Various human rights, faith-based, and sectoral groups have organized a mobilization for June 12 dubbed “HINDIpendence Day: Ipaglaban ang Inang Bayan,” a march/rally to mark Araw ng Kalayaan.
All are welcome to join. Among the marchers will be the supporters of the #BabaeAko movement, which actively posts on social media about women’s rights and other feminist issues.
Artworks by National Artist Ben Cabrera adorn the digital posters for the event, which are tagged “#Babae Ako, LumaLOVEan.”
In addition to human rights, women’s rights, and gender issues, other issues carried by the HINDIpendence Day march are, in a tweet by veteran journalist Inday Espina Varona: territorial integrity, judicial independence, the TRAIN law, extra-judicial killings, labor contractualization, charter change, corruption, misogyny, historical revisionism, and other important matters that have great impact on Filipino lives today.
#BabaeAko supporters are to gather by 3:00 pm at Luneta Km. 0, Roxas Blvd., by the carabao statue (right across the street from the Rizal Monument). The march to Liwasang Bonifacio starts at 3:30 pm for the HINDIpendence Day rally which will last from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
There will be free t-shirt printing—just bring a plain white or purple t-shirt. Pre-printed shirts will also be on sale. Those who wish to make their own t-shirts may do so in any color. There will be facepainting at 2:30 pm as well. Marchers can come in costume. Organizations may carry one streamer or banner for marching, and one flag per group to be carried alongside the formation and the march itself.
Speaking of #BabaeAko, veteran women’s rights advocate and fellow Manila Standard columnist Beth Angsioco recently called for an art exhibit of #BabaeAko-related art. According to Varona, one is already in the works. They need volunteers who are experienced in event organizing; please get on Twitter and follow @bethangsioco and @indayevarona.
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Why must women and their allies march?
It is to draw attention to pressing societal concerns that need to be addressed. Wrongs must be righted, repressive policies lifted, and and oppressive mindsets corrected.
Good has no color, it is neither “yellow” nor “red.” As beings with consciousness and conscience, we should be able to tell right from wrong. We should be able to separate politics from virtue and morals. Ultimately, being on the side of good is always on the right side of history.
To be silent in the face of abuse and corruption is to be complicit. At least be on record as having stood in opposition to the darkness, and in doing so spread the light into all the shadowy corners until evil cowers and flees.
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The Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino invites researchers to submit papers for its Gawad KWF sa Sanaysay competition, which offers a cash prize of P30,000 to the winner.
The contest is open to all. The second placer will receive P20,000, the third placer P15,000.
The papers should tackle concepts or findings of research in the fields of environment science (agham-pangkalikasan), social sciences (agham panlipunan), mathematics, and the like.
Entries must be original and unpublished works written in Filipino. Works translated from another language will not be accepted. The length of the manuscript should be between 15 to 30 pages, font 12, double-spaced, on short bond paper. Only pen names must be written on the MS.
To submit: send four hard copies and a soft copy on CD to Gawad KWF sa Sanaysay 2018,
Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, 2/F Watson Bldg., 1610 JP Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila 1005.
Entries must be accompanied by two 2×2 photos, a short bionote, and an official entry form available for download at the KWF website. For more details, visit kwf.gov.ph or call (02)736-2519.
As research works, the essays must conform to the guidelines in the KWF Manwal ng Masinop na Pagsulat. Download a copy for free at http://kwf.gov.ph/libreng-download/.
The deadline for submission of papers is July 6, 2018, at 5:00 pm.
Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and communication consultant. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO