http://goodshepherdcathedralschool.edu.ph/

The Flock & Ang Kawan, Omega Avenue corner Rado Street, Fairview, Quezon City (2025)

Q: What is the address?

Omega Avenue Corner Rado Street, Fairview

24/09/2025

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 | 𝗦𝗙𝗫𝗖𝗦 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗦𝗖𝗦 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

In the fifth game of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Novaliches Educational System (RCBN-ES) Juniors Basketball Tournament on Friday, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School (SFXCS) stormed past Good Shepherd Cathedral School (GSCS) with a commanding 71–36 victory, boosting their standing to 4–1 with GSCS falling to 3–2.

Right from the tip-off, the matchup promised intensity and grit. GSCS struck first to take an early lead, but SFXCS quickly countered with crisp ball movement and steady shooting to pull ahead 6–4.

GSCS kept fighting with a three-pointer that tied the score at 8–8, but SFXCS refused to relinquish control. By the middle of the first quarter, SFXCS had opened up a 16–8 lead with near-flawless passing and minimal turnovers.

Even as GSCS landed another three-pointer to cut into the deficit, SFXCS responded with one of their own, finishing the first quarter on top, 20–15.

The second quarter showed SFXCS tightening their grip. Although GSCS again scored first to bring the tally to 20–17, the Xavierians stayed composed and consistent.

Their shots fell cleanly, and their defense stifled GSCS’ attempts to rally. With scores ticking up to 24–18, 26–18, and eventually 27–18, SFXCS went into halftime with a comfortable cushion, leaving GSCS wanting to keep up.

Coming out of the break, SFXCS showed no signs of slowing down. They struck first in the third quarter to widen the lead to 31–18 before GSCS managed a timely three-pointer.

But SFXCS’s composure proved too strong. With another barrage of baskets, including a crowd-lifting three-pointer that pushed the score to 40–23, the Xavierians extended their lead to 45–28 by the end of the period.

The final quarter turned into a showcase of SFXCS’ depth and offensive rhythm. They continued to pour on points: 47–28, 55–30, and finally 61–30, while GSCS answered back with flashes of brilliance, including a spirited three-pointer at 61–34 that drew cheers from their supporters.

Despite multiple fouls committed by SFXCS, their relentless pace and smooth ex*****on sealed the deal. As the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 71–36, a testament to the Xavierians’ dominance from start to finish.

The game progressed as follows:
𝗤𝟭: GSCS 15 – SFXCS 20
𝗤𝟮: GSCS 18 – SFXCS 27
𝗤𝟯: GSCS 28 – SFXCS 45
𝗤𝟰:GSCS 36 – SFXCS 71

For SFXCS, the win was not just about the score but about consistency and teamwork.

Their crisp passes, steady shooting, and unshakable composure throughout all four quarters underscored a team hitting its stride in the tournament.

Although GSCS lost, their determination never waned; their hustle on defense and clutch free throws showed they weren’t going down without a fight.

As the RCBN-ES Tournament heats up, this game stands as a lesson in focus and perseverance. SFXCS, now 4–1, keeps their championship hopes alive, while GSCS at 3–2 looks to regroup and bounce back stronger in the next round.

✍️ Hanna Palomer
📸 Althea Venice Manese

23/09/2025

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 | 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗫𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱-𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿

The Shepherds team of Good Shepherd Cathedral School (GSCS) delivered a thrilling 35–32 victory over Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School (SFXCS) in the Midgets basketball division of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Novaliches Educational System (RCBN-ES) Fraternal-Friendly Sports Tournament on Friday at the Colegio de San Bartolome (CSBN) Gymnasium.

The match started with SFXCS taking control early, holding a narrow 10–7 lead at the end of the first quarter. GSCS, however, fought back in the second quarter, trimming the deficit to just one point at halftime, 21–20, with a surge of quick baskets.

Even as SFXCS extended their advantage to 30–27 late in the third, the Shepherds refused to fold. They tightened their defense, diving for loose balls and contesting every shot. In the fourth quarter, GSCS displayed pure determination.

Their defense swarmed SFXCS, forcing turnovers that turned into fast-break points. Outscoring SFXCS 8–2 in the closing minutes, the Shepherds completed the comeback and sealed the 35–32 win.

