Sept. 21 through the eyes of first-time protesters
On Sept. 21, the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law, thousands of Filipinos flooded the streets across the country to condemn the billions of pesos stolen in “ghost” flood control projects. The people’s call was resounding: We are plenty, and we are not letting anyone get away with this.
Many Gen Zs who had yet to join a protest heeded the call of their fellow Filipinos to join them on the streets and let their anger and frustration be heard—never mind the lack of sleep from schoolwork, or the fear of going alone. They recount their experiences below, and apparent in their stories are nerves, yes; but mostly courage, hope, and a fire to keep the fight going.
Erika Mae D., 24, Manila
I had goosebumps throughout the experience. I felt free. I felt heard. I was just shouting the chants and even my sentiments. I want to prove that many of us are against corruption and are serious about changing the oppressive system.
Larizza B., 17, Pasay
Sobrang ginhawa sa pakiramdam kapag alam mong hindi lang ikaw ‘yung may gusto sa gano’ng pakikibaka. Mga kasabay mo pa sila sa kalsada, pinaglalaban ang dapat, nasa ilalim ng arawan. Impossibleng ako lang ‘yung pumuntang walang tulog at kain at sakto lang ‘yung pera. Napatunayan ko na hindi lang galit ang dala namin, kundi pag-asa—na may pananagutan at hustisya pa ring pwedeng ipaglaban. Mahalaga ang boses ng bawat isa, at doon ko nakita na kapag nagkakaisa tayo, naririnig tayo.
Isa pa ay pare-parehas lang tayong biktima, kaya dapat pinaglalaban natin kung ano ang dapat para sa atin, hindi lang bilang isang estudyante o mamamayan sa bansa, kundi bilang isang anak ng manggagawa, suki ng mga tricycle o jeepney driver, at Pilipinong kinakawawa ng sariling bansa.
Jani B., 22, Manila
I’ve wanted to join a rally for years, but I was too scared and young to answer the call. I decided to join now because if not today, then when? I was also deeply moved by the youth and people of Nepal and Indonesia. I realized that, if they can do it, then why can’t I? There’s nothing wrong with voicing my opinions, and I know that my call will be even louder if I’m doing it together with people!
The rain didn’t stop us from shouting, and everyone was still holding and raising their flags up high despite the gloomy weather. That stood out the most to me because it showed how no type of resistance could break how powerful, determined, and desperate our hearts are for accountability and radical change.
Gene S., 20, Mandaluyong
Bilang iskolar ng bayan, I owe it to the masses to advocate for a better and transparent government (dahil) sila ang nagpapaaral sa akin. Hindi dapat dito nagtatapos ang pananagot sa korap na gobyerno at bulok na sistema. The rally will forever remind me that we should never get tired of fighting for the truth, kahit na paulit-ulit tayong pinapatahimik.
Bernie F., 18, Manila
(I kept thinking) how easy it seems for the corrupt to ignore the rallies that took place on Sept. 21. They probably feel a sense of security, like, “This issue will die down naman like usual.” At times, that made me feel defeated, but then I realized this mindset can’t last anymore. I keep reminding myself that the Philippines is prone to supertyphoons; these ghost projects will keep being exposed, and people will keep being reminded of them every typhoon. This anger won’t just disappear because I felt this shared agreement within the crowd that people are absolutely done with empty calls for resiliency.
Zhena P., 16, Pasay
At first, I felt anxious since it was my first protest and I knew no one. Someone approached me habang kumakain ako; she invited me na sumama sa kanila saglit and we talked about politics and ‘yung personal beef ng mga tao sa gobyerno. Habang tumagal, the sense of unity was clear. Everyone there was making a political statement: Wakasan na ang korapsyon. Every chant, every placard mattered. It felt necessary.
Joining the protest taught me that change starts with us, the youth. It’s scary to stand alone at first, but when you see the crowd united, you know you’re not really alone.
Angela V., 19, San Juan
What I took away (from the protest) is that even the youth have a vital role in this fight. Some may say we are too young to contribute, but the truth is, simply being Filipino is already a great contribution. All of us, whether directly or indirectly, pay taxes through VAT, which means we all have a stake in demanding accountability from our leaders.
I also realized that our love for the Philippines has no color. We should never idolize politicians as if they are above us. They are accountable to us because we are the ones who pay their salaries. They owe their positions to the people, not the other way around.
Joseph L., 18, Las Piñas
Nung nandoon ako, walang ibang laman 'yung utak ko kundi, "Ganito pala kapag sama-samang sumisigaw." Ang saya sa pakiramdam. 'Yung dating inaaral ko lang, ngayon, isa na ako sa kanila.
Amber T., 19, Quezon City
One thing I appreciated throughout the rally is that despite being "strangers," we still stuck together because we are fighting for the same cause. A girl that I had met only a few hours prior was locking arms with me as we squeezed through the crowds in Luneta. The people I had just met were sharing meals, stories, umbrellas and water under the heat; we were fueled by anger, but I was also fueled by the joy of finding community.
Nash B., 15, Legazpi City, Albay
I went to “Lakaw Kontra Korapsyon,” which means “lakad kontra korapsyon,” in Legazpi City. Hindi masama ang rally; kaya may rally dahil may masama!
Anne B., 19, Manila
I don’t even know why I was so scared at first, but it's true that fear feels so small when you’re surrounded by so many people, especially when you know you're all fighting for the same cause. I didn't feel overwhelmed. I felt welcomed and more empowered to keep showing up for others and for myself. I also came home from the Tyler The Creator concert four hours before I had to go to the rally, so if you wanted to, you would!
