Activism and Sacrifices During Marcos Era

Aug 22, 2024

Lecture Notes

Overview

  • Discussing the experiences and sacrifices of activists during the Marcos era in the Philippines.
  • Personal reflections on activism and human rights advocacy.

Key Themes

Motivation for Activism

  • Activists aimed to be part of the dissolution and fight for human rights.
  • Sacrifices made for the love of country and commitment to making a difference.
  • Personal stories of physical, psychological, and emotional torture faced by activists.

Personal Experiences

  • Mention of a significant activist, Bonnie, who was the chairman of the habit on Hawaiian in UPD during Marcos' time.
  • Sharing of experiences of torture and challenges faced within the human rights movement.
  • The impact of personal connections and familial ties in activism.

Reflection on Events

  • Discussion of martial law and its implications on civil liberties and human rights.
  • The declaration of martial law as a strategic move by Marcos to control dissent and suppress opposition.
  • Personal accounts of how activists organized and operated underground during this period.

Historical Context

  • Reference to the ambush incident used as justification for martial law.
  • The role of media and propaganda in shaping public perception during the Marcos regime.
  • Insights into the corruption and cronyism that became prevalent during martial law.

Impact of Activism

  • Importance of documenting and acknowledging human rights violations.
  • Discussion on the ongoing struggles and the necessity of continuing the fight for justice.
  • Reflection on the sacrifices made by activists to secure human rights and democracy.

Concluding Thoughts

  • Activism is portrayed not only as a personal journey but as a collective struggle for a better future.
  • The importance of learning from past experiences to inform current advocacy efforts.