The following scores per quarter show the tension during the game:
𝗤𝟭: GSCS 7 – SFXCS 10
𝗤𝟮: GSCS 20 – SFXCS 21
𝗤𝟯: GSCS 27 – SFXCS 30
𝗤𝟰: GSCS 35 – SFXCS 32

In a postgame interview with 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌, Coach Hune Jin Abanador lauded his players for their growth and composure under pressure.

“I think they became more mature when it comes to approaching the game. Nalaro nila ‘yung game na nilagay namin sa game plan na ‘wag magmadali tapos stick and die with the game plan lang,” he stated.

With the victory, the Shepherds team continues to build momentum in the RCBN-ES Tournament, proving that their teamwork and strategy can overcome any hurdle.

✍️ Hanna Palomer
📸 Althea Venice Manese

23/09/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗣𝗖𝗕, 𝗘𝗖𝗙 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻; 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗶𝗱

To be of service to those in need.

Good Shepherd Cathedral School (GSCS) has conducted a medical mission and bloodletting activity entitled Project H.E.A.R.T (Health, Engagement, Advocacy, Relief, and Transformation) on Sunday at its gymnasium and clinic to provide accessible healthcare services to the community.

As part of the school’s 30th foundation anniversary celebration, this event was organized by the Parents’ Coordinating Board (PCB) and Evangelization Christian Formation (ECF) along with partners and sponsoring organizations that are open to all ages on a first-come, first-served basis.

The hosts of the program—Students’ Coordinating Board (SCB) President Danica Bajado and ECF Missionary General Tyrone John Tandog—started the event by giving a speech before calling on Sr. Mary Blanche Triñanes to lead the prayer.

As part of the event’s opening, Bajado then called on PCB President Lance Ember Alvaro, to give the opening remarks stating “Today, it’s about more than just the check-up and medicines; it’s about showing compassion and [help to the] community.”

Soon, the program began as the volunteers and staff assisted people in registering as patients before proceeding to their designated areas.

Following this, some patients were led to the GSCS Gymnasium which provided activities such as check-ups, laboratory tests, and free vaccinations, and others were led to the second-floor classrooms to undergo the bloodletting activity.

To ensure an organized event, members of the ECF, PCB, and school’s Med Club were responsible for assisting the patients in the specific location they needed to be.

The gymnasium also consisted of the canteen staff distributing food, hygiene kits from the PCB, as well as medicine and vitamins.

As the event was coming to an end, PCB Coordinator Angela Nicole Pineda took this time as an opportunity to extend their gratitude and extend compassion towards the people, sponsors, organizations, and volunteers who helped by awarding them with certificates of appreciation.

The program ended with a closing prayer led again by Triñanes.

In an interview with 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌, Alvaro shared the importance of organizing events like these as it shows how the time and effort contributes to the event itself and how it was executed.

“It fosters camaraderie among the community inside, the GSCS community itself. Kasi kung nakikita mo dito, it’s a collection… of contribution, a collection of effort and shared responsibilities,” Alvaro said.

“I think it's also one way of showing how committed our school and also [the] PCB [is] in community services and we also consider kasi that everybody in the PCB are servant leaders,” she added.

The school’s fire of compassion to help those in need remains strong as events like these become a way to serve the community even in small ways.

✍️ Hiyasmin Marie Bautista
📸 Charles Kenneth Conin-e, Asaliah Faye Salemizadeh

23/09/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝟭𝟬, 𝗦𝗛𝗦 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁; 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀

The creativity and cooperation of Grades 10, 11, and 12 students of Good Shepherd Cathedral School (GSCS) was showcased as they performed their cheerdance routines as part of the field demonstration held in the Neopolitan Brittany Badminton Court on Saturday.

In line with the celebration of the school’s 30th founding anniversary, learners of respective grade levels were given a theme for the field demonstration, which had an overall concept of promoting “Expression, Movement, and Culture.”

As the last segment of the program from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Grade 10, along with senior high school (SHS) students, exhibited their spirit with deafening chants and vigorous dance moves, bearing the theme of a pep squad.

Parents and guardians were welcomed to watch the performances of the learners, with Physical Education teachers Joshua Necasio and Lorena Aznar serving as the masters of ceremony.

