UP SAMASA Alumni Association Launches “Pirma at Pagasa” Campaign, Mobilizes Youth, Multi-Sectoral Reps Against Political Dynasties


QUEZON CITY, August 21, 2026, Friday — The UP SAMASA Alumni Association has launched “Pirma at Pagasa,” a volunteer-driven signature campaign calling on Filipinos, particularly young people, to participate in the Dapat Isa Lang People’s Initiative seeking to ban political dynasties in the Philippines. The event was launched at the Ambion Room, UP College of Law, UP Campus, 1:00- 4:00 pm, August 21, 2026.

At least 60 individuals representing multi-sectoral groups, namely from the youth, academic and school organizations, church and religious groups, civil society organizations, and senior citizens groups; and 29 individuals (through Zoom) participated in the initial activity.

Rather than marking its 45th anniversary solely with a celebration, the UP SAMASA Alumni Association has opted to commemorate the milestone through civic action—mobilizing volunteers, educating communities, and helping gather signatures for the people’s initiative.

The campaign begun with an introduction on how to help gather support and conduct petition-signing activities in their respective communities. The participants were oriented about the campaign, explained the petition-signing process, and equip volunteers with the knowledge and skills needed to engage citizens responsibly and effectively.

Atty. Alex Lacson of Dapat 1sa Lang Movement underscored the importance of banning political dynasties in government, which he said is "the root cause of systemic corruption" in the county.

He added that dynastic families are "behind the biggest corruption scandals in government" for several decades, since 2002 (fertilizer scam), 2013 (Napoles pork barrel scam) to 2025 (flood control project scam).

He added that the reign of dynastic families in the country can be stopped by having signature campaign to enact a people's initiative to pass an anti-dynasty law.   

(Atty. Alex Lacson of Dapat 1isa Lang Movement)

“Pirma at Pagasa” carries a simple message: every signature represents a citizen’s voice, while every volunteer helps build hope for a more democratic future. The campaign seeks to make participation accessible and meaningful, encouraging young Filipinos and partner organizations to take part not merely as spectators, but as active participants in democratic change. 

The initiative is being undertaken in support of Dapat Isa Lang, a people-powered effort advocating for the prohibition of political dynasties. Through coordinated signature drives and community-based volunteer activities, participating organizations aim to broaden public participation and strengthen the call for political reform through people's initiative. 

On September 22, Dapat Isa Lang will launch a digital petition on its website www.D1L.org where registered voters can sign the people’s initiative against political dynasties. an sign the people’s initiative against political dynasties


                                                (Photo: Atty. Carlo Africa of Dapat sa Lang)

The campaign invites youth organizations, civic groups, alumni associations, community organizations, and concerned citizens to join the movement.

“Pirma para sa Pagbabago. Pag-asa para sa Bayan.”

The UP SAMASA Alumni Association calls on all people to sign, volunteer, organize, and inspire others to take part in this nationwide civic effort.

Pirma at Pagasa — Tara, Kabataan! Together, let’s make democracy stronger.

#PirmaAtPagasa

#DapatIsaLang

#BanPoliticalDynasties

#TayoAngPagasa






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

UP SAMASA Alumni Association: A Brief History and Beyond

Image
  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 ...
Read more

Activism in the Philippines: A History of Resistance and Resilience

Image
  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...
Read more