For indigenous peoples across all borders, the struggle for autonomy is an undeniably familiar narrative that spans generations. Subjected to violence, pillaging, and erasure since the Spaniards first stepped on our shores, these communities are consistently relegated to the fringes of history—constantly left behind by the state-constructed Filipino identity characterized by settler colonial symbols. But…
Year: 2020
Eminent historian Fr. Horacio Dela Costa once argued that the two jewels of Philippine culture are our faith and our music. This is most evident in the distinctly Filipino celebration of Christmas. Cacophonies of Christmas carols touching upon the birth and virtues of Jesus Christ and the many holiday festivities permeate the Filipino Christmas scene—even…
Last December 17 to 19, Alyansang Tapat sa Lasallista held a three-part webinar over Zoom and Facebook Live titled Tapatan 2020: Padayon, Pinas!, discussing issues surrounding vulnerable groups, the Philippine health sector, and governance, especially in the context of the pandemic. Rights for vulnerable groups “As student leaders, you have the means and resources to…
When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, many industries came to a standstill. The lockdown measures implemented to keep people safe had adverse effects on their livelihoods as well. Profits were lost, businesses were shut down, and workers were laid off. Nonetheless, some enterprises were able to adapt and remain flexible by implementing strict physical distancing…
The fight for gender equality in the Philippines has been a particularly long one. As early as 2000, an early version of a Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) bill had already been filed in Congress, drafted by then-Akbayan Rep. Etta Rosales and late Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Since then, at least 16 different versions…
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Writer’s Recap: #JusticeForYna
Yna is doomed. That much is clear from the beginning. But what we see at the start is far from any picture of pity. If the bright music didn’t convince you, there’s plenty of other proof she is happy. A well-made bed. A pretty smile. A post-it the shade of sunshine that says “Kaya ko…
In their last session for the year, the Legislative Assembly (LA) approved last December 19 their previously tabled resolutions for amendments to the University Student Government (USG) Constitution, the establishment of the Disaster Risk and Reduction Management (DRRM) emergency fund, and a resolution that called for changes to the DLSU Commission on Elections (Comelec) Rules…
The Philippines was never ready for a pandemic, and yet here we are. From the lack of hospital beds to the scarcity of ventilators, the country’s weak healthcare infrastructure has become prone to collapse, as those in the highest offices of the government continue to blunder in their response. This lack of decisive leadership and…
The roaring crowd, the cheering banners, the rhythmic yells, and the blasting drum beats—these are the traditional energy boosters of athletes as they perform their best under the spotlight of an arena. But behind their stellar moves and highlight plays are aches and pains endured from refining their skills during training. Fortunately, there are people…
Finishing third in the recently concluded Philippine Football League (PFL) season, the Azkals Development Team (ADT), composed of players from the Philippines’ national youth teams, made some noise in their debut tournament, as they lifted the local Filipino football community’s spirits with a hopeful preview of what they could bring to the field in the…