Activism in realtime:
PUP students re-assert their role in bringing social change

If we talk about student involvement on pressing social issues, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) remains a citadel.  “Student activism” immediately comes to mind when someone mentions the institution. Its busy hallways, unrelenting banners of protests, and progressive student organizations serve as proof that passiveness and apathy are concepts alien to the culture of the state university. 
           
This identity was re-asserted during the launch of the iamninoy movement, fittingly held in the university's Ninoy Aquino Learning Resource Center last December 13.  Sponsored by the Peer Counselors Association (PCA), the event was attended by more than 300 students, filling up the entire Bulwagang Balagtas. “We were not expecting a big number (of participants),” said Katrina Tayo, president of PCA. “We simply released invitations and posters announcing the event and we are glad that many showed up. I guess, PUP students, in these hard times, are eager to do something for the country. Ninoy died 25 years ago. Almost all of us were not yet born that time, so many could have seen today's activity as an opportunity to learn more about Ninoy's thoughts and ideals.”

A Continuing Challenge

Lino Rivera, Executive Director of The Ninoy and Cory Center for Leadership, also saw the urgency for today's youth to look back on history. “The country's problems in the 60's and 70's continue to persist today,” Lino said. “Poverty and political opportunism still prevail.” To address this, he emphasized the role of young people in the quest for social justice.  Looking back on the life and times of Ninoy, he pointed out the choices he made during those days of turmoil and uncertainty. By choosing to speak up for the right things, he made a difference in the lives of ordinary people.  EDSA was the culmination of the common man's renewed confidence to fight a cause worth fighting.

Lino believes that young people today are just waiting for the right time to show that they can also make a difference. Equipped with creativity, passion and a dose of wishful thinking, for some, this time has come. The succeeding speakers, shared their thoughts and experiences in fashioning change on the lives of ordinary people. Two young speakers, TJ Agulto and Kip Oebanda, despite their apparently unrelated fields, attempted to draw out the common ground in change-making.

New Forms of Activism

TJ is involved with Microventures, Incorporated, the company responsible for the success of breakthrough social enterprises Hapinoy and Rags-to-Riches.  Like any green business management graduate, he was caught in a “crisis” of values after graduating from Ateneo:  “I want a comfortable life, but I also want to do something for the country and for the less privileged. I initially thought that I have to choose between following my heart or using my head. Luckily, I opted to do both.” Hapinoy created a system for sari-sari stores all over the country to refine their supply chain while Rags-to-Riches transformed a handed-down scrap cloth sewing initiative into a viable venture with a high-end market. “We have no more excuse not to be extraordinary,” said TJ, as he encouraged the students to have a vision and think about “the greatest version of themselves.”

For Kip Oebanda, that vision is about being free and helping others find freedom from newer forms of oppression.  Kip literally grew up in a prison. His parents were arrested for insurgency during the height of the country's political struggle.  Finding inspiration from his family's experience in fighting for freedom, he now works in a non-profit organization called the Visayan Forum. The organization combats human trafficking and helps trafficked victims seek justice and regain their lives. “We are limited beings, we can only do so much in a lifetime, so we need to look beyond ourselves and work for causes greater than ourselves.”  He believes that being a hero has something to do with how people live their everyday lives. Ending his talk with a quintessential Gandhi quote, Kip threw the challenge to PUP students: “be the change.”

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