APEC: Affecting Local Farmers and Students Through Neoliberalism

Rally partaking at Malolos Crossing, McArthur Highway, Bulacan

A rally against Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit was conducted on the premises of Malolos Crossing in Bulacan last Wednesday, November 18, 2015.

“Partido-Pagkakaisa ng Demokratikong Mag-aaral”(PDM) Bulacan State University’s Democratic student leaders and a group of local farmers congregated in Malolos, Bulacan in order to voice out their disapproval against the Philippines hosting of APEC Summit.

In spite the fact that APEC is insuring sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific regions, different groups and organizations in Bulacan and Pampanga are still against it due to the pronounced act of Neoliberalism.

“Mahirap na yung bansa natin e lalo pa nilang pahihirapan.” Said Jeff Raso, a farmer in Norzagaray Bulacan, when asked what his statement against APEC is.

“Neoliberalism is an approach to economic and social studies in which control of economic factors is shifted from public sector (Government) to the private sector.” – Investopedia

And the said effect of this approach according to PDM is a major change through privatisation of public infrastructures and establishments, such as the privatisation of state colleges and universities and further torment to local farmers and fishermen.

“Nakikiisa ang mga estudyante, ang PDM, dahil maapektuhan ang mga State Colleges dahil sa Privatisation (na epekto ng APEC). Gusto kasi ng gobyerno na mabawasan ang sinusustentuhan nitong mga State Universities and Colleges upang mapunta ang pondo sa ibang mga bagay at hindi para sa edukasyon. Kaya gusto nilang maging pribado ang karamihan  ng mga state colleges.” said Freud Alejandro, a member of PDM.

 Mr. Henry a farmer of San Luis Pampanga states his reason of joining the said rally.

“Laban kami sa APEC dahil pati ang mga kabuhayan namin e maapektuhan. Tulad na lamang ng sa  bigas, kung hindi kami makapaglalabas ng bigas e maaring mag-import ang ating pamahalaan mula sa ibang bansa, tulad na lang ng mga NFA(rice)”

From Malolos the ralliers shove their way to Manila, where the APEC Summit is, to ignite more power and to voice out all of their appeals against the possible neoliberalism due to APEC. 

**Here are some of the shots taken from the rally:**

A 140th Blissful Birthday for the Hero of Tirad Pass

Gen. Gregorio del Pilar’s statue during his 140^th Birth Anniversary

History happened once again in the premises of Bulakan municipality as Bulakenyos celebrated the 140^th Birth Anniversary of their beloved hero and soldier Gen. Gregorio del Pilar at San Jose Bulakan, Bulacan, early Saturday morning, November 14, 2015 at the exact place where the young general’s house use to stand.

Some of Gen. Gregorio’s relatives happily stake their joy as they garnered together with Bulakan’s Mayor, IGG. Patrick Meneses; Bulacan-Zambales Head of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Alex Balagtas; and Head of the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO), Dr. Eliseo dela Cruz at the General’s humble home.

The event having a theme of “Heneral Gregorio H. Del Pilar: Huwaran ng Kabataan, Gabay ng Nagkakaisang Bayan” started to the ascent of the Philippine Flag, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem which was then followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Following a short prayer offered by Resurreccion Villanueva and greetings of acknowledgement proceeded by IGG. Manuel Dionisio the Barangay Captain of San Jose.

Amid all of the celebration a little glimpse about the sequel of the biopic film Heneral Luna which will be presenting Gregorio del Pilar’s life was specified in a speech given by Gregorio’s great grandson, Dr. Gregorio E.H. del Pilar.

“Some knew that Heneral Goyong’s name is soundly these past few months, in fact Bong (Vicente “Bong” Enriquez III) and I was talking about it. Due to the present popularity of the film Heneral Luna, many have stated that there is a plan to make a movie out of Gen. Goyong’s life and I assure you that that would be interesting because Gen. Goyong, a real revolutionary hero, as said by some wasn’t perfect. Who of all heroes, which were not even a saint, were perfect?”

Vicente “Bong” Enriquez also stated in an interview, that as one of the relatives of the Del Pilars, they’ve wanted to bring out what was true and right in the film.

“In our part, where in we’re involved (as a relative) and we knew what the story really is, we just wanted the film to be right; Right for us and for Bulakan. Because 60 of Goyong’s comrades were from Bulakan and one of those was my father (Vicente Enriquez.) “

Mayor Patrick Meneses also stated in an interview that Gregorio’s relatives are currently in the process of researching to insure the factuality and truthfulness of Gregorio’s life that will be shown in the film. And when asked if the government of Bulakan will be supporting in financial matters, Mayor Patrick jokingly said that they should as well have a profit on it, if ever.

A street dance competition and a forum at Marcelo H. del Pilar Shrine also took place and delighted the Bulakenyos and individuals who participated in the wonderful commemoration.