Student activism in DLSU remains present yet imperceptible due to its low membership and campus visibility. Unlike other universities with established progressive traditions, Lasallian activists grapple with challenges as they seek deeper involvement from the community. So, what motivates student activists to keep pushing for societal change in a university not exactly known for activism?
Last October 6, during the walkout against corruption, more Lasallians than usual became active. Yet, a majority still rarely participate in political activities, with most paying no mind to on-campus mobilizations and preferring to focus on their studies and other commitments. This sentiment is echoed by Anakbayan Vito Cruz (ABVC), the DLSU-based chapter of Anakbayan, a national youth organization advocating social and political reforms, as member Ralph Vincent Paunlagui (I, AB-POM) says La Salle has fallen short in protecting student expression.
Peaceful protests in DLSU are also met with challenges from the administration. In a recent lighting rally held last January 5, officers from the Student Discipline Formation Office confronted the participants, stating that if students were to make a political stance, they first needed a permit.
Developments in political engagement
Education officer James Almazan (I, BS-SOC) of ABVC mentioned that Lasallians often feel disconnected from national issues, describing a “barrier” between campus life and broader socio-political conditions.
He explained that this disconnect makes recruitment difficult and contributes to low turnout in activities. However, he noted that recent events, such as the aforementioned walkout on October 6, saw higher participation compared to previous attempts. Almazan suggests that there is a gradual shift in political awareness among Lasallians, driven by national issues like corruption that have become impossible to ignore.
Paunlagui pointed to the presence of growing avenues for participation as key motivation for student activists, stating that “Lasallian[s] are now encouraged, empowered, and guided toward creating a culture that not only benefits ourselves and our groups.”
Almazan shares that more students have inquired about local and national concerns, even if they are not ready to formally join the organization. He added that alliances formed during the recent campaigns indicate a broader willingness among students to discuss political matters.
The increased visibility during campus walkouts and protests, with more student volunteers assisting in logistics, safety marshaling, and information dissemination, is a welcome development of the movement. Despite these improvements, overall membership remains small.
Targeted by red-tagging
Beyond physical intimidation, student activists in DLSU also face digital red-tagging, especially during rallies. Harsh comments and mass reportings have led to suspension of their social media accounts, and sometimes even the removal entirely, which are some of the online harassment cases they deal with.
While pages belonging to progressive organizations often receive hundreds of hostile comments, ranging from baseless accusations to explicit death threats, these attacks have not translated into a decrease in membership or participation. Instead, Almazan claimed that more students are reaching out to know more about national issues and seeking ways to help, even if they do not wish to become members.
Almazan and Paunlagui both say that their organizations continue to grow despite the unfavorable online engagement, including the spread of “troll farms” and false information about their groups.
To Paunlagui, although red-tagging creates a “negative cultural aspect” by instilling fear among students, it has not disrupted their day-to-day operations, with groups continuing to hold discussions, mobilizations, and collaborative campaigns.
Both activists emphasize that the persistence of red-tagging reflects a broader effort to suppress youth involvement, but its intensity has also pushed some to become more politically aware, contributing to what they describe as a steady rise in engagement across recent terms.
Repression and Censorship
The constant censorship of these groups often comes from the administration. University offices often choose to move past dialogues and instead opt to shut their operations down. They are also burdened with strict requirements and documents for recognition, leaving organizations like ABVC unaccredited.
However, student activists prefer to remain unaccredited to prioritize their individuality. Choosing to remain outside the administrative surveillance allows them to avoid restrictions and remain a militant group. But, in more recent mobilizations, attempts by the administration have turned more prominent, often justified under the pretense of security concerns, so they can restrict the students from exiting the campus and continue with their peaceful demonstrations.
What’s next?
The lack of support from the school administration has shown the organizations that they must first comply with the demands to be able to speak out freely and spread their advocacies. Despite not being directly involved with the University, they are still highly regulated and monitored. Nonetheless, the organizations continue to grow in numbers.
With this, the members of these organizations call for stronger institutional engagement and proper support from the USG. Paunlagui emphasizes that for there to be any action or movement, it must first begin with the USG. He “calls on the USG to enable and prioritize movements that allow the student body to be aware.”
Despite all the struggles that these organizations have faced, student activism in DLSU continues to exist. Not because of the environment it is brought up in, but rather because these students choose to speak out even if it is difficult to do so. As political issues continue to exist and cross with the normal campus life, those in charge must decide whether student expression will be supported or continuously restricted.
