(We yield this space to the statement of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers due to its timeliness. – Ed.)
THE Cry of Pugadlawin, commemorated yesterday as National Heroes Day, marked the beginning of the 1896 Philippine revolution led by Katipunan Supremo Andres Bonifacio; 124 years since, the country continues to be plagued by similar injustices, inequities and threats to basic rights, democracy, and sovereignty.
Among the biggest crises we face today is the pandemic that highlighted the weaknesses of our institutions and furthered the systemic oppression and exploitation of the people. Borne of these are modern-day heroes who stand in the frontlines of the COVID-19 war, braving the dangers of the time to protect the welfare of and provide social services to the people. Among today’s heroes are health workers, essential service workers, public transport drivers, educators and staff, government employees, media workers, agricultural workers, and human rights workers.
To truly honor our heroes, we call on the government to ensure the protection of frontline workers amid the worsening health, economic, and human rights crises. Afford the Filipinos dignified lives by means of health protection, safety nets, livelihoods, livable wages, financial aid, and access to vital social services. The government must employ a comprehensive and rights-based approach to resolving the predicament brought by the botched pandemic response and years of state abandonment.
Also, we challenge the Duterte administration to enable the safe re-opening of schools and delivery of accessible quality education to the youth — the heirs and future of our nation.
We call for an end to the suppression of people’s rights and freedoms as well as to the summary killings of our colleagues who have already suffered harassment and vilification from state forces.
As the Katipunan fought against the subjugation of our peoples, so should we against the prevailing and growing foreign intervention in our lands and seas.
Finally, we together with the rest of the Filipino people pledge to hold to account the traitors in power as we fight for a just and humane society.
Protect our frontliners, defend the people’s rights and liberties. Uphold Philippine sovereignty at all costs.
