STUDENTS DON’T often get the chance to lead movements that confront the injustices of development aggression and the displacement of Indigenous communities. Yet, my journey as the head of Ateneo Para sa Bugsuk (APARSUK) has placed me at the heart of such a struggle, as I stood in solidarity with the Sambilog-Balik Bugsuk Movement of Southern Palawan.
The movement calls for the return of the Bugsuk lands that were forcibly taken during Martial Law, the freedom to access traditional fishing grounds now controlled by a pearl farm, and the recognition of the ancestral domain claims of the Molbog, Palaw’an, and Cagayanen people.
Leading APARSUK has not only been my most difficult undertaking but also my profound calling that has strengthened my conviction in a faith that does justice—a faith that demands solidarity, courage, and action in the face of systemic oppression.
In doing so, I came to understand what truly lies at the heart of our Jesuit education. Ateneo formation—particularly its Theology, Philosophy, and service-learning components—deeply transformed my perspective.
The teachings from these subjects made me realize what truly matters. Soon after, I found myself leading APARSUK, a student movement within Ateneo that amplifies the call for the return of the Bugsuk lands amidst intensified land grabbing, development aggression, and human rights abuses against Indigenous Peoples, fisherfolk, and farmers.
We started with small initiatives, such as room-to-room discussions, booths, and online publications. What started as simple acts of solidarity gradually spread across the University, as more people became involved over the course of a year.
Meanwhile, my involvement with the Sambilog case has made me aware of the struggles and difficulties faced by grassroots campaigns. I witnessed Sambilog’s desperate attempt at dialogue with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) through a nine-day hunger strike.
The forcible entry of 80 guards in Marihangin, along with the arrest of Sambilog leaders on trumped-up charges, was a gut-wrenching injustice. During these desperate times, it was strong emotions of love, anger, and empathy that moved me and other supporters of the movement to stand with the people of Bugsuk through organized mobilizations and fundraising efforts for a community under siege.
Admittedly, the Bugsuk case often felt overwhelming—the dangers faced by the community in Marihangin, the struggles of campaigning in Metro Manila, and the unpredictable nature of events left me disheartened at times. What sustained me was the undying spirit of the people of Bugsuk, who chose to stay and defend their island no matter what.
I also found strength in my fellow students and support groups, who, despite their busy schedules, joined mobilizations to amplify the calls for peace. It was the support and conviction of the people around me that gave me the courage to press on, even when the situation seemed hopeless and nerve-wracking due to threats of invasion and fabricated charges against Sambilog leaders.
More than anything else, it was my faith in God that gave me the strength to give my all for the movement. Faith sustained my hope that our efforts in APARSUK are not in vain. Faith allowed me to persevere despite facing rejection and setbacks in the campaign. Faith enabled me to see Jesus in the faces of our brothers and sisters in Palawan, giving me the strength to keep choosing hope, even when all odds seemed against us.
In the end, the story of Bugsuk has taught me that faith is never passive—it demands that we take a stand whenever human dignity is trampled.
The struggle for Bugsuk is far greater than me and even our student movement. Amidst uncertainty, I continue to hold on to faith—one that sustains courage, nurtures solidarity, and believes in people.
My journey with Bugsuk is far from over, but it has already revealed to me what lies at the heart of not just my Jesuit education, but of my faith itself: that to love God is to walk with His people, especially those who suffer the most.
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Angel Sarmiento is a senior AB Political Science student at Ateneo de Manila University, currently serving as the head of Ateneo Para sa Bugsuk and President of Ateneo Student Catholic Action. Rooted in a faith that does justice, she is driven by her passion for land rights and commitment to student formation, striving to serve communities through her involvement in various organizations.
Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed by the opinion writer do not necessarily state or reflect those of the publication.