The entrance of the Grade 11 level, made up of sections Charity (Humanities and Social Sciences), Hope (Accountancy, Business, and Management), and Faith and Temperance (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), cued the beginning of the cheerdance performances.

With a ‘70s-inspired theme, pupils were seen moving to the beats of Manila Sound artists—songs such as “Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko” and “Magsayawan” by VST & Company served as backdrops to cartwheels and stunts.

Following was the act of Grade 12 Prudence (HUMSS), Justice (ABM), and Peace and Fidelity (STEM) centered around Filipino pride and patriotism.

Mash-ups of “Ito ang Liga” by Ebe Dancel and Gloc-9 blared through the speakers as seniors showcased the colors of the Philippine flag in their attire.

To end, Grade 10 sections Gratitude, Diligence, and Faithfulness was the final team to present, resembling that of a varsity team as boys beat drums and girls became majorettes, twirling batons.

A remix of Western pop music from the likes of Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Miley Cyrus became the group’s basis for motions, accompanied by marches in and around the court.

Having finished their demonstration of skills, each level exhibited their uniqueness with their stunts, costumes, and choice of music.

Soon after, School Principal Rev. Fr. Noel Elorde, PhD, Assistant Principal Marco Paolo Lovendino, and Finance Officer Jacqueline Lazo awarded the certificate of recognition to the judges of the cheerdance, who evaluated based on criteria such as skill and originality.

Ms. Judith Sindico, Ms. Mary Rose “Avhie” Canon, Ms. Rose Ann Olarte, Mrs. Fernylyn Dela Cruz Saez, and Mr. Adrian Joseph Trapal served as the judges of the contest.

After tallying the scores of each team, the winners were announced respectively by Necasio and Aznar, starting with the special awards of “Best in Costume” and “Most Organized.”

The SHS Department, in a tie between Grades 11 and 12, clinched the “Best in Costume” award, with the juniors’ vibrant neon shirts and seniors’ eye-catching eagle design.

In turn, the Grade 12 level grabbed the award for “Most Organized Level,” owing to their synchronized routine.

Continuing with the provision of awards, the Grade 11 level clinched the spot for 2nd runner-up, having a total of two trophies.

Afterwards, the Grade 10 level was hailed as 1st runner-up for the competition, with cheers erupting from all sides of the court.

Finally, with a total of three awards: Best in Costume, Most Organized, and Champion, the Grade 12 students were declared the winners of the cheer performance.

Vincent Lucas Arellano from Grade 11 Hope (ABM) then led the closing prayer to officially end the program.

When Grade 10 Gratitude adviser Rolia Borres was interviewed by 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌 about the cheerdance of the learners, she shared her worries about the performance of the grade level she handled.

“Ang higpit ng laban. All levels ay may iba-ibang tema, concepts, at galing na ipinakita. And as an adviser of Grade 10, umpisa pa lang lalo na akong kinabahan dahil ang gagaling ng mga [senior high],” Borres said.

Borres and her students were elated when they learned they were 1st runner-up, as she was not expecting for her level to win the championship.

“With the announcement of winners, actually expecting na ako na Grade 10 na ang nasa last place dahil wala kaming nakuhang awards. And that is why sobrang saya na naging 1st runner-up kami,” she added.

For Aisha Melisse Saraza, a Grade 10 learner, she shared the experience and the intense training the students had to go through in order to meet the expectations.

“Para po sa akin, the field demonstration this school year was stressful and fun. When I first step[ped] on the stage, ramdam na ramdam ko ‘yung kaba and pressure dahil sobrang dami ‘yung nanonood, pero when the music start[ed], nawala ‘yung kaba ko and I just start[ed] having fun while dancing,” Saraza stated.

The pupil also mentioned how preparation was limited and short due to conflicts in schedule and lack of time.

“The preparation time was very limited and short kaya parang naghahabol po kami. This result[ed] po sa pagkakaroon ng very busy schedule, parang every day nagkakaroon po ng practice kaya mostly late na po kami nakaka-uwi,” she shared in an interview with 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌.

Through the field demonstration, the students were successfully able to express their skills and talents in honor of the school’s anniversary and the promotion of culture and arts within the community.

