19/09/2025
๐๐๐๐
๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฐ๐ข ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ 53๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐ง๐ง๐ข๐ฏ. ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ฒ๐ โ25
The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), together with its conjoined organizations and officesโthe University Student Council, SAMAHAN, Main Library, PAMMCO, The Sea Treasure, and Socialis Scientiaโled this yearโs commemoration of the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. The event was held on September 19 at the Hasa-Hasa Theater, as part of the 2025 National Peace Consciousness Month Celebration.
HILWAY, a human rights and peace education project, carried this yearโs theme: โKapayapaan at Gunita: Paglingon sa Nakaraan, Pagtahak sa Landas ng Katarungan.โ The commemoration featured a film showing of the multi-awarded documentary Batas Militar, an array of speakers, forums, a quiz bee, and the opening of the Gunita: Martial Law and Human Rights exhibit.
University Student Council President Eunice Pearl Ticar formally opened the commemoration. In her message, she declared with conviction: โAng mga namulat, hindi na muling pipikit,โ conveying that those who have awakened to the darkest times of the Marcos regime will never again be blinded by deception.
The first speaker, Dr. Herman Lagon, PAMMCO Director, debunked 21 myths surrounding Martial Lawโa number chosen in reference to Proclamation 1081. He reminded the audience: โOur forgetfulness is the license to the oppressors,โ conveying that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. He strongly emphasized the call to โNever Forget.โ
On the other hand, Instructor Maria Andrea B. Bernadas tackled Human Rights and Human Dignity, highlighting their inseparability. She stressed: โIf you really want to achieve peace, or enjoy the semblance of peace, it should go with the recognition of human rights and respect of human dignity,โ reminding the audience that genuine peace is impossible without justice and respect for humanity.
Moreover, Ms. Charisse Pingul, ICS SHS HUMSS Teacher, discussed the โshadows of Martial Law,โ drawing parallels between Marcosโ regime and succeeding administrations. She quoted: โForgetting only repeats the cycle,โ reinforcing Dr. Lagonโs earlier message. She further added: โWe vote not based on long-term vision, but as a reaction to disappointment,โ conveying that uncritical political choices risk perpetuating oppressive cycles.
After the sessions, a Talkback Forum was held, where the audience posed questions related to the discussions. The three speakers responded thoughtfully, reinforcing each otherโs messages and encouraging critical reflection.
The program also featured a Martial Law Open Quiz Bowl, the awarding of winners of the Malaya Online Contests conducted prior to the event, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Gunita: Martial Law and Human Rights Exhibit, and a prayer dedicated to the victims and survivors of human rights violations.
As the commemoration concluded, organizers reminded the community that remembering Martial Law is not only about revisiting the past but also about safeguarding democracy in the present. By keeping the stories alive, ISUFST hopes to empower future generations to uphold truth, justice, and freedomโensuring that the words โNever Againโ remain a living commitment.
Words by Justine Pracio
Captured by Rinz Ivan Pineda
