THE UST Simbahayan Community Development Office will hold a week-long series of events to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.
The annual “Francisco De Vitoria Linggo ng Karapatang Pantao,” set on Sept. 20 to 26, consists of a Holy Mass, a film viewing, and a cultural event.
The event, named after the Dominican theologian who defended the rights of the Indians in the New World, carries the theme “Sigwa ng Karapatang Pantao: Alaala ng Martial Law at Aral ng Nakaraan Para sa Kasalukuyang Lipunan.”
“We’re reclaiming the traditions of Dominicans when it comes to human rights. So doon namin pinangalan ang ating commemoration ng Martial Law at ng human rights,” Simbahayan director Froilan Alipao told the Varsitarian.
The Holy Mass and candle lighting will be at 2 p.m. on Sept. 20, and will be led by Pax Romana – Arts and Letters unit.
On the same day, a film screening of “Liway,” which depicts the struggles of a mother and child during Martial Law, will be held at 1 p.m. It will be led by the Arts and Letters Student Council.
Simbahayan will also screen “11,103,” a film documentary on survivors of violence during Martial Law, at 9 a.m. on Sept. 24 at the Central Laboratory Auditorium.
The week-long commemoration will conclude on Sept. 26 with “Kulturalan 2025,” a cultural event showcasing poetry, music, and performances. Led by the Central Student Council, it will be staged alongside Recruitment 101 at the Plaza Mayor.
Alipao emphasized the role of Thomasians in shedding light on the history of Martial Law and upholding human rights.
“Dapat i-abot natin sa ibang kapwa natin, sa lipunan, sa kalikasan, ang ating mga natutuhan, bilang magiging malaking ambag sa paglilingkod at ambag sa pagiging Kristiyano nating na mga Tomasino,” he said.
On Sept. 21, 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. signed Proclamation 1081, declaring Martial Law in the Philippines.
The public, however, only learned of it on Sept. 23, 1972, by which time the arrests of opposition leaders and critics had already begun. Czeantal Naomi P. Delos Santos