✍️ Kim Alyana Hernandez
📸 Heather Chloe Peyes, Charles Kenneth Conin-e, Asaliah Faye Salemizadeh, Sellynah Jusay

22/09/2025

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗛 𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘀: 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼 ’𝟮𝟱

As Good Shepherd Cathedral School (GSCS) commemorates its foundation through a highly anticipated celebration, junior high school learners from Grades 7 to 9 showcased their teamwork and creativity through a field demonstration of Philippine festivals on Saturday at the Neopolitan Brittany Badminton Court.

In light of GSCS’ 30th foundation anniversary, the field demonstration involved students, teachers, parents, and guests to witness the range of performances which displayed the skills of the former and their traditional yet modern-twisted rendition of Philippine festivals, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Learners from the Grade 8 level clinched the championship, followed by Grade 7 as the 1st runner up and Grade 9 as the 2nd runner up.

Meanwhile, Grade 7 learners took home the “Most Organized Level” award, while the “Best in Costume” was secured by the eighth-graders.

The program began from the Grade 9 level consisting of sections from Kindness, Humility, Knowledge, and Fortitude, who presented their piece of the Kadayawan Festival from Davao City.

Adorned with vibrant and colored hues, ninth-graders wore costumes with shades of numerous colors while carrying umbrellas, kawayans, fans, sashes, and salakots.

The learners still pressed on through their dance performances with lively energy, despite the technical difficulties.

“Creative,” stated Ma. Haydelyn, a parent of a Grade 9 student, in one word to describe the performance.

It was followed by the Ati-Atihan Festival performance of Grade 7 students from sections Generosity, Courage, Wisdom, and Piety.

With colorful feathers, intricate tribal costumes with bilaos, and a figure of Sto. Niño to pay homage to the patron saint of the festival held in Aklan, learners from the level executed their performance with energy as they ended their piece dancing to the song, Kanta Pilipinas by Lea Salonga.

Marvin Amon, a Grade 7 Courage pupil, shared his experience in an interview with 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌.

“[It was] tiring but good,” said Amon.

The last performers were the Grade 8 students who presented the Pahiyas Festival, which is known for its artistic and bountiful celebration.

Learners from the said level wore golden and blue upper attires, traditional long skirts with golden fabrics and detailed neck pieces, as others are clad in colorful and floral headdresses.

The Pahiyas Festival is known to be celebrated for the bountiful harvest of farmers in Lucban, Quezon and is dedicated to their patron saint, San Isidro the farmer.

The criteria for judging for the performance of Philippine festivals was determined by 25% for choreography, which was the same as 25% for synchronization, 25% for expression and energy, while 15% for costume and props, and 10% for audience impact, with an overall highest score of 100%.

The panel of judges who assessed the performance of the students were Ms. Mary Rose “Avhie” Canon, Mrs. Fernylyn Dela Cruz Saez, Ms. Rose Ann Olarte, and Ms. Judith Sindico.

When asked about the lively performances of all the learners, Grade 9 teacher Desiree Accad commented fairly on the effort and creative expression of the students.

“Sobrang galing lahat ng performance, makikita talaga lahat na nag-effort at pinag-isipan ang mga detalye ng festival,” Accad noted.

“Isang magandang pagkakataon ito na maipakita ang makulay na kultura ng ating bansa. At alam ko ko isa itong karanasan na hindi malilimutan sa high school,” she added.

Giving recognition to their coach, Janna Mariel Calida of Grade 8 Honesty shared how they were able to push through with winning the championship title.

“He [Coach] really helped us work on our teamwork po talaga and dahil po sa kaniya, we were determined to win,” said Calida.

With the spirit of community, teamwork, and creativity, the junior high school learners proved how they are worthy to be called Shepherds even in showcasing their skills through the art of dance and festivities.

✍️ Ma. Sophia Antonio
📸 Krishan Scud Evidente, Charles Kenneth Conin-e, Asaliah Faye Salemizadeh

22/09/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Scenes from the mass demonstrations held yesterday, September 21, at the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and Luneta Park in Manila for the “𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝘀𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵” and “𝗕𝗮𝗵𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗮” respectively.

Coinciding with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, these protests condemn the rampant and systematic corruption within the government amid ongoing anomalies on flood control projects and call for the accountability of officials in a tense display of public outrage.

