ABOUT 2,000 students from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) joined a mass protest yesterday, September 22, to commemorate the declaration of Martial Law and denounce government corruption.
The rally, led by the Kabataan Partylist-Iligan City Chapter, aimed to highlight what organizers called a “dark history” under the Marcos dictatorship and to express student anger over current corruption issues.
“Una, para i-commemorate ang Martial Law. Alam naman po natin kung gaano kadilim ang ating kasaysayan noon sa diktadoryang Marcos. Pangalawa, upang ipahayag kung gaano kagalit ang masang estudyante sa nangyayaring korapsiyon ngayon sa ating gobyerno at para ipaalam na ang kabataan ng MSU-IIT, ang masang estudyante ay may pakialam at nakikibahagi sa laban kontra korapsiyon,” said Philip Labide, a third-year sociology student and the regional coordinator for Kabataan Partylist.
Labide said the mobilization remained peaceful and that no one was hurt and no property was damaged.
He noted, however, that the MSU-IIT administration provided only partial support and imposed restrictions on carrying “vulgar” or bold placards.
“Ipadayon ang kabatan-onang MSUan o IITans ang militanting pakikibaka at patuloy na makialam sa nangyayaring lipunan,” Labide urged his fellow students.
He added: “Hanggat may kurapsiyon sa gobyerno at hanggat nagpapatuloy ang oppression na gawa ng reaksyonaryong gobyerno, maaasahan ang kabataang militante na magpapatuloy sa kilos protesta.”
Labide also had a direct message for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.: “Do better!”
Renz, a third-year BA Pilipino literature student, underscored the need for accountability in government spending.
“We have paid those taxes and yet those money have just gone out for their own expenses. Without knowing that, that is our cash, our money. This is very unfortunate not for us students but also for many Filipinos particularly here in Mindanao,” he said.
While Renz described his stance on anti-corruption as “neutral,” he said the youth must speak out.
“We have to stand up against those corrupt officials, especially in all departments. They should take accountability,” he said.
Renz emphasized that rallies should remain peaceful, noting that there are better ways to achieve change than violent protests seen in other countries.
“We have our voice, we have our minds to speak. This might be a better way for us to reconcile and to seek a better government instead of leaning on something that ruins our society,” he said.
