Palestinian refugees in their campus, said that push back against anti-student policies by the university administration is important, too. 

Students, she said, must insist on asserting their space on campus. “Hindi kami nag-a-adjust. We assert our space in the university and this should also be a practice sa atin na in-a-assert natin ‘yung sarili natin sa society, kung saan tayo nakatira, kasi kabataan tayo, they put prime sa atin bilang youth, [bilang] mga kabataan na pag-asa tayo ng bayan, pero bakit parang wala silang tiwala sa kakayahan natin or ni-li-limit nila ‘yung kaya nating gawin,” said Trinidad.

(We don’t adjust. We assert our space in the university and this should also be a practice among us that we assert ourselves in society, or wherever we live, because we are the youth, they put [primary importance to] us as the country’s future, but why does it seem like they don’t trust our capabilities or limit what we can do?)

Growing democratic spaces

Heather Andres, a development studies student, highlighted three “baby steps” that could help grow democratic campus spaces for students: consistent student clamor, maximized communication with the administration, and genuine organization of the student body.

“We’re not backing down from what you’re telling us,” she said, referring to university administrations. Being the school’s biggest stakeholders, she said that students must not let their concerns be set aside in academic spaces. University boards should hear students who want to uphold their welfare.

Marcuz Red Tevez from the National Teachers College also shared the importance of the government’s reallocation and prioritization of the budget for education. An insufficient budget allocated to education institutions is the root cause of all problems in the sector, he said.

A sufficient budget for schools and universities, he said, will provide wider educational access to students from remote provinces. He emphasized that it will not only improve facilities and quality education to schools, but also provide higher wages for teachers and professors.

Last week, students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines protested against looming commercialization of campus services after House committee on higher and technical chairperson Representative Mark Go said that state universities should not always rely on the national government for their budgets. 

During the deliberation on the National Polytechnic University bills, he argued that income-generating projects must be done by these universities to help the state address budget issues.

Students then slammed the lawmaker, saying that commercialization of campuses only allows the national government to “escape its responsibility” of prioritizing funds for state universities and colleges. – Rappler.com

Chris Burnet Ramos is a campus journalist from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). A senior news writer of The Communicator, he is also an Aries Rufo Journalism fellow of Rappler for 2023-2024.

Laparan, a journalism lecturer at the university and a working journalist, is our guest in the latest episode of Be The Good, Rappler’s show about people on a mission.

Rappler community lead Pia Ranada asks Laparan about how the takedown of the photo unfolded behind-the-scenes, what he thinks of the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, and why he felt it was important to stand up for UST students’ freedoms. (READ: Thomasian student activist receives show-cause letter from UST administration)

Rappler digital communications specialist Tricia Kahanap provides an overview of how the online conversations about the TomasinoWeb photo takedown have developed and how far the issue has gotten both online and offline, among students, journalists, and beyond.

Catch the interview at 7 pm on Friday, February 23, on this page and on Rappler’s YouTube and Facebook pages. – Rappler.com

Be The Good is Rappler’s community show featuring advocacies and causes. We help you get smarter about movements to support. We amplify changemakers in communities and get critical about the solutions and causes they push for.

Watch other Be The Good episodes:

• Be The Good: Sharon Cortez on forest schools, getting kids to go outdoors
• Be The Good: Nanie Guanlao and Carmela Bunyi on spreading community reading centers
• Be The Good: Robie Siy on creating streets for people
• Be The Good: Sabrina Gacad on helping victims of gender-based violence
• Be The Good: Cielo Magno on her call to abolish confidential funds

Project Gunita co-founder Sarah Gomez told Rappler on Wednesday, February 21 that the map is the result of their efforts to uncover documents and testimonies via interviews with Cebuano Martial Law survivors in March 2023.

The map consists of 10 significant locations, each representing areas in Cebu where movements and protests took place leading up to the 1986 EDSA uprising.

“The map’s descriptions are all in Cebuano. We are really making this directed towards the people of Cebu. We also want to provide an avenue for people who aren’t politically active yet but want to learn more,” Gomez said.

John Kyle Enero, the Cebu coordinator of the project, explained that major pre-EDSA events that happened in the province occurred between 1983 and 1984. These included the human rights violations and arrests against activists and critics of the Marcos administration.

In the first few years after the declaration of Martial Law in 1972, Enero said, political kingpins, especially allies of the late dictator took control of local governments in Cebu and pushed political enemies like the Osmeñas away from their people.

“It was around 1978 to 1979 that protests began to break apart here in Cebu and it did not come in the form of a welga (strike) like how it happened in La Tondeña but there were protests in Cebu mainly concerning urban poor issues,” Enero added.

Check out the locations that mark Cebu’s People Power history below:

Fuente Osmena Circle

At the heart of the metropolitan area of Cebu City is the Fuente Osmeña Circle, one of the centers of demonstrations and rallies that still happen at present day. 