📸 Hanna Palomer, Courtesy of Lyron Lim

21/09/2025

𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗔 | 𝗣𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝟰-𝟲, 𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗱𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗚𝗦𝗖𝗦 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱; 𝗕𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝟰, 𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗻

Makukulay na kasuotan at props ang bumida sa Field Demonstration ng Baitang 4-6 nitong ika-20 ng Setyembre sa Neopolitan Brittany Badmintong Court. Ang patimpalak na ito ay isa sa mga aktibidad para sa pagdiriwang ng ika-30th na anibersaryo ng pagkakatag ng GSCS. Sa bawat kumpas ng kamay at indayog ng katawan, muling ipinamalas ng mga mag-aaral sa Middle School ang kanilang likas na pagkamalikhain, lakas, at pagkakaisa sa entabladong sumasalamin sa diwa ng mga Philippine Festival.

Ang programa ay pinangunahan nina Bb. Krista Andrea De Jesus at G. Joshua Necasio bilang mga g**o ng palatuntunan. Sinimulan ang programa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakilala sa mga hurado ng kompetisyon na sina Ginoong Adrian Trapal, Binibining Judith Sindico, Binibining Mary Rose Canon, Binibining Feenylyn Saez, at si Binibining Rose Ann Olarte.

Unang nagpakitang-gilas ang mga mag-aaral mula ikaanim na baitang sa kanilang makulay na pagtatanghal ng Panagbenga Festival mula sa Baguio City. Suot ang mabulaklaking kasuotan, kanilang itinampok ang namumulaklak na kultura ng Cordillera.

Sinundan ito ng ikalimang baitang na naghatid ng nag-aalab na enerhiya sa kanilang interpretasyon ng Sinulog Festival mula sa Cebu, isang pagtatanghal na nagdulot ng hiyawan at palakpakan mula sa mga manonood.

Hindi naman nagpahuli ang ikaapat na baitang na nagbigay-buhay sa Masskara Festival ng Bacolod. Sa kanilang makukulay na maskara at masisiglang galaw, matagumpay nilang naipadama ang diwa ng “City of Smiles.”

Pagkatapos ng mga pagtatanghal, inanunsiyo ang mga nanalo sa nasabing patimpalak. Ginawaran ng Best Costume Award at Most Organized Award ang baitang apat, naging 2nd runner up naman ang baitang lima, itinanghal din bilang 1st runner up ang baitang 6, habang dineklara namang kampeon ang baitang apat.

Sa nasabing patimpalak, ibinahagi ni Francheska Linsangan mula baitang apat ang kaniyang naramdaman sa pagkapanalo.

“I feel very happy and I'm very proud to our group because we work hard and we won! I'm very thankful to all who helped us to become a winner. I'm very very happy and I enjoy doing the field demo.” inihayag niya sa isang panayam.

Sa kabuuan, ang makulay na selebrasyong ito ay hindi lamang nagbigay-aliw kundi nagpatibay rin ng kultura ng pagkakaisa, pagkamalikhain, at pagmamahal sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa.

✍️ Kyss Arcansalin
📸 Sellynah Jusay, Aaliyah Francisco

21/09/2025

𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟 | 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿?

𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 21𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳?

The night when people clamored in fear, their eyes fixed on their television screens as the president they admired and gave power to ruthlessly silenced the doves of freedom that were flying overhead. This was the night that democracy hung from the gallows.

On this day, September 21st, marks the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law by the former President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. through Proclamation No. 1081.

The Martial Law era marked the darkest moments of our nation’s history, with thousands of lives lost, billions of pesos stolen, and the freedom of Filipinos left in limbo. According to the Guinness World Records, this period was one of the defining factors which led them to bestow the dictator with the title of “Greatest Robbery of a Government,” due to an estimated national loss of $5 to $10 billion USD.

From its implementation in 1972 to 1981, the prevailing zeitgeist of the time was shrouded in strict military surveillance, restriction of certain freedoms concerning assembly, press, and speech, and forced disappearances; with families still up to this day grappling with the precipitous loss of their relatives.

It is important to remember that Marcos’ Martial Law ended because of the People Power Revolution in 1986—one that used nonviolence over bloodshed.

Although the act of the yellow revolution deemed successful in toppling the senior and revamping the once status quo, it was starkly reversed 36 years later, with his son taking up the position he once vehemently held on for over two decades.

