"THE PLEDGE"

"THE PLEDGE"

 (Inspired by 'Kassaman' by Moufdi Zakaria) 

We affirm by the storms and lightning that destroys

We affirm by the rivers that today blood flows

We affirm by the scarlet banners proudly wave

We affirm by the mountains witnesses may say

To the people now awakened gone to fight

Had enough of pain whether to live or die

We are determined to that our homeland will live

We are determined to struggle to be free

SO ARE WE, UNTIL DEATH, HEAR US WE!

 

We are warriors risen in struggle for the truth

We are warriors even we face the dreaded noose

We are warriors even no one listened to us

We are warriors whose sound's the barrel of the gun

With the rhythm of the battle goes aloud

No matter the pain or death still we're proud

We are determined to that our homeland will live

We are determined to struggle to be free

SO ARE WE, UNTIL DEATH, HEAR US WE!

 

You oh tyrant the time of reproof is at end

You oh tyrant like a book your power now at bend

You oh tyrant the day of reckoning begins

You oh tyrant wake up from thy foolish dreams

This struggle is an end of empty talks

As the people now eyes open, rose, and walk

We are determined to that our homeland will live

We are determined to struggle to be free

SO ARE WE, UNTIL DEATH, HEAR US WE!

 

From thy people lies an army come to bring

From thy people now in unison in sing

From thy people will forge a nation that's to come

From thy people till death a glory will be done

And on our shoulders we shall raise our flags

No matter it end tattered becoming rags

We are determined to that our homeland will live

We are determined to struggle to be free

SO ARE WE, UNTIL DEATH, HEAR US WE!

 

The wail of the homeland resounds from the battlefields

The wail of the homeland resounds till tyrants yield

The wail of the homeland be written by the blood of martyrs

The wail of the homeland be answered: fight back never fear

With the folk together we have sworn this oath

Walking fire, facing hell, till freedom won

We are determined to that our homeland will live

We are determined to struggle to be free

SO ARE WE, UNTIL DEATH, HEAR US WE!

"Neither Fear nor Bullet can stop them from marching for Land and Justice!"

"Neither Fear nor Bullet can stop them from marching for Land and Justice!"

A note in commemoration of the 38th anniversary of the Mendiola Massacre

By Kat Ulrike

This note is one with the folk in commemorating the 38th anniversary of the Mendiola Massacre. 

This incident, made during the early months of the post-Marcos era, has shattered hopes of "change" as the peasants, calling for genuine land distribution, were responded by gunfire from state authorities led by former Generals Alfredo Lim and Ramon Montano. 

The gunfire lasts for several minutes and it ended with 13 killed protesters and others wounded at Mendiola where they assert for land and justice. This incident, for three decades this brutal incident was never resolved, that there was no justice given to the victims and their families, what more that this was the biggest crimes ever done by the Aquino regime who ironically, promised to deal seriously the "peasant question" through the promise of agrarian reform.

The call continues to resonate as before. No matter how the order as trying to forget or treating as any other political promise, the call for genuine agrarian reform and rural development remains the serious desire for landless peasantfolks that still at the mercy of landlords and compradores alike. The latter's "Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program", like its predecessor and successor laws, has failed to succeed its goal for distributing land, what more of using it as a ruse to turn what is supposed for the landless into a "chance" to convert agricultural land into "agro-commercial", or even "industrial".

That until today continues under the Duterte administration. That contrary to what the regime has taken pride of supporting the peasants and promising them with land, its allies, mainly compradores and landlords, uses state forces in its dirty war against the peasantfolks- of occupying their communities, hamletting, intimidation, and harassment. More than 500 farmers have been killed during his nearly five-year rule. It is unsurprising, that the incident at Mendiola, as well as Hacienda Luisita, Kidapawan, Negros, and others brought by the order against the folk, should be recognised as an example of indisputable truth of class relationships that's antagonistic. There is nothing more foolish and reactionary than what was brought by the order and those who speak of "reforming", when in fact having the fear that the peasantfolks themselves will take arms forces these privileged orderists to make a "compromise" with the angry folks while sharpening its knives to stab their backs. It is not surprising that the "compromise" such as a faux-agrarian reform program isn't a reform at all, let alone an impression that the order is "concerned" about the majority. "A victory for farmers and democracy" as one right-wing legislator say, when in fact this consolidates the semifeudal-semicolonial order.

