Clinched fist, defiant words, Che Guevara T-shirts, red banners, mega-phones, folk songs from the 1970’s, and protest placards — these are the classic symbols of political activism here in the Philippines. These are the representations of the progressive social movement whose advocates are sometimes stereotypically branded as communists, NPA-sympathizers, anarchists, or socialists. However, advocates of the progressive social movement also include the academe sector, the business or corporate sector, the civic sector, religious groups, politicians, and the youth. The leftist or socialist-leaning groups are only caricatures of the real progressive social movement.
The real street parliamentarians are actually comprised of different sectors of Philippine society. They do not merely want media mileage. They demand authentic reforms. They are the catalysts of change not only in terms of inciting public indignations against government corruption and abuses. They are also the guardians of civic liberty and human rights. Their ranks are maybe small in number when they are marching in the streets but they are only the tip of an iceberg. They are the courageous voice of the silent and disenfranchised majority. Without their vigilance, the nation will be the milking cow of the greedy and the power-hungry.
Political activism is not a mere fad in college campuses. It is not a past time of the radicalized youth. It is not a mere exercise in futility. Political activism should be the obligation of all Filipinos who have real concern for their country. Political activism is not limited in street protests. Political activism is also about vigilance and the desire to participate in creating a better society.
You do not need to wear arm bands or carry placards to become an activist. If you are afraid of being sprayed by high-pressure water cannons or if you are afraid of being mauled by police truncheons, online activism is a viable option. Although it is a weaker and less-involved form of activism, it is a better alternative than simply being silent.
The streets have been the traditional battlefields for political activism but today the web is an emerging new ground for social awareness and political participation. If you want to be counted, you can start by reading and signing-up to the following online advocacies:
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