With three years now in his term, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has weathered numerous instances of political instability. From infighting within his family to the dramatic falling out that transpired with his once confidants, the Dutertes, all eyes are focused now on the issues surrounding the corruption on the flood control mess, with tycoon and farmer alike expecting what happens next.

A lot of things have happened since Marcos Jr. ordered the flood control probe. Two senators have been name-dropped in relation to the flood anomalies. The House Speaker resigned, and the Senate President was ousted.

The government has always been a house of cards; one mistake, one wrong action, or, in this case, the wrong use of public funds, has caused those cards to lose their value.

In a press conference, Marcos Jr. announced that only 15 firms were responsible for flood control projects amounting to 545 billion pesos. After that, our economic planning minister, Arsenio Balisacan, reported that corruption has stolen 70% of the funds allocated for flood control.

Corruption neglects duty and doesn’t feel shame.

It doesn’t feel shame when it shakes the hands of the very people it betrayed during campaign season. It doesn’t feel shame when it offers a blue bill to voters during election day, and it sure doesn’t feel shame when it steps inside a car dealership and buys a Rolls-Royce simply because of a little umbrella.

As St. Augustine of Hippo once said, “In the absence of justice, what is sovereignty but organized robbery?” The stability of a nation devolves under the weight and ignored tolerance of corruptible politicians oftentimes holding the most influential positions of government.

For years upon years, we believed corruption’s bluff—we allowed it to hold dominion over us. For years, corruption has been staring us right in the eye, wearing a defiant smirk, saying: “Fight against me. I dare you.”

And today, on September 21, 2025, the Filipinos did remember.

We realized that the cards that we were holding were aces. Today, on the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law—the anniversary of the day our country was plunged into darkness, marks the beginning of the end of corruption’s regime.

A torch has been lit, we are marching towards freedom, carrying no political color on our backs. Today and all the days after, we understand that it is not just one figurehead that we are fighting against, but rather, systematic corruption that enables politicians to corrupt and citizens to tolerate their shameless deeds.

𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 21𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳?

Yes, the Filipinos remember and will never forget.

Today and all the days after begins our formal campaign against corruption and all other forms. Today is a reminder for all aspiring leaders that public service means service to the public, that our country is a democracy, not a monarchy nor a dictatorship.

Power belongs to us!

✍️ Editorial Board of 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌
🎨 Riley Christi de Guzman

21/09/2025

𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗡 | 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂’𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗮𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗮𝗹𝗮: 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗼𝗱 𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗮𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿

Isang lagda, isang utos—at isang bansang binihag ng sariling pinuno.

Setyembre 21, 1972. Sa ngalan ng kapangyarihan, sinakal ang demokrasya, binali ang karapatang pantao, at binura ang kalayaan ng bawat Pilipino. Sa araw na iyon, binalot ng matinding dilim ang bansa, dilim na nagmula sa lagda ni dating pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Sr. sa Proclamation No. 1081, ang dokumentong nagdeklara ng Batas Militar sa buong Pilipinas. At sa araw na ito, Setyembre 21, 2025, sa ika-53 anibersaryo ng Martial Law, muling humaharap sa atin ang paalala na ang kalayaan ay laging dapat ipaglaban, at ang kasaysayan ay hindi dapat malimot, sapagkat ang paglimot ay pintuan tungo sa panibagong kadiliman.

Isinapubliko ang deklarasyon noong Setyembre 23, 1972, dalawang araw matapos itong bigyang lagda ni Marcos. Sa pamamagitan ng radyo at telebisyon, iginiit ng dating pangulo na nasa bingit ng pagbagsak ang ating Republika.

Ipinunto ni Marcos na lumalakas ang New People’s Army (NPA), ang armadong grupo ng Communist Party of the Philippines, na diumano’y kumikilos upang pabagsakin ang gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng armadong rebolusyon. Ayon sa kanya, ang mga pag-atake at engkuwentro ng NPA ay patunay na ang buong bansa ay nasa ilalim ng banta.

