Not Your Ordinary Summer Activity

Issue 10 AY 11-12

Students have no class on May 1. Just like any other holiday, people usually use this time for leisure, stress relief, bonding with the family and other activities. But for other people, May 1 is no ordinary holiday.

May 1 commemorates and celebrates the workers of the world. In the Philippines, May 1 is usually tied with the concept of workers protesting in the streets and demanding improvements from the current administration. But more than that, May 1 is a special day because people from all walks of life - whether laborers, students, ordinary citizens, - join the Filipino worker in his call for more quality and decent jobs, security of tenure in his employment, better wages, and the protection of his rights and privileges that he deserves.

I had the privilege of attending the mobilization last May 1, 2012. In the heat of the summer, thousands of Filipinos walked the streets to make their voices heard. From morning until noon, you could see that everyone there had a purpose - a purpose that should be worth fighting for every single day, not just on this special day. The challenge for us is not to see this as any other mobilization, but rather a form of activism that transcends different perspectives.  

The laborers call for the passage of the Security of Tenure Bill, the across-the-board wage increase, the guarantee of their right to organize and form unions, and of course better working conditions for each and every one of them. Disputes arise from their call, citing problems such as owners losing profit, the economy not being able to provide the salaries – the list goes on and on. That is why maybe for some people, they see this cause as irrelevant. Workers fight for their rights every single year, yet nothing really changes. But the moment that we lose sight of why these works fight for their rights, why they walk the streets enduring the summer heat, we in a sense, a bit of our humanity. The moment that we can stand to see the employee suddenly being terminated from work, the tricycle driver working hard to earn a decent living and the security guard working long night shifts just to provide for his family, and be apathetic about it, that is when the vision of a better country and a brighter future us and the future generation starts to slip away.

From a students' standpoint, why should I join this activity when there are countless of other things to do during this summer? I believe that the issue involves us all even at this early age. We may not see it now, but as future members of the workforce, we should protect and support the call of the workers. The matter is not far from us. We only need to look at our surroundings to see proof that there is a better environment that can be provided for the Filipino worker. The challenge for us is to see beyond our own insecurities, our own selfish demands, our own self interests, and to start acting and helping others.

Next year, there will still be a May 1 holiday. There will still be people gathering in the streets, marching along during the intense heat. But the question is – will there be a celebration of the workers victory or will it be the continuing call of fighting for the betterment of the laborers and society? The answer depends on you.

Chris Erwin SG Alquizalas, 10A

 * Notice to readers: The views expressed in the Weekly Perspective do not necessarily reflect the views of the Academic Committee or of UP POLITICA