But will these peasantfolks yield? No! Given the centuries-old repression, disenfranchisement, deceit, will these peasantfolks who struggle for land and justice accept their whims? As far as a concerned knows that they had enough of the promises as they sought the fear and death brought by the order and its attack dogs. They had also enough of the blame games, the red taggings, the malice also brought by the same order who claimed that the agrarian reform of theirs as a "victory for farmers and democracy".

Regardless of attempts to refute by neoliberals and orderists alike, promoting genuine agrarian reform and rural development will always be the call of the peasantfolks. It is a centuries-old struggle that through various forms of action and resistance they strongly cling to their lands amidst attempts to seize by landlords and large conglomerates who want to take over the land they have cultivated and enriched. And to think that various agrarian reform laws have ended in failure, then that "victory for farmers and democracy" is nothing but bullshit, a mockery of those whose colleagues killed by that centuries-old order who takes pride in that "agrarian reform" of theirs. 

"Biden won, but does it really mean hope for the American people?"

"Biden won, but does it really mean hope for the American people?"

From his inauguration as president of the United States, Joe Biden takes over the reins of this "most powerful imperialist state" in the world. Using the promise of unity and recovery, the United States and the global capitalist order, still reeling from crisis and recessions, is trying to consolidate its interests and expand hegemony. 

For since day one, Biden has already been able to demonstrate that he will reverse the policies undid by Trump- but thus doesn’t benefit the people except those clinging to interests, making him worse especially for the Third World, than those of his predecessor.

That in a matter of hours, the newly elected president resurrected that terrible Transpacific Agreement, which was torn up by Trump, which includes ultra-liberal content that will affect industries in various countries around the world. 

Not satisfied, Biden reversed Trump's project of a troop withdrawal from Iraq. After all, Biden was one of the greatest defenders of the invasion of Iraq and he intends the U.S. occupation of the region to become permanent. He also demonstrated what he intends for Syria through an American military train invested in the north-east of Syria and an Israeli attack that killed 4 people in the country.

And along with his cabal that tends to expand and upheld an Atlanticist agenda, Biden can possibly scrap Trump’s efforts in building relations with North Korea, and promised to recognize Juan Guaidó's fictional ′′government′′ with a pledge to restore ′′democracy′′ in Venezuela.

With regard to Trump's many mistakes (involving Iran, China, Latin America, Israel, Yemen, etc. ), everything indicates that Biden will follow the same path. There is little chance of an understanding with Iran, and everything indicates that sinophobia will remain part of the official US government address-and is set to continue and intensify US aggressive military action in the South and East China Seas to counter China’s expanding military strength. It will continue to strengthen its influence and power in the Middle East to control oil resources. The desire of the US to penetrate the European oil market will come into conflict with Russia which supplies a large part of natural oil to Germany and other countries.
But compared to Trump's mistakes, Biden will add up to the mistakes of Reagan, Bush sr., Clinton, Bush jr. and Obama. Russia will again be enemy number 1. North Korea will again be under a more closed siege. If Trump didn't end any of the wars of his predecessors and kept bombing the countries invaded by them (although not to the same extent), it all indicates that Biden would open new fronts to consolidate further interests, and branded as “American world leadership”—a euphemism for U.S. global hegemonism. With this kind of aim, however, has to confront the reality of a multipolar world with China as a rising economic and geopolitical power.

All these actions happened in less than 24 hours. With flattering journalists asking Biden if he “would unite the country",  these were completely ignored. It is not surprising that he ignored the question, as the regime faces the heightening struggle of the American working class and people to defend their economic and political rights. That in a time of prevailing pandemic crisis and trying to "undo" the problems brought by the former Trump administration, it will be under pressure to "take seriously the promises" and respond to the growing clamor for jobs, wage increases, better working conditions, and expansion of state guarantees; as well as racial justice and an end to xenophobia, bigotry, police brutality and militarization of law enforcement.
And to think that the "American World Leadership" has meant aiming to revive its goal for hegemony in the face of growing tensions with a rising China, expect the Biden regime trying to curry favour with other vassal countries "in the name of defending democracy" when in fact trying to consolidate interests in connivance with its local allies. In the Philippines, the Duterte regime, known for being supportive of the former Trump administration, has trying to curry favour this time despite the fact that allies within the Biden administration opposed Duterte's domestic policies, while at the same time seeing others also within Biden's circle wanting opportunity to offer Duterte military assistance as the latter desperately need for support in its "war on drugs" and "counterinsurgency"- if not seeking for U.S.-made vaccines especially in a time people criticising those manufactured in China.