“Usually, the protest routes (of the past) would start from Metro Colon to Fuente Osmeña or from Capitol to Fuente Osmeña so they converge in the middle,” Enero told Rappler.

From November 27 to 30, 1983, thousands of students, activists, and citizen groups led demonstrations against Martial Law, boycotts against the 1984 snap elections, and called for the resignation of Marcos Sr. at Fuente Osmeña Circle.

The plaza is also where former president Corazon Aquino led Cebuanos during the Tagumpay ng Bayan rally on February 22, 1986, a few days before she sought sanctuary at the Carmelite Monastery.

Freedom Park

The Freedom Park, located in front of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, was where one of the first multi-sectoral demonstrations took place after the declaration of Martial Law.

Enero said the late veteran Cebuano journalist Emmanuel “Anol” Mongaya, together with fellow activists, attempted to hold a protest at the Freedom Park in 1979 to protest against the Marcos dictatorship.

“Gipanawagan nila kaniadto ang pagsuporta sa mga biktima sa demolisyon sa Cebu North Reclamation Area ug pagundang sa Balaud Militar,” Project Gunita’s post read.

(They called for the support of the victims of the demolitions at the Cebu North Reclamation Area and the end of the Martial Law.)

Carbon Public Market

According to historical records, ambulant vendors were being cleared out of their stalls in Carbon Public Market on November 26, 1983. At the time, this was part of the Cebu City government’s major clearing operations in coordination with the police.

“When this issue started to grow, vendors had their own organization and there were student supporters who were protesting against the mass displacement of ambulant vendors,” Enero told Rappler.

In the present day, redevelopment of the Carbon Market led to a massive demolition of stalls, affecting at least 8,000 vendors.

US Consulate

At the US Consulate, which used to be located at Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City, around 5,000 students attended a rally to boycott classes on November 30, 1983.

“The US Consulate protest in particular was a Bonifacio Day protest…their banners read ipatumba ang Marcos-US dictatorship (Down with the Marcos-US dictatorship),” Enero said.

Redemptorist Church

The Redemptorist Church was where Father Rosales “Rudy” Romano, a Redemptorist priest who was active during the campaign against the Marcos regime, served.

On July 11, 1985, Romano was allegedly taken by military operatives in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City and was never found again.

The church became a headquarters for search parties organized for the priest. 

Cebu Provincial Capitol

The infamous Battle at the Capitol is one of the most violent protests that took the lives of some activists, including 17-year-old Raul Pintoy.

“On May 19, 1984, the traditional opposition held protests… anti-Marcos traditional politicians protested in the Capitol, along with other groups, because of the snap elections,” Enero said in a mix of Cebuano and English.  

According to Enero, police forcefully removed activists from the Cebu Provincial Capitol, resulting in a massive brawl.

Katipunan Street

On July 11, 1986, the Cebu City government installed a marker along Katipunan Street in Barangay Tisay to honor the memory of Father Rosales “Rudy” Romano.

“Here marks the place where Fr. Rudy Romano, a Redemptorist father and human rights fighter, was abducted by armed men of the deposed Marcos regime on July 11, 1985,” the marker read.

Sanciangko Street

On the same day of Romano’s disappearance, a youth activist by the name of Roland “Levi” Ybañez was also abducted and never resurfaced. 

“Sanciangko Street was where Levi was abducted. That is one of the Martial Law human rights abuses that was recorded in our archives,” Gomez told Rappler.

Activist groups still conduct activities to remember their contributions to Cebu’s People Power history.

Carmelite Monastery

From February 22 to 23 in 1986, Corazon Aquino sought sanctuary at the Carmelite Monastery. Many historians claimed that the nuns at the papal enclosure did so to show “unity” against the Marcos dictatorship.

In a previous Rappler article, Carmelite Mother Superior Aimee said she used her prerogative then to allow Aquino, a non-Carmelite priest or nun, to enter the monastery without permission from the Pope. 

“Giila sa mga madreng Carmelite si Cory Aquino isip President (The Carmelite nuns acknowledged Cory Aquino as the Oresident),” Project Gunita’s post read.

Metro Colon

According to Enero, Metro Colon, the oldest national road in the Philippines, was a convergence point for many activists hailing from the north and south of Cebu.

Enero said the road is where many activists during the First Quarter Storm and anti-Marcos campaigns conducted rallies and spoke on numerous issues concerning the urban poor, students, and other sectors.

One of the major people’s uprisings that happened in Metro Colon is the Lakbayan where protestors against the regime walked from Danao City in the north and protestors from Carcar City in the south to meet at the center of the old road.

As of posting time, researchers at Project Gunita are still collating more documents and testimonies from activists who were present during the anti-Marcos campaigns. 

Enero encouraged fellow Cebuanos and supporters to go to the markers and take their pictures there to commemorate the “Road to EDSA” in Cebu.

