To commemorate the 50th year of the Martial Law declaration, a group of teachers on Wednesday, Sept. 21, dedicated classes to “enlighten” students about its historical truths.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines held a walk-through exhibit to enlighten the students about what transpired during the declaration of martial law years in the country.
“We need to be an empowered people who are critical and patriotic enough to check those in power and make the government accountable to the people,” said ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua.
Quetua, who is also a teacher of humanities in a public senior high school, dedicated his classes to martial law education and shared with his students the historical facts about the Marcos dictatorship.
During his discussion on martial law education, Quetua underscored the need to educate young people --- who were not alive at that time --- about the suppression of the rights of the people and monopoly on power, among others, during these years.
LOOK: Teachers under @actph1982 hold a #MartialLaw walk-through exhibit to enlighten students on the 'historical truths' during the years under the Marcos dictatorship. ( ACT Philippines) #NeverAgain #NeverForget
— Merlina Hernando-Malipot (@MB_InaHernando) September 21, 2022
@manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/A7ecxmhcuP
More than ever, Quetua highlighted the important role of teachers in educating young people about the country’s history. He noted that teachers, in various ways, can raise awareness of the “truths” of martial law as part of their duty to the people.
Meanwhile, Quetua also reminded the people --- especially those who are part of the current administration --- of their duty to the people.
“Those in office should serve the interest of the people, most especially the impoverished and oppressed majority, and not their own selfish gains,” Quetua said.
“Hindi bulag na pagsunod, kundi demokrasya ang kailangan para sa ikauunlad ng bayan (It is not blind obedience, but democracy that is needed for the development of the people),” he added.
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https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/17/a-trip-down-memory-lane-teachers-launch-martial-law-lakbay-aral-for-students/