With these turn of events, one would say that the American folk as well as others doesn't stop from being concerned. Yes, Biden won the presidency with all the promises he said enough to counter Trump's, but does it mean will undo the injustices both domestic and international while at the same time consolidating its interests?

Perhaps "wait and see" is the answer for today.

Why on earth they think more of “Constitutional Amendments” than “Controlling the Pandemic”?

Why on earth they think more of “Constitutional Amendments” 

 than “Controlling the Pandemic”? 

(Or: “thoughts after legislators favouring neoliberal travesty over national patrimony”)

It seems that legislators are stubborn in pushing for amending the 1987 constitution, what more of justifying it. For as they try to limit the amendments to those of economic provisions, the assurances brought by these legislators and supported by certain groups tries to make the plan look "less controversial."

And trying to be done in the middle of the pandemic, these legislators, especially those of House Speaker Velasco and his cohorts  in the House of Representatives are pushing in making national patrimony open for foreign control, that economic liberalisation be presented as a "panacea" for economic ills, that 100% foreign investment and the right to control utilities will "break the oligarchs" and "generate jobs"- no matter the fact that it also meant further exploitation.

Sacrificing patrimony for "aid" and "investment"

However, this aim has been repeated since the past. Especially with the promise of "economic aid" has meant sacrificing national patrimony and killing businesses. Macapagal's Decontrol, which replaced Garcia's "Filipino first policy" meant further consolidation of both oligarch and multinational interests what more of  in exchange for a stabilization loan coming from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Even Marcos himself who, while posing as a nationalist, rather continued the decontrol program and the diktat of the IMF-WB thinking that those are "inseparable from the philosophy of free enterprise." Even during Martial Law which involved some semblance of industrialisation rather benefited his cronies and other entrenched interests, with development that's built on debt. 

With history as a reference would say that efforts in promoting development as rather flimsy, either lives it up on credit or waiting for an interest-seeker to "invest" with concessions offered such as right to exploit resources, manpower, and be presented to many as means to create jobs, development, etc even it meant low wages and depriving the right to organise into unions and assert bet. But despite the promises and some "appeals to national interest", this agenda undermined the efforts to industrialise and plunged the nation into a crisis. Industrialisation as rather limited if not a snail's pace as compradores and multinationals blocked the efforts to promote it. And as the Philippine economy continues to be long dominated by both local compradores and multinational corporations, these two have accumulated superprofits both by plunder and exploitation of country's human and natural resources- and it is unsurprising that local compradores like the Cojuangcos, Zobel de Ayalas, Pangilinan, Villar, and others serves as local agents of foreign capital with apologists ever trying to justify the need for a further open to exploitation. 

Is it really to end the "oligarchs" or pitting the "oligarchs" against another?

Perhaps, a concerned would say that the order has again stubborn in its wanton idea of attracting more foreign investments through economic liberalisation. This is more than just a series of concessions but a policy based on a diktat of multinational moneylending agencies and of companies wanting to exploit the nation's natural resources and manpower. And apologists would agree knowing that open borders meant chances of entering international capital even it sacrifices national patrimony in it. After all, "nationalism" is already passe in favour of a neoliberal "global village"; aside from using the "oligarch" card and by telling that liberalising the economy means putting an end to the oligarchy while disregarding that same liberalisation also meant giving the foreign capitalist the right to own land, natural resources, and control utilities in the name of business operations. The latter, of course sounds appealing.

