Bastions of Activism
by Marione Paul Paner

“Tunay! Palaban! Makabayan!”

One can hear this deafening shout across Palma Hall.

A sound of students shouting, joining hands to stand for what they believe in. They cry for freedom, they cry for justice, they cry for their nation.

These scenes are ordinary in the University of the Philippines . Throughout the years students of the University of the Philippines have proved their strong allegiance to the democratic advancement of the Philippine society.

As UP celebrates its 100th year of existence, it also celebrates its tradition and culture of activism. One cannot really separate UP from activism. In fact, it has been the status quo to say that the university is one of the cradles of student activism in the country, if not the “bastion of activism.”

However, UP’s state of activism has come a long way and many of its critics and predecessors are not satisfied. According to Jose Maria Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines, in an interview by Bulatlat.com ,describing the current state of UP activism (http://www.lfs.ph/2008/01/23/state-of-up-activism-during-your-time-an-interview-with-jose-ma-sison/), “the progressive student organizations and student masses have not yet succeeded in mobilizing themselves in great numbers.”

Activism in its essence can be described as involvement in action to bring about change. It is therefore a stand for change, be it social, environmental etc.

Activism in UP is not inherent but a part of worldwide movement. It was brought about by socialist’s movement and radical movement in the 18th century. These ideologies pointed out the importance of liberty. They believe that powers should be subject to social control than individual determination.

UP has a long tradition of activism. During the late 50’s, students gathered in the fight that said to be one of the most remembered battles of UP students, the “Diliman Commune.”

It was the time when the university was transferred from its campus in Manila to Diliman, which was a US military settlement.

According to Elmer A. Ordonez , a retired professor of English and Comparative Literature at the university and author of the book “Diliman: Homage to the Fifties,” It was also this time when UP’s former president

Bienvenido Gonzales was rumored to be remove from office, because he refused to grant Malacanang’s wish to give Indonesia President Sukarno an honorary doctorate. Students rallied behind Gonzales to Malacanang on March 29, 1951. Students stopped police from entering the campus, formed a human barricade and proclaimed the Diliman Commune, which lasted for eight days.

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