by: Gwyneth Aristo
Student leaders of DLSU-D holding a banner that says “Lasallians for Human Rights, Democracy and Peace!” inside the university chapel.
Inside the university’s chapel, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) joined the simultaneous interfaith candle lighting all over the Philippines as part of the 52nd Martial Law Proclamation Anniversary last September 21, 2024.
With the theme “Remembering the victims of Martial Law,” the mass was held followed by the candle lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. and a live performance of songs like “Bayan Ko” (My Country) and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” (Philippines, My Love).
The Campus Ministry Office (CMO) and the University Chaplain offered their messages of commemoration for the event during the ceremony.
The day began with a film showing of movies about Martial Law, slogan making activity with the student leaders, and a civilized procession going to the chapel. Banners are installed all over the campus, commemorating the notable victims of Martial Law and how they were tortured during the time.
Slogans and banners beside the lit candles offered for the victims during Martial Law beside the bamboo cross in the entrance of the university chapel.
Lorenzo Centino Jr., Lead Advocacy Officer of the Lasallian Community Development Center (LCDC), said that this is part of the one-month-long celebration of the university for the Lasallian Human Rights, Justice, and Peace Month.
“We in DLSU-D [are] in the advocacy that if we would like to achieve peace, we have to respect human rights and democracy — otherwise, peace can never be achieved,” Centino said.
PHOTO COURTESY/CREDITS: Gwyneth Aristo
The University Student Government (USG) collaborated with the CMO and LCDC for the event. The student leaders were clad in all black and raised their banner that echoed the message of standing for human rights and democracy.
USG President Abigail Hapal emphasized the importance of civic participation among the students in DLSU-D.
Hapal said, “If hindi tayo kikilos, hindi tayo gagalaw, hindi tayo magpa-participate sa mga ganitong klaseng bagay — then what are we here for? Are we studying just for ourselves, or are we studying for the Filipino people?”
(“If we don’t act, if we don’t mobilize, if we don’t participate in these kinds of efforts — then what are we here for? Are we studying just for ourselves, or are we studying for the Filipino people?”)