For the economic liberalist this would call it as competition between local oligarchs and foreign capitalists, of local versus foreign capital; but with the reality that neoliberalism has brought a 'dog-eat-dog' kind of truth, calls for economic liberalisation is in fact equivalent to complete economic subjugation to both local and foreign interests- with provisions offering the lowest workers wages and least regulation to plunder local resources. It will lead to worse forms of labor exploitation through wage repression, flexible employment schemes to extend workdays, abuse of workers rights, and job insecurity. It will also result in worse plunder and poisoning of environment due to large-scale mining, massive plantations, unsustainable tourism, and operations of economic zones. It is not surprising for as in the past, that from these big foreign capitalists (mostly multi/trans-national companies) have been in connivance with local oligarchs in exploiting the country's human and natural resources which have accumulated superprofits, while its apologists would babble words like "free enterprise", "free trade", and other similar terms along with justifying low wages, de-representation of workers, rising costs of commodities and services, and the destruction of natural environment and national heritage on the basis of "progress".

Also to think that from this kind of venture, that various policies prior to this thought of amending the constitution has gradually liberalise the economy; and those who favour an untrammeled kind of capitalism really wanted to "move away" the economy from the nation. Yet, since this kind of 'liberalisation' has rather benefited the order than those of its supposed clientele, the promise of development brought by that economic liberalisation has failed to enable the local economy to stand on its own. That on the pretext of "destroying the oligarchs" instead have succeeded in killing local industries and pushing small agricultural holders into bankruptcy and favouring multinationals and local oligarch partners. 

Regardless of their statements, the neoliberal-oriented proposed economic amendments rather expands the existing ones brought by interest-seekers for years. Of course those who insist tend to popularise it by claiming it will "break the reign of the oligarchy" by means of "attracting investors" and "expanding the pie", but the fact that this trickle down fantasy has benefited the ruling order, then what kind of development these people seriously talking about? May as well sounds like "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."

***

As of this present, these legislators, along with neoliberal-oriented pressure groups, would "try their best" to make people accept these amendments and at the same time detest those who equate economic protectionism to those of "supporting the oligarchs." But to think that this is done in the middle of the pandemic and these people are hurriedly talking about this instead of dealing with the present situation, then no wonder.

If this note meant protectionism then yes, protecting national patrimony and defending workers rights. But does it mean shunning outright foreign direct investments? In fact the country can still accommodate foreign investments and loans if these provides the country with the least costly access to needed technology, products, and markets as defined by specific economic plans. But what the country needs is a serious economic direction that both accommodates foreign investments and at the same time protecting and fostering the growth of local enterprises to ensure the needs of the Filipino folk. Especially that in this time of pandemic where possible scarcity be occurs, perhaps the need for a nation to roll sleeves and work to produce what is needed has becoming necessary. 

Frankly speaking, given this pandemic situation, that foreign direct investments alone won't save the country from another pandemic. Given that most countries had no choice but to roll their sleeves and start producing their own, then why not produce own products and seriously engage in promoting local alternatives even for the sake of supplanting its imported counterparts? For sure the country is capable of making PPEs the way it seriously researches on the use of Lagundi and Virgin Coconut Oil as COVID19 treatments, and the likes that most countries may offer but not of this time.

 This country need to be self-reliant to survive.

"In defence of their Institution, Instruction, and Dissent."

"In defence of their Institution, Instruction, and Dissent."

(Or: "Thoughts after the recent scrapping of the UP-DND Agreement)

At first, this note joins the University of the Philippines community in denouncing the statement brought by Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for unilaterally abrogating the 1989 UP-DND agreement and other earlier pacts like the Soto-Enrile Accord. This move to abrogate agreements clearly wanted to sow fear with the University be under the control of armed state elements. 

This unilateral gesture, justified on the basis of "defending the community against lawless elements", is actually a move against an institution known for promoting critical thinking, progressive instruction, and academic freedom- and this attributes meant for the order to be scrapped in favour of obeisance to "government policy".  It is also a calculated move, that along with the passage of the anti-terrorism act and other recent actions brought by state elements, it will be naïve for the folk to believe that Malacañang only supported Lorenzana's actions but the fact that Duterte agreed to the decision of the Defence Secretary includes an imprimatur to justify such moves.

But "defending the community against lawless elements?" actually, using the University as an example shows that if the regime afforded to shut down ABS CBN, or threatened Rappler and Inquirer, so is the capability to interfere UP and other higher learning institutions. After all, his patience with opposition, though valid, is most of the time slim if not lacking or even nothing.
And to think that this is done in the middle of the pandemic wherein the university community also called for transparency if not criticising government's action in controlling this pandemic-driven situation, then no wonder the authorities had that thought of tearing the agreements and strike fear to the community itself, not just the professors nor the students. For sure they have wanted to attack just because prior to this tearing there were major rallies situated in the site with strong, loud, calls ever resonating against the tyrant in Malacañang! Thus, unsurprising. 

