By: Chelsea Micah G. Abarca and Danica Marie A. Arellano
Who would have thought that a
facebook post would wake the sleeping Filipinos to fight for what they think
will be better for the country?
It started when Neocolours’
vocalist, Ito Rapadas, posted on facebook that it is now time for the Filipinos
to speak up and gather at the Luneta Park for an anti-pork barrel protest. The
said status, like a raging fire, was shared by a lot of netizens. Because a
large number of people showed interest of joining the said activity, a facebook
event entitled “A Million People’s March to Luneta” was created by Peachy
Breataña, one of the concerned netizens who re-posted Rapadas’ post.
The the said protest has two
aims. One is to abolish the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or
better known as “pork barrel”. The other is to get the suspects and make them
liable to the crime they did.
An estimated number of 75,000
people joined the protest last August 26, 2013. According to Manila Bulletin, the
protesters ranged from nuns and priests and students to businessmen,
middle-class families, lawyers, and other professionals.
Furthermore, protest of the same
kind was also held in Puerto Prinsesa, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete and
Iloilo. Also, Overseas Filipino Workers at San Francisco, Los Angeles and New
York in America showed their support by having their respective gathering.
It is nice to see that Filipinos
are being united once again just like what happened in the People Power
Revolution. We do hope that the government will not just close their eyes and
pretend not to hear the appeal of the people.
Remember what President Benigno
Aquino III said to the Filipino people in his first State of the Nation
Address?
“Kayo ang boss ko.”
Well Mister President, your
bosses had spoken; and you should listen to what they want you to do.
The following photos will show you what the Filipinos want they really want for the government to implement.
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| Straight into the eyes. This man represents the Filipino mass pleading for a valid explanation regarding the Pork Barrel. (Photo by Chelsea Micah Abarca) |
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| Never say die. Skeleton man cries out towards the desire for PDAF’s discontinuity. (Photo by Chelsea Micah Abarca) |
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| Never Give Up. The
Filipino’s trademark amidst pain, struggles, and hardships is our enthusiasm to
fight and move forward. (Photo by Chelsea Micah Abarca) |
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| The hunks got guts. Standing boldly are three good-looking men who wanted a reform against the anomaly in the government. (Photo by Chelsea Micah Abarca) |
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| Chill. There are a lot more things to come, let everything cool itself down. (Photo by Chelsea Micah Abarca) |
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| Boycott is not for Boy Scouts. This effigy stands for all the Boy Scouts of the Philippines who wanted to prepare the youth for responsible leadership. (Photo by Chelsea Micah Abarca) |
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| Age doesn't matter. Even this kid has something to say. (Photo by Danica Marie Arellano) |
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| Move Forward. With their clenched fists up in the air, these men lead their group to march. (Photo by Danica Marie Arellano) |
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| Not just your ordinary Higante. These paper mache giants became the center of attraction during the protest. (Photo by Danica Marie Arellano) |
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| We Won't be Silent. These students from Polythecnic University of the Philippines are very determined to convince the youth to join the Youth Act Now. (Photo by Danica Marie Arellano) |
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| Thumbs Down. For people who don't have placards, this is another way of saying that they want to abolish the pork barrel. (Photo by Danica Marie Arellano) |
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| Oink! Oink! Oink! Filipino Comedian Mae Paner also known as Juana Change dressed up as a pig and perfromed a satire. (Photo by Danica Marie Arellano) |
Sources:
http://manila-bulletin.net/blog/2013/08/27/vendors-among-protesters/ (Published on August 27, 2013)
The Daily Sun (Published on August 26, 2013)