“You don’t need to wait for a movement to learn all about this. It is there for you,” Gomez said.

For those interested in helping Project Gunita, click on this link. – 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

“Gusto ko nga sweeper pa nga dati noong hirap na hirap ako. Ngayon, ang nag-assign sa amin nito [Antipolo] city hall kasi ang fast food lang ang pwedeng tumanggap sa mga senior,” Paborada said.

(I actually wanted to apply as a sweeper when I was struggling before. The Antipolo city hall assigned us here since fast food is the only one who accepts seniors.)

Accessible and inclusive work spaces are still a struggle for the country’s marginalized sectors, the elderly, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). 

But some fast food chains and branches started to hire senior citizens and PWDs last year, which the Antipolo city hall posted on their Facebook page. Paborada was one of those who qualified to be temporarily employed for four months in the Jollibee branch of SM City Masinag.

It was 1983 when Paborada resigned as sales clerk in Rustan’s Department Store to be a housewife, but it was not hard for her to come back even after four decades of being out of the labor market, as she enjoys serving customers.

“Naalis talaga ‘yong lungkot ko sa bahay; nalilibang ako eh. Buti naman walang discrimination, dapat mangyari ‘yan dito sa Pilipinas talaga eh,” Paborada said.

(The feeling of sadness fades away since I am having fun. It’s a good thing that there is no discrimination, which should really happen here in the Philippines.)

For Paborada, her old age restricts her from applying for other fields, but says her physical body is never a hurdle even in the busy corners of Jollibee. 

“Sa pakiramdam ko ang lakas-lakas ko pa eh. Malaking tulong din sa akin ‘yong sumusweldo ako kung minsan Php 2,800 o Php 2,900,” she said.

(I still feel very physically strong. It is also a big help for me to earn money from Php 2,800 or Php 2,900 sometimes.)

PWD staff

It’s important that businesses be open to hiring the elderly and PWDs. Coffee shops like Hisbeans Cafe in Quezon City takes it up a notch and only accepts individuals with disabilities as their staff. 

“Sabi ko sa sarili ko na kahit PWD ako, kung ano ‘yong kaya nila sa normal, kaya din namin. Bilang may disability, kaya ko rin ibahagi sa kanila ‘yong skills ko,” said 30-year-old Aldian Aca-ac.

(I told myself that even though I am a PWD, I can do what normal people can do. As someone who has a disability, I can still share my skills with them.)

Aca-ac said they have training sessions to deal with customers.

But Aca-ac said there are days when he had to be more explicit in telling customers about his condition.

“Dati tinatakpan [tainga] ko pa kaya long hair ako dati eh. ‘Yong time na magtatrabaho na ako (…) syempre kailangan proper haircut, kaya nag lakas loob na lang ako i-cut,” he said.

(I used to cover my ears, which is why I have long hair before. When the time that I need to work and proper haircut is required, I muster up the courage to cut it.)

Gap

Patrick Bryan Ablaza, a Senior Deaf Advocacy Officer from Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino – Filipino Sign Language unit, said that there’s a “need to develop” available occupations for the elderly and disabled. Businesses must find ways for deaf workers to talk with clients and seniors who cannot do heavy tasks.

“Provide them with jobs appropriate for their abilities and give them equal pay. Make sure there are no barriers to hinder them from working well,” Ablaza said. 

Despite these considerations, both Aca-ac and Paborada recognized these inclusive industries as a chance to equip their needs and fulfill their wants in life.

According to a study done by the Institute of Labor Studies, there’s a need for “stricter implementation of laws and policies pertaining to employment of PWDs.”

Authors Soledad De Luna-Narido and Miraluna Tacadao noted that the Magna Carta for the Disabled Persons “provides the rights and privileges of PWDs and their integration into the mainstream of the society.”

They cited that there are provisions “allotting a certain percentage of positions for PWDs in government organizations” and that “private employers are entitled to incentives to encourage active participation in promoting the welfare of PWDs.”

A PWD himself, Ablaza was “challenged” in accommodating buyers when he was part of the service industry. Although some tried hand gestures, others chose to talk with other employees.

“It is important to make sure that the PWDs and seniors can do the job well. Many see the deaf as inferior or have no skills, but they can do what hearing people do, except hear. With proper training, deaf people can be productive and contribute to the company’s goals,” Ablaza said.

The elderly have entitled benefits under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, as well as hose who have hearing conditions under the Filipino Sign Language Act. – Julianne Loreign Vicente/Rappler.com

Julianne Loreign Vicente is a Rappler intern. She is studying BA Journalism at the University of Santo Tomas.

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Makibahagi sa usapan sa #FactsFirstPH chat room sa #RapplerCommunities app: rplr.co/FFPHchat

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Join the Rappler+ community chat session on Friday, February 16, at 1 pm.

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