IN AN effort to consolidate the involvement of Ateneo youth in responding to socio-political issues, a group of Ateneans unveiled a student movement called “Kilos Kabataan” yesterday.
USAD Premier Lanz Espacio read the movement’s statement after the candle-lighting vigil commemorating the 7th anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre.
Kilos Kabataan calls for unity and collective response among youth in Ateneo, in the face of impunity, injustice, and inequality.
“In view of the present situation, we, the students of the Ateneo de Manila University, jointly express our conviction for the establishment of an independent, organized, and unified student movement to advance youth involvement in engaging present socio-political issues which afflict our country,” the statement read.
Beyond the Marcos burial
Hundreds of Ateneans joined citywide protests against the hero’s burial of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos on November 18. Some have expressed their dissent online, by changing their profile pictures to black and posting status updates or tweets. Because of this, some students and faculty members were attacked and harassed on social media.
Various Ateneo organizations also released statements against the burial.
While the need for sustained opposition on the Marcos burial was emphasized, the movement also stressed a desire to “further efforts” and “proactively engage” different issues surrounding the country.
In this regard, the youth are called to step outside the comforts of the university and interact with people outside of social media to truly engage the Filipino public.
“It is clear that in our recent engagements, we have become detached in praxis from many social realities that beset our nation today,” the statement read.
However, the movement sees this threat as an opportunity to listen to people bearing different backgrounds and presenting different perspectives.
Kilos Kabataan encourages fellow Ateneans and Ateneo student organizations to “heed the call for a consolidated effort initiated by the youth in proactive response to the signs of the times” by joining the student movement.
The structure and organization of Kilos Kabataan have yet to be finalized. As of 10:00PM, November 23, 34 students have already signed the manifesto. The number is expected to grow.
