Unity Walk with the Lumad, “A proud moment for UP”
The University of the Philippines’ main campus in Diliman, Quezon City held a unity walk with the Lumad of Manilakbayan 2015 led by its students, faculty and staff last Wednesday, October 28. As the Lumad marched from their campsite along Ylanan Avenue hundreds of students welcomed them in front of the Palma Hall steps with raised fists as a symbol of solidarity. Both groups marched around the university’s famed academic oval before going back to Palma Hall for a concluding program. UP students then offered songs and speeches supporting the Lumad’s call for the immediate stop to the killings, militarization of their communities and plunder of their ancestral lands. Reacting to the scene, a UP alumnus said he is “witnessing another proud UP moment.” #
Manilakbayan participants march from their campsite to the academic oval to meet supporters.
The Lumad as they reach UP’s Faculty Center.
An elderly ‘Manilakbayani’ with his raised clenched fists at the start of the Unity Walk.
UP students saluting the Lumad with clenched fists at the steps of Palma Hall.
The students going down the “AS steps” to join the Lumad in the Unity Walk.
The Unity Walk in full swing.
UP icon ‘Zorro’ supporting Manilakbayan 2015.
The Unity Walk as it rounds the bend in front of the College of Economics where participants chanted “Winnie, labas diyan!” They were calling out Prof. Solita Monsod who repeatedly defended the Armed Forces of the Philippines over accusations it masterminded the killings of Lumad.
College of Engineering students watching the unity walk from the Melchor Hall.
Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares joins the Unity Walk.
The Unity Walk returns to Palma Hall for a program.
As hundreds of thousands of UP student activists have done in decades, the Lumad sit in front of Palma Hall for a protest action.
At dusk, candles were lit in remembrance of the Lumad martyrs who died in defense of their ancestral land and their peoples’ rights.
As the program winds down, candles still light up the Lumad’s cry for justice.
(Photos and text by Raymund B. Villanueva)