“If this program is pushed through, the militarization of the schools could have dangerous consequences for the democratic aspects of our country. Given the current political climate, the state might use the militarization of young people for selfish purposes, which would inevitably lead to human rights violations.”
Rolan Cagas, who also sits as president of the Claveria Federation of Rice Farmers Associations, shared that their top concern was the rising prices of farm inputs, especially fertilizers, as it would now cost over P1,800 per sack, higher than the less-than-P1,000 price in the past years.
“Time and again, we’ve proven that the union is the strongest weapon and shield that we have against exploitation.”
“Development projects should be planned and implemented in the context of the country’s urgent needs and solutions to current dilemmas, and with thorough consideration of its long-term effects on the environment.”
“These people are innocent civilians being tagged by the NTF-ELCAC as NPAs. Out of their desperation, they are using the civilians for their report on the counter-insurgency program.”
The warning declared by various groups in 2020 – that the ATA would be used by the government to intimidate and harass human rights defenders, activists and dissenters – has become a reality.
For workers in Southern Tagalog, repression is as normal as resistance.
The struggle for their right to housing taught them that they have bigger fights to win.
A decade after Yolanda, survivors have to grapple with the absence of reliable and potable water supply, inadequate housing space and absence of certificate of ownership, high transportation costs, limited income opportunity and food insecurity, and absence of clear mechanism to hear grievances.
Students from state universities are calling for higher budgets for science laboratories, classrooms, and equipment amid expectations of excellence.
“Teachers have long suffered from an atrocious education system in the country. It is high time for the government to address these problems.”