An Activist is a Scholar

Activists from different schools and other sectors of society exercised their constitutional right to protest and criticize the government during a nationwide “walkout” on February 28. Holding placards with various calls, protesters opposed tuition and other fee increase (TOFI), the possible revival of mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), and other pressing issues.

As in every rally, it is commonplace to hear bystanders express negative comments. “These kids should be studying instead of rallying,” and “what are they rallying about again?” are phrases often whispered at the sidelines. Many bystanders do not understand what rallies are about, but more importantly, do those rallying fully understand what they are fighting for?

There is nothing wrong with being an activist and fighting for rights and advocacies. It is a right provided by our constitution. However, rights come with responsibilities. The freedom of expression, speech, and to rally must be accompanied by accountability.

Activists must be critical even of what they are told. Before they speak to the masses, they must be well-informed, veracious, and understand why and what they are fighting for. They play a crucial role in shaping society.

Professor Joao Paulo Reginaldo from the Department of History and Philosophy of College of Social Sciences in the University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio, believes that activists are scholars who must first understand the social issues.

“An activist is a scholar. He must know first how to educate himself and read on the social issues. Arming yourself with necessary fact is never a bad idea,” Reginaldo said.

Before a person can inform and teach others, he or she must first study and understand the concepts and issues at hand. While learning new concepts and ideas can empower an individual, it must first be mastered and understood before being passed on.

According to the League of Filipino Students (LFS) Metro Baguio chairperson Cheska Kapunan, becoming aware of and studying social issues is the first step to becoming an activist.

“Educating one’s self on social issues is a catalyst for activism, in the same way that it encourages you to continue to struggle because it serves as a reminder of the things you’ve yet to accomplish,” Kapunan said.

Kapunan also explained that although rallying is the most prominent expression of activism, it comes in different forms.

“Activism is a very broad term itself, which basically to me means advocating for social change. So rallying isn’t the only way to do this,” Kapunan said.

“Protest art, online activism, educational discussions, writing, lobbying in congress, signature campaigns –all of these are different, alternate forms of activism,” Kapunan concluded.

Activism is not wrong, and rallying is not the only form of activism. We must not forget that there are rights we enjoy today because of the activists of yesterday.

I believe that we can all be activists in our own right. From engaging in discourse to rallying in the streets, we all play a part in bringing social change. However, before we can become effective agents of change, we must be well-informed, critical, and veracious.

by Jose Immanuel Rivera