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Showing posts from August, 2024

UP SAMASA Alumni Association: A Brief History and Beyond

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  UP students waving the SAMASA banner flag (Photo credit:  Home - Samasa Alumni ) The University of the Philippines (UP) SAMASA (Sandigan para sa Mag-aaral at Sambayanan) is one of the most prominent student political parties and activist groups in the history of UP Diliman as well the country’s student movement. It has played a significant role in shaping student politics, activism, and broader social movements in the Philippines. SAMASA was particularly influential during the turbulent years of the 1980s and continues to have an impact today through its alumni, who have gone on to serve in various capacities in government, civil society, and other sectors. Origins and Founding UP SAMASA was established in the early 1980s, a time when the Philippines was under the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. The political climate on campuses across the country, including UP Diliman, was charged with dissent and resistance against the oppressive regime. It was within this context ...

Activism in the Philippines: A History of Resistance and Resilience

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  Activism in the Philippines: A History of Resistance and Resilience The Philippines has a long and storied history of activism, deeply rooted in its colonial past and continuing into the modern era. From the fight for independence against Spanish colonizers to contemporary movements advocating for human rights, environmental justice, and good governance, activism in the Philippines is a testament to the Filipino people's enduring spirit of resistance and resilience. Historical Roots: The Fight for Independence (Filipino expatriates in Europe who formed the Propaganda movement. Credit: Wikipedia) The seeds of activism in the Philippines were sown during the Spanish colonial period, which lasted for over three centuries. The Filipino people endured oppression, forced labor, and social inequality under Spanish rule. This led to the emergence of nationalist movements in the late 19th century, most notably the Propaganda Movement, which sought to achieve political reforms throug...