SEPT. 21 THROUGH THE EYES OF FIRST-TIME PROTESTERS

On Sept. 21, the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law, thousands of Filipinos flooded the streets across the country to condemn the billions of pesos stolen in “ghost” flood control projects. The people’s call was resounding: we are plenty, and we are not letting anyone get away with this.

- By ANDREA PANALIGAN

Many Gen Zs who had yet to join a protest heeded the call of their fellow Filipinos to join them on the streets and let their anger and frustration be heard — never mind the lack of sleep from schoolwork, or the fear of going alone. They recount their experiences below, and apparent in their stories are nerves, yes; but mostly courage, hope, and a fire to keep the fight going

Larizza B., 17, Pasay

Sobrang ginhawa sa pakiramdam kapag alam mong hindi lang ikaw ‘yung may gusto sa gano’ng pakikibaka. Mga kasabay mo pa sila sa kalsada, pinaglalaban ang dapat, nasa ilalim ng arawan. Impossibleng ako lang ‘yung pumuntang walang tulog at kain at sakto lang ‘yung pera. Napatunayan ko na hindi lang galit ang dala namin, kundi pag-asa — na may pananagutan at hustisya pa ring pwedeng ipaglaban. Mahalaga ang boses ng bawat isa, at doon ko nakita na kapag nagkakaisa tayo, naririnig tayo.

Isa pa ay pare-parehas lang tayong biktima, kaya dapat pinaglalaban natin kung ano ang dapat para sa atin, hindi lang bilang isang estudyante 0 mamamayan sa bansa, kundi bilang isang anak ng manggagawa, suki ng mga tricycle o jeepney driver, at Pilipinong kinakawawa ng sariling bansa.

Nash B., 15, Legazpi City, Albay

I went to “Lakaw Kontra Korapsyon,” which means “lakad kontra korapsyon,” in Legazpi City. Hindi masama ang rally; kaya may rally dahil may masama!

Joseph L., 18, Las Piñas

Nung nandoon ako, walang ibang laman ‘yung utak ko kundi, “Ganito pala kapag sama-samang sumisigaw.” Ang saya sa pakiramdam. ‘Yung dating inaaral ko lang, ngayon, isa na ako sa kanila.

Amber T., 19, Quezon City