STUDENTS from several Manila universities marked International Students’ Day on Nov. 17 with a protest against corruption in government and education—and vowed to join a larger anti-corruption mobilization set for Nov. 30 at Luneta.
The Nov. 17 demonstrators, led by the Youth Rage Against Corruption (YRAC), said their participation in the nationwide Nov. 30 protest would build on the momentum of earlier youth-led walkout movements on Sept. 21 and Oct. 17.
Despite rains, students marched from España Boulevard to the Mendiola Peace Arch. Authorities initially barred the rally near the bridge leading to Malacañan Palace, but later permitted it on the condition that it remain peaceful and last only 45 minutes. The protesters then moved the program to Recto Avenue.
Carrying placards and banners calling for the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte over flood-control controversies, the groups also criticized the move to subpoena student leaders involved in earlier anti-corruption actions.
Education concerns
Beyond government corruption, student groups condemned budget cuts, poor infrastructure, and other education sector issues.
Allen Ballesteros, secretary general of Anakbayan UST, said he joined the protest to call out the Marcos administration’s shortcomings in the youth and education sectors.
“Makikita natin habang ang edukasyon, mababa ‘yong budget, sa mga private schools matataas ang tuition at nire-repress ang mga kabataan … [makikita ang] ang kriminal na kapabayaan ng pamahalaang Marcos sa sektor ng kabataan at estudyante,” he said.
Chronic Rodriguez, Panday Sining Malate chairperson, said state universities were bearing the brunt of the cuts and stressed the need for accessible, quality education nationwide.
“Dapat hindi lang po ang mga kabataan sa kalunsuran ang makakakamit ng ganitong tipo ng edukasyon kundi lahat ng tao sa Pilipinas,” she said.
Students from the University of Santo Tomas, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines Manila, De La Salle University, Philippine Normal University, and Mapúa University joined the demonstration.
