Residents, local leaders, and sectoral representatives of Calumpit town in Bulacan will hold a Black Sunday Unity Walk on Sept. 21 to demand for justice and accountability over the town’s persistent flooding problem and alleged corruption in flood control projects.

Mayor Lem Faustino urged all Calumpiteños to join the peaceful event which will start at 4 p.m. at El Mercado De Calumpit. 

Participants are encouraged to wear black as a symbol of solidarity and mourning for the community’s long-standing struggles.

“In the midst of relentless flooding, lack of transparency, and corruption, we can no longer remain silent. It’s time to take a stand, time for those responsible to be held accountable,” Faustino said.

The mayor stressed that the gathering is not only about seeking solutions to flooding but also about confronting injustice.

“Sa gitna ng dilim, tayo ang liwanag ng isa’t isa. Tayo ang tinig ng inaaping mamamayan. Tayo ang tinig ng bayan (In the midst of darkness, we are each other’s light. We are the voice of the oppressed citizens. We are the voice of the nation),” she added.

Faustino said Calumpit "is not only drowning in floodwaters but also in corruption, neglect, and injustice."

She noted that residents have endured years of hardship, holding on to hope that lasting solutions would come, only to be let down by greed and corruption.

“Calumpiteños, let’s come together to pray for our town and for other communities suffering from floods. Join the Inter-Faith Prayer Vigil! No color, no religion, no social class, because of the floods, we are all victims. Let’s unite to fight for justice, for those affected today, and for the future of our children,” the mayor said.