Stand up for what you believe in!
Mary Melvin Finsterwald • Jul 11, 2024
Stand up for what you believe in!
Mary Melvin Finsterwald • Jul 11, 2024
Finally, Republic Act 11984, No permit, No Exam, Prohibition Act“ was enacted in the Philippines this year – an act mandating public and private educational institutions to allow disadvantaged students with unpaid tuition and other school fees to take periodic and final examinations. (Source: IG account of Senator Escudero)
This is not just an act, a law, but this is more than that. It gives dignity to all less fortunate students in the Philippines.
I witnessed this social injustice and cruelty when I was in high school. I went to a private Catholic school. I saw students lining up in front of the treasury office begging and crying for being allowed to take their examinations. The scenes reoccurred from exams to exams. I also grew up in poverty and I knew the shameful feeling of begging for something. Although my parents were both teachers, it did not save me from the hands of poverty. Deep inside, I felt the urge of doing something against the system. I could not ignore that I had to give the poor a VOICE for JUSTICE. It should also be highly noted that these years were the era of President Ferdinand Marcos.
During my last year in high school, 4th year, my classmate Marlon and I organized and led a demonstration against the administration of my school. We had many demands but the main demand was to give dignity to the poor students by allowing them to take their examinations with unpaid tuition fees. Although this is a nationwide issue, addressing it to the school administration was only aiming to get the ball rolling.
The demonstration had led to the change of the local school system. It was the beginning of the implementation of many structural administrative changes in the Catholic school systems throughout the province of Lanao del Norte in the Philippines.
Everything had a price, right? Indeed, our 1983 batch had to pay a very HIGH price.
First time in the history of our school:
1.) No graduation picture – as if our batch did not exist in the school history.
2.) No graduation song
3.) No graduation dresses – normally every school year has its own design and this is the highlight especially for the girls.
In spite of everything, our 1983 batch is proud of what we did. Until now, we have a special bond of unity, love and respect.
Was it worth fighting for it? Yep, as after 41 years the Republic Act 11984 was enacted. Unfortunately, Marlon died earlier and could not witness this triumphant moment!
So we never get tired to use our voice and stand up for what we believe in!
What I am doing right now? I analysed my past experiences and gave a thought on how we can effectively break the cycle of poverty. You can read more on this in my upcoming posts. Stay tuned.