***

Seriously, the UP-DND agreement and other earlier pacts were signed to protect campuses and students from intervention from state elements and to safeguard the students academic freedom, progressive instruction, and creative scholarship. This termination, no matter how it uses "protecting the youth" or "defending the community", not only contradicts the very essence of the agreement, but outright ridiculous especially in a time people having public distrust on Duterte and his administration- and that includes police and the military.
Also to think that the University of the Philippines has become one of the last few remaining spaces in expressing dissent, the scrapping of the agreement, along with the passage of the anti-terror bill, and the massive red taggings and slander is a shameless attack against democracy. That with the use of state elements would say that the order is not just threatening with words- but also with actions that endangers freedom, safety, and lives of those who stood and criticise against the regime and demand a radical alternative to this ever-rotting order. 

Ironically, this scrapping coincides with the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Diliman Commune, an uprising of students, faculty, workers, and residents within UP Diliman against the price hikes and the invasion of state forces within the university. This also coincides with the celebration of the "Second Edsa Revolution", a series of protests that includes those from UP, that overthrew Joseph Estrada from the presidency. For sure these experiences that UP actively involved is the one of the fears Duterte and his camarilla may have think upon.

***

Admittingly speaking, this writer who wrote this note doesn't come from that university one would say as a "Parnassus of knowledge". But he bid kudos to the community and its supporters for their defence of academic freedom amidst the risks of today’s time. It is not surprising for as the university promotes critical thinking and creativity, and on some cases, going beyond parameters to promote a greater cause, then this writer is ought to say that the ever- rotting order felt fear as the UP community itself has continuously seeking truth from facts that refutes the order’s narrative. 

And if UP created rebels as what the order thinks of, then yes- they are rebels imbued with honour and excellence that’s willing to serve the people even at the expense of their comforts, and regardless of both existing and upcoming risks. From this would say that the people applaud of their efforts and contributions, of their sacrifices; while the order detests them pretending they're pitying. 

For now, as the authorities talking about scrapping agreements on the basis of “national security”, then expect resistance not just from the UP community itself, but also others may also affect from what the order has shown upon. Not surprising if the order may have thought of having a “night of the long truncheons” to happen in and around the campus all for the sake of that goddamed “national security," out of fear that another Diliman Commune would happen, much more of a new First Quarter Storm.

But the community will never yield. 

Enough of state-sponsored sarcasm! The people needs COVID19 vaccination and its distribution!

Enough of state-sponsored sarcasm!
The people needs COVID19 vaccination and its distribution!

On behalf of those concerned, this note urges the Filipino folk to get COVID19 vaccination. 

For despite the fears brought by the Dengvaxia scare during the past administration, it is to the greater interest of public health and sanitation that in fighting this COVID19 pandemic that as many people be vaccinated, basing on scientific information as well as findings of international regulatory bodies concerning the efficacy and safety of vaccines such as those developed by various pharmaceutical companies. 

However, it is also to be respected those who have the right to refuse of not getting vaccinated all due to their personal reasons. But in line with the health campaign to prevent the spread of  infections caused by COVID19, various agencies, groups, and individuals must raise the awareness of the crucial responsibility of the state to provide the people affordable, if not free access to vaccines to ensure that the large majority of the population are to be immunised from the disease. 

At present, a number of countries have already put into place plans to provide vaccination programs with various pharmaceutical companies (Gamelaya, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sinovac...) willing to offer their vaccines to countries like China, Russia, the United States, among others. Even countries like Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Cuba, have developed their own vaccines and are set for distribution.

But as for the Philippines, efforts in acquiring vaccines has been mired in controversy due to Duterte's half-hearted program to control the disease. Other than without a comprehensive plan for mass vaccination and the allotment of 2.7% of the required 72 million pesos for the "purpose" of vaccinating 60% of Filipinos, officials have to compete in the "Race" to earn their kickbacks and win contracts. The recent unauthorized vaccination of the "Presidential Security Group" as well as some members of the cabinet using smuggled vaccines has created an ire, offending the supposed frontliners-the health workers, and the Filipino folk.   

