A PRIORI REQUIREMENT FOR CONVERSATION: HOPE

BY DANICA JANE GUIEB

Then I succumbed to the temptation and opened the portal to the endless void of opinions on Twitter

Only to see content [again] posted just minutes ago, and when a prominent figure posts on any platform that one can think of, the response can be instantaneous and overwhelming.

"Leni will always be my TOTGA", as the post goes sparking a diverse range of reactions as some voiced their backing while others censured her and extolled the triumph of her adversary A particular commenter's assertion "Just accept your defeat, Leni is a failure; the people have already decided that BBM is the winner" was met with resistance being questioned the logic behind it But when asked to provide justification, the sole response given was a resounding "Basta "

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“Basta

While Robredo's supporters were commending her for her comprehensive platform, exceptional credentials, and successful projects as Vice President, supporters of Marcos Jr held fast to their unwavering support for him with a resolute "basta".

Before even developing solidarity, we were wedded to our rationality Rather than seeking to develop a nuanced perspective and fostering empathy, we were entrenched in our own ideas and facts They had no incentive to listen even if we had a lot to say We haven't been listening either, so we eventually find ourselves in total incredulity

With so much alienation on both ends, how can genuine listening happen? We called them names like “apologists,” and “bobo” while they shout back at us as being boastful and elitists Who’s the winner in this argument, anyway? Do we even have one? With our flashing desire to “radicalize” them, we ’ ve alienated them and drawn them together in their estrangement

If we look into it, there were supporters of former President Duterte that didn’t identify themselves as pro-Marcos, yet they voted for him in their idea of antagonizing Leni And we cannot blame them for doing so For a long time, we have been affronting their bet, calling them insulting names, separating ourselves from them– in person or in social media just because we differ in our stances, and so on We failed to recognize that we are not our foes The same political dynasty and oligarchic system that oppresses us all also oppress some of our fellow citizens more severely than others We are all slaves of their thirst for wealth and power, corruption, and exploitation They have turned us against one another far too convincingly

In Paulo Freire’s book Pedagogy of the Oppressed, he urges communication as a way of liberation for both sides If we are to break free from the bonds of oppression, individuals must be willing to take part in dialogue in which the goal is reciprocal understanding and compassion, not just the exchange of facts and information

SINGKWENTA: MGA

Kanta At Kwento Tungkol Sa Martial Law

SingKwenta: Mga Kanta at Kwento

Tungkol sa Martial Law, idinaos sa UP

Diliman bilang paggunita sa ika-50 taon mula nang idineklara ni Marcos ang Martial Law Iba't ibang organisasyon, kasama na ang ilang nakaranas ng buhay sa ilalim ng diktaduryang Marcos, ang dumalo at nagsagawa ng kilos protesta bilang pagtindig laban sa masalimuot na karanasan ng bansa sa ilalim ng rehimen

Dinaluhan ito ng iba't ibang organisasyon, kabilang na ang mga indibidwal na nakaranas ng epekto ng diktadurya ni Marcos Layunin nito na ialay ang pagpupugay sa mga bayani na lumaban para sa demokrasya noong panahon ng martial law

Maraming mga indibidwal at grupo ang nagpakita ng katapangan upang labanan ang diktadura ni Marcos Ito ay kabilang ang mga mag-aaral, propesyunal, artista, manggagawa, at iba pang sektor ng lipunan na nagtayo ng mga organisasyon at samahan para sa mga adhikain na maitaguyod ang kalayaan at demokrasya

Sa pamamagitan ng mga kanta at kwento, nais ng SingKwenta na ipaalam sa mga kabataan ang tungkol sa panahon ng martial law at ang epekto nito sa lipunan ng Pilipinas Nilalayon nito na magbigay ng pagpupugay at parangal sa mga bayani at martir na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay para sa kalayaan at demokrasya ng bansa.

ADAMSONIANS NEVER FORGET: COMMEMORATING THE 50TH YEAR SINCE MARTIAL LAW

The Adamson University Student Government and the student body in its commitment to honoring the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought against the authoritarian rule of Marcos Sr recently commemorated the mark of the 50th anniversary of the declaration of martial law. It serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed during that dark period of Philippine history and highlights the importance of remaining vigilant against any threat to democracy

As we look back at this tumultuous time, we are reminded that the fight for justice and democracy is ongoing The university's commemoration serves as a call to action for all to remain vigilant and uphold the values of human dignity and freedom, lest we forget the lessons of history and allow history to repeat itself

The Synthesis, the esteemed official newsletter publication of AdU-Pulitika, stands shoulder to shoulder with the Adamson University Student Government and other academic institutions in the fight against historical denialism and distortion of our nation's tumultuous past.