Activism And Activism In The Philippines

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Protests. The streets occupied by a large group of people shouting, “Makibaka! Huwag matakot! (Join the struggle! Don’t be afraid!)” Wearing ragged clothing, a cohort of people of varying socioeconomic classes—mostly coming from the work force; these individuals crowd the streets to voice out their concerns on social, political, economic, or environmental issues. Enunciating alarming statistics, they know how many Filipinos don’t have a job, how many cannot afford to eat 3 meals a day, how many are below the poverty line. Majority of Filipinos today would see this as a nuisance. People roaming the streets and making noise; shouting with contempt directed to a government never good enough for them as they wave placards in virulence. A public outcry over the rise in oil prices or tuition fee hikes, or policies they find unjust. As some may say, these people are just disturbing the peace. Hearing the word activism, most people would picture a scene similar to what has been depicted above. However, people who look at activism this way are viewing it through a very narrow prism. Activism does not end with the protests and the rallies held on the streets. It is not merely a senseless assembly full of shouting and rage directed to those in power. Activism came from the word active which was derived from the word act which is the process of doing and getting something done. Activism is taking action in order to initiate change in the conventions of today’s world. It can be led by

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