Furthermore, Duterte's last year's statement "offering a reward" for Filipinos to invent a vaccine for COVID19 has mocked the Philippine Scientific Community knowing that the government has done nothing to help raise the country's capacity to conduct research and development in creating not just vaccines but also provide necessary treatments for the affected. As of this present, the use of virgin coconut oil as a potential antiviral agent is promoted to alleviate symptoms brought by the disease while Lagundi and Tawa Tawa, two known potential medicinal herbs against COVID19, has still undergoing studies. 

As the number of countries acting seriously and coordinatedly in pursuit of controlling and eradicating this COVID19 pandemic, the Duterte administration's lack of clear plan such as to acquire enough vaccines has forced local government units, and private institutions to acquire on their own, what more of their preferred distributor over those from the administration's preference such as China-based Sinovac. 

It is not surprising as this half-hearted program to control the disease or should say the administration's sarcastically-treated action has boiled down to the thought of "how to make Filipinos given immunity and treatment for COVID19 patients" versus "the use of pandemic as a deterrent, a fear" just to promote their 'new normal' that's based on repression, alongside its existing drug war and its rants against the opposition. 
But despite this, it is the duty of the concerned to demand the need for ensuring health, that amidst this COVID19 pandemic, that along with the immediate support for frontliners, the concerned urges state authorities to provide a sound COVID19 vaccination program.

"Fuera Pandemia! Viva Jesus Nazareno!"

"Fuera Pandemia! Viva Jesus Nazareno!"

As for the devotee, it is their faith that seriously matters most that sometimes even at the expense of their well-being.

 

Especially that amidst this ever-prevailing COVID19 pandemic, the devotees of the Black Nazarene remains true in their belief as they visit the shrine at Quiapo, Manila last Friday and Saturday, disregarding the procedures both given by the Church and the local authorities, bringing serious concern by people after seeing pictures in social media. 

Yes, it is quite concerning for knowing that even in this pandemic and its risks there are those who rather chose to pursue still their devotions. "A centuries-old tradition" as one may say, enough to justify bending advisories or the law itself just to express their faith with their wishes carrying in it. 

But to think that this happens to be in the middle of a serious concern, that there was no “Traslacion” happened, that everything was scaled down, and most of the faithful who trying to continue with their yearly devotion had to wear face masks ranging from flimsy pieces of clothing to the usual blue surgical type; and with their faceshields that mostly on their heads and not actually on their faces, while some rather chose not to as if disregarding the risks. Yet, to think that there are those who chose to bent advisories, of those really insist “tradition” over those of the risks, they did traverse on barefoot the streets of Quiapo just to reach their place of devotion and the relic they cherished. 

All these would say expressed deep concern that even the faithful themselves speak about this. Yes, there was no Traslacion as the event itself all but scaled down, yet thousands still gathered to Quiapo just to hear mass with 400 people allowed to enter the Church proper for the relic itself; and wouldn’t be surprised to see some disregarding the advisories all because of their “traditions” they carried through- most of with, again, driven by desperation with the yearning for removing various obstacles especially in this time of pandemic. 

And to think that with scenes has shown mixed reactions, authorities like the Department of Health reported crowds of devotees wanting to enter the church premises for their vows, citing pictures to prove the need for control- that includes reiterating its call for devotees to "opt for the virtual masses" as an alternative from visiting Quiapo, citing possible COVID19 risk. On other hand, local authorities, and organisers described the event as "peaceful" citing devotees themselves patiently lining up outside of the church for the mass, with authorities ensuring strict implementation from outside the church up until roads like Quezon boulevard and Espana. 

But this doesn't stop the devotee from pursuing their faith. Irresponsible perhaps, but for a devotee whose turning to faith as a response to their usual situations (such as uncertainty and injustice), then nevermind the angry crowd, the authorities, nor the risks brought by COVID19 as they will keep on praying for God for help and salvation; trying to find their own solace as possible inside if not braving the crowd just to reach the Lord of Pardon that is, Jesus Christ himself. 

