T.S.E.K.!

Press Release
June 25, 2009

Hundreds of youth and students join Mindanao-wide coordinated action against charter change



DAVAO CITY—More than a thousand (1,374) youth and students from schools and communities joined a Mindanao-wide coordinated action (Mindanao Day of Youth Action) against the commercialization of education and Charter Change last Tuesday (June 23).

The said protest action was led by Lihok Estudyante ug Kabataan Batok Krisis ug Komersyalisyon (LEKSYON), an alliance of various student and youth organizations, Kahugpunga sa Kabatan-onang Kabus sa Dabaw (KABAKA) and Kabataan Partylis.

“As youth and students, we are taking our part in registering our opposition to charter change and the commercialization of education,” Myrna Imperial, LEKSYON chairperson said.

Participating students from major colleges and universities in the city such as Assumption College of Davao (ACD), Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), University of Mindanao (UM), University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), Brokenshire College and Davao City National High School (DCNHS). There were also participants from progressive youth and students organizations under LEKSYON such as KABAKA, Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students – Davao (LFS), Student Christian Movement of the Philippines – Davao (SCMP), Kabataan Partylist and College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)

“We are against the Constituent Assembly spearheaded by Congressman Prospero Nograles in the House of Representatives to push for Arroyo’s Charter Change because it is a clear manifestation of the governments’ non-prioritization of the basic needs of the people, including education. The government is instead putting at stake our national patrimony via charter change,” Imperial said.

The group also protested against House Bill 737 passed by House Speaker Prospero Nograles which gives one hundred percent foreign control on industries and institutions including the sector of education.

The protest culminated with a street concert featuring local bands and with guest performer Musikang Bayan, a Manila-based progressive band.

This Mindanao-wide protest was held simultaneously along with other key cities and provinces in the island including Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato City, Marawi, Iligan and Zamboanga City.

“The youth and students have proven, through this mass action, that we have the power to change history and demand for a scientific, nationalistic, and mass-oriented education which needs no charter change,” Imperial said.


For Reference:
Vicente Catalan Jr. | LEKSYON Media Relations Officer | 0912-535-3487