MSU-GSC sees 1st student rally as MSUans amplify nat’l clamor vs. infra works corruption

Clad in white, MSUans, alumni, and university officials, expressed rage over government corruption in the first-ever student walkout and indignation rally at the university gymnasium, September 19.

The demonstration was held in solidarity with calls for accountability amid corruption in government infrastructure projects which has been exposed in defective and non-existent infrastructure works of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) last July. 

© Loiu Gee Tamalon

While photographing fellow MSUans during the rally, Katrina Elises said she felt goosebumps as she heard her fellow students’ rants. 

“Makita jud nimo ang kaaagig sa students ba habang nagatapok sila, makita jud nimo na gusto na jud nila sang change,” Elises said. 

Moreover, she expressed frustration as rallies are often misinterpreted as anti-government actions.

“Pangit lang sa part na ang mga tao, gina look ni siya [rally] negatively na against daw ta sa government. Lantawa, pano ta dili maging against [sa government] na harap harapan nata ginaloko,” Elises remarked.

First student walkout in MSU-GSC history

For Ramzel Delloro, president of the MSU-GSC Supreme Student Council (SSC), the rally marked a historic moment for the university.

“Nag organisa at nagkasa tayo ng pinakaunang student walkout at rally dito sa MSU-GenSan before and after the pandemic. Akala ko hindi ko na masisilayan sa student life ko na magkakaroon ng rally sa MSU-GenSan. It only [took] a few years pala to bring back that fire within us. Natutulog lang pala, akala ko wala na,” Delloro stated.

University Officials’ support

Vice Chancellor for Students Affairs and Services (VCSAS), Norman Ralph Isla, who also attended said that he was pleased with the students’ initiative, describing it as an important step toward political and social awakening.

“Para sa OVCSAS, malaki itong hakbang para sa mga estudyante. Not just only for political awakening, but pagiging tao. May sensibilidad ka ba na ‘para ito sa bayan ko eh’. Kung mahal mo ang bayan mo, itatama mo, iko-call out mo kung ano ‘yung bali. Kung hindi mo mahal ang bayan mo, ayaan mo na lang itong malugmok at pagnakawan ng mga buwaya”

Furthermore, he emphasized that students, as iskolars ng bayan, have the right to demand accountability. 

“Taong bayan ang mga nagpapaaral sa ating mga iskolar, kaya dapat lang na ibalik din natin, na hindi natin tanggap ang ganitong klaseng pangungurakot, ang ganitong klaseng kasamaang ginagawa nila sa buwis ng bayan, na pinaghirapan ng taong bayan” Isla pointed.

As MSU-GenSan is a peace university, Isla linked activism to the attainment of peace.

“Peace is not only about being silent. It is also about seeking justice. Hindi porket, kailangan mo ng kapayapaan ay ikaw ay mananatili lang sa kathimilan. Hindi, kailangan bumoses ka, mag-ingay ka, para ‘yung hustisya ay maibigay sa atin,” the VCSAS said. 

Isla stressed that there are times when citizens must be politically awakened and actively involved, warning that silence only allows corruption to persist.

“May panahon dapat kung kailan ka politically awakened. Kung kailan ka dapat makialam. Kung kailan ka dapat mating nonchalant,” he said. 

He added that today’s youth have grown up in an era tainted by corruption, and it should not be accepted as normal; instead, the younger generation must raise their voices and refuse to remain indifferent.

Peaceful but not silent

University Chancellor Atty. Shidik T. Abantas also attended the rally, urging students to remain vigilant in checking the government and contributing to the country’s recovery.

“Kasi baka gamitin kayo ng ‘bring someone home’ diyan,” Abantas said jokingly, cautioning students against allowing political interests to hijack their movement.

The chancellor’s words of support for student activism were met with applause from the crowd.