"More than just a steel church- it is a Community worth cherished and preserving"

"More than just a steel church- it is a Community 

worth cherished and preserving"

A note on the recent calls for preserving
the still threatened San Sebastian Church

by Lualhati Madlangawa-Guererro

Warm, Patriotic Greetings.

After efforts to preserve the famous San Sebastian Church in Quiapo Manila for several years, the call to save the famous steel church is starting to resound aloud again on social media as heritage advocates and concerned folks alike voiced out concerns over the looming threat over the country's most important architectural treasures. 

For due to the construction of a 31-storey condominium known as the "University Home Recto", that structure, to be set right behind the centuries-old church, has caught media attention three years ago and has been underway amid the pandemic, making interest over its adverse effect be discussed again by various concerned entities and individuals.

A bit of history

Built in 1891 by Gerardo Palacios with inputs from Gustav Eiffel and his firm, San Sebastian church, made out of steel from Europe, was made in response to the earthquakes that shook Manila and destroyed its original structure. 

However, despite its steeled appearance that showcases the modern developments of 19th century using a new type of building material, its architecture reminded its parishioners of much earlier Gothic churches from Europe, a further beyond from the familiar churches in the Philippines that's based on Baroque and of classical architecture. Its interiors were hand-painted to look like stone, with wall paintings of statues and saints done by the Academia de Dibujo, Pintura y Arte, headed by Lorenzo Rocha, a multi-awarded painter. The basilica’s walls and ceiling also feature the work of turn-of-the-century artists Isabelo Tampinco and Felix Martinez.

With this remarkable structure, this age-old church that stood the test of time was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1973 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2011.

a matter of "heritage" versus "development"

It is not surprising that this issue is becoming a matter of "heritage" versus "development", especially that after the recent demolitions of old yet remarkable structures of the past, if not building structures that are "photoboming" places of interest, projects that are promoting "development" such as that condominium raises question if not alarm especially when the district affected includes a place of interest that's declared a National Historical Landmark and a National Cultural Treasure. 

Furthermore, the structural and architectural integrity is being compromised due to the proposed project, and this also affect other heritage sites as well such as the Casa Consulado of the Iturralde family, and the Legaspi residence. 

For the apathetic, they would dismiss heritage and instead urge to "move on with the times" all thinking that New Yorkers have no qualms about skyscrapers in close vicinity to their St. Patrick's Cathedral, if not those from Mexico City with skyscrapers surrounding the Angel de la Independencia monument. And from that for sure one would remember Consunji's DMCI even envisioned Torre de Manila would pave way to more skyscrapers that would soon rise above Rizal's grave. 

With this kind of thought would say how right is the statement from the page Renacmiento Manila, that: "As Manila's heritage is being endangered by institutional neglect and lack of appreciation, we are losing a great cultural inheritance that has the potential - when properly harnessed and taken care of - to revitalize the city and make it a unique cultural hotspot in South East Asia."

Making development closer to the roots by seriously preserving heritage

On behalf of this note, this writer, as others concerned, is ought to say that preserving heritage does not harm development. But rather make development closer to the roots, to the needs of the people including those of its culture, and not those of entrenched interests wanting either destruction or distortion. For San Sebastian Church and its surrounding environs, as any other age-old structure, are not mere edifices worth dismissing as others think of, but testaments of a nation's glorious past.

At present, the Order of Augustinian Recollects, along with San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation Inc. and concerned folks within the community are seriously committed to save this age-old national treasure and its surrounding community it serves. With the efforts in seriously restoring the basilica includes this opposition to this "University Home" condominium that's scheduled for construction behind it. 

With the hashtag #SaveSanSebastian, this public call for support meant not just protecting or preserving the structure, but also its legacy that's born from resilience for over 400 years past. And from that steel-clad past becomes more than just keeping a landmark structure but also a community driven by faith. 

With the link below the goal is to raise 400,000 signatures until August 2021 as this also marks the 400 year anniversary of the first San Sebastian Church. This general petition also shows a collective effort of concerned folks who not just care about the basilica but also the neighbourhood that cares for it. 

Hope that in signing also includes raising awareness about San Sebastian Church, its timeless relevance, and why it must be protected and preserved for future generations. Again, in this link shown below this note urges those concerned to support efforts in preserving the church, and the community it serves- in upholding faith, community, and heritage.

http://chng.it/XHB6XxXFXt