Last September 20, the Department of Humanities took part in the launching of the UPLB Day of Remembrance to commemorate the 50th year of the Martial Law declaration. This is the fifth year since UP declared the Day of Remembrance on September 21, 2018.
Apart from the UP system-wide activities, UP Los Baños planned series of events with the theme, “Manindigan sa Katotohanan, Itanghal ang Katarungan.” It is a multisectoral event that involved the UPLB Department of Social Sciences, UPLB Department of Humanities, UP Academic Employees Union Los Baños, the University Student Council, and the UPLB Perspective.
The opening ceremonies started with a short mobilization at the Carabao Park, followed by the “Gunitang Bayan Street Art” held at the Student Union Building. According to Asst. Prof. Laurence Castillo of the Department of Humanities, the event transpired through a series of solidarity speeches “that extolled the need to commemorate the heroism of Martial Law-era activists and address the problem of historical distortion.” A candle lighting ceremony happened thereafter in honor of the Martial Law heroes and martyrs.
Meanwhile, the Department of Humanities held an audiovisual exhibit and freedom wall at the CAS Annex 1 Lobby that employees and students alike participated from September 21 to 30: DHUM Exhibit and Freedom Wall on the Day of Remembrance (Photo by Asst. Prof. Laurence Castillo)
“May pangangailangang maging malay sa pagsasakasangkapan sa wika, panitikan, sining, kultura, at iba pang anyong pang-midya sa pagpapalaganap ng kasinungalingan”, the department declared through an official statement released on September 21.
On the importance of raising awareness about truth in Martial Law, the department states, “Nakalubid sa mga paggunitang ito ang patuloy na hamon sa kolehiyo, sa unibersidad at mga institusyon ng kaalaman na magsilbing lunsaran ng mapagpalayang kaisipan at patuloy na banggain ang mga tangkang paglilihis sa katotohanan at pagpapatanggap sa sistema ng dahas at paninikil.”
The department is still accepting essay and poem submissions for ML@50 Timpalak Pampanitikan until October 30. The competition is open to all college students in CALABARZON. Entries must focus on the relevance of studying and commemorating Martial Law in a modern Marcos regime. Winners will be announced on November 28. The department will also hold a Martial Law film screening and roundtable discussion with cultural workers on November 28 and 29. Details about the said events may be checked through the UPLB Department of Humanities Facebook page.