Idinagdag niya ang malagim na pambobomba sa Plaza Miranda noong Agosto 21, 1971, kung saan dose-dosenang inosente at mga lider ng oposisyon ang sugatan. Kasabay nito ang. Imahe ng lumalalang krimen at kaguluhan, kung saan maging ang mga kilos-protesta ng kabataan at manggagawa ay itinuring na panganib sa kaayusan.

Ginamit din niyang katwiran ang diumano’y pananambang kay dating Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile sa Quezon City noong gabi ng Setyembre 22, isang insidente na makalipas ang ilang taon ay inaming walang kabuluhan. Sa pamamagitan ng mga pangyayaring ito, itinahi ni Marcos ang larawan ng isang bansang nasa binggit na ng pagbagsak.

Ngunit sa likod ng mga pangangatwiran ukol sa “pagliligtas sa Republika,” nakatago ang tunay na layunin, ang konsolidahin ang kapangyarihan. Sa pamamagitan ng isang lagda, nagsimula ang halos isang dekadang paghahari sa ilalim ng Batas Militar. Mula 1972 hanggang 1981, tuluyang pinatahimik ang midya sa pamamagitan ng sapilitang pagpapasara sa mga pahayagan, radyo, at telebisyon. Isinara ang Kongreso, pinatigil ang bisa ng Konstitusyon, at sinuspinde ang mga karapatang sibil. Ipinatupad ang mahigpit na curfew, ipinagbawal ang malayang pagtitipon, at kahit ang simpleng pagtuligsa sa pamahalaan ay naging dahilan ng pagkakaaresto.

Kaakibat nito libo-libong Pilipino, mga estudyante, aktibista hanggang sa mga g**o, pari, manggagawa, at karaniwang sibilyan ay dinakip. Marami ang tinortyur sa mga lihim na pasilidad, pinaslang nang walang paglilitis, o basta na lamang naglaho, kabilang sa tinatawag na mga desaparecidos o mga taong sapilitang pinawala at hindi na muling nasilayan. Makikita na ang pangakong kaligtasan ay nauwi sa pangamba, at ang ipinangakong Bagong Lipunan ay naging maskara ng isang diktadurya na lumamon sa kalayaan, karapatan, at kinabukasan ng sambayanang Pilipino.

Ngunit hindi kayang supilin ng dahas ang tinig ng sambayanang nananabik sa kalayaan. Sa bawat kulungan, may mga kabataang hindi sumuko. Sa bawat lihim na imprenta, may mga dyaryong nagbunyag ng katotohanan. Ang dugo ng Martial Law ang naging binhi ng People Power, isang rebolusyong nagpabagsak sa diktador at muling nagbalik ng liwanag sa bansa. Natapos ang mahabang gabi ng diktadura sa pamamagitan ng EDSA People Power Revolution noong Pebrero 1986. Hindi bala o dahas ang nagpatalsik sa isang diktador, kundi ang pagkakaisa ng milyun-milyong Pilipino. Sa apat na araw ng pagtitipon at pakikibaka, nagwakas ang halos labing-apat na taon ng panlilinlang at muling nabuksan ang pinto para sa ating demokrasya.

Ang ilang taon ng diktadura ay hindi lamang nag-iwan ng sugat sa lipunan, kundi isang mapait na tanong sa kamalayan ng bawat Pilipino—ano nga ba ang tunay na mukha ng hustisya at kalayaan? Hanggang ngayon, nananatiling buhay ang alaala ng panahong iyon. Sa bawat paggunita, muling sumisiklab hindi lamang ang mga kwento ng pang-aapi, kundi higit sa lahat, ang diwa ng tapang ng bawat Pilipinong lumaban, mga tinig na hindi kailanman pinatahimik at mga hakbang na hindi napigil ng takot at pangamba.

Ang Batas Militar ay nagsisilbing mabigat na paalala na ang kalayaan ay dapat ipaglaban, at ang kapangyarihan, kapag ipinagkatiwala ng sambayanan, ay nararapat gamitin para sa kanila, hindi laban sa kanila. Sa bawat matang namulat, sa bawat pusong nanindigan, bumangon ang bayan, at muling sumiklab ang liwanag ng kalayaan.

Dahil sa huli, ang kapangyarihan ng tao, na mula sa tao, ay para sa tao—hindi laban sa tao.

✍️ Kryztina Casandra Moraleda
👩‍💻 Jonah Marie Vigonte

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