By By Juliane Judilla
Amidst the continuous rise in the prices of basic commodities and the lack of aid for affected sectors, labor groups, farmers, and fishermen gathered in a protest on January 31 in front of St. Clement’s Church in Iloilo City, urging the government to address issues of hunger, poverty, and the mismanagement of funds.
Led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)- Panay, the groups expressed their concern over the ongoing increase in the prices of essential goods such as fuel, rice, and other necessities, while workers’ wages remain stagnant. They accused the government of ignoring the needs of drivers, small businesses, and the many sectors struggling to make ends meet.
“Livelihoods of drivers and small operators are being destroyed while the poor continue to suffer,” stated Elmer Forro of BAYAN- Panay.
Peasant groups called for government assistance amidst the hardships caused by El Nino and state-imposed closed fishing seasons and fish bans, which further worsened their situation. They also condemned the violent actions against communities, including bombings, harassment, red-tagging, forced surrenders, and the chaos caused by military operations.
The groups also raised concerns about the militarization of cities, where they claim fake organizations are being established, and genuine grassroots groups are being undermined. They also pointed out the use of anti-terrorism laws to file charges against development workers and human rights defenders is seen as an attempt to silence those working to help the poor and marginalized, citing the cases of several Non government organizations and civil society organizations that are facing multiple trumped up charges of financing terrorism filed by state forces.
The groups also pointed to the government’s priorities, accusing it of siphoning off funds meant for essential services while the people continue to suffer. Budget cuts to education, healthcare, and other social services were highlighted, while the government’s debt payments, pork barrel allocations for construction projects, and election-related funds were criticized for continuing to grow.
Several protesters carry empty lunch boxes to symbolize the struggle of parents who can’t afford to send their children to school due to low wages, despite promises of free education.
“Like lunch boxes that are empty, it represents not just the lack of food but also the financial burden of schooling, with hidden costs making education inaccessible. They also reflect the government’s unfulfilled promises—free education that still comes with expenses, and wages that remain too low to support families,” said Arlie Bosque of Kabataan Party-list Panay.
The protest concluded with a call for unity and action to demand change. The groups vowed to continue their protests until the government addresses their calls for urgent reforms and better distribution of resources for the welfare of the Filipino people.
“We have the power to change our situation. We must fight for our rights and livelihoods. Hold the US-Marcos regime accountable and make Duterte answer for their crimes against the people,” they declared./PT
