LFS Anniversary Celebrated by Protest

Manila--- The League of Filipino Students (LFS) celebrated their 32nd anniversary in front of the United States Embassy in Manila last September 11, 2009.

Militant youth members addressed their grievances in accord with the RP-US military intervention by doing noise barrage and program as well. Terry Ridon, the Secretary General of LFS said that the presence of the United States troops in the Philippines undermines the supposed sovereignty and independence of the country.

The RP-US treaty roused the military group of the Philippines to protest since the independence of the state is being weakened by such dependency agreement. “The continued implementation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and other unequal treaties with the US has taken away the victories of decade’s worth of Filipino struggle against US intervention such as the dismantling of the US Bases in 1991”, he explained.

This militarization is being described as nothing but a smokescreen. The VFA has benefited nothing yet the country has given out its own freedom. From the time VFA has become an issue to the country, it was also the time that the group started to fight against it and against the government’s reliance to the American government.
On the other hand, the government said to the military group and other groups that the militarization and intervention between US and RP had been agreed by the two nations from the time that President Macapagal-Arroyo had signed for it. The agreement may cause unhealthy relationship between the two countries.

League of Filipino Students started in 1977 as the Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral Laban sa Pagtaas ng Tuition Fee (Alliance of Students Against Tuition Fee Increase. Since then, it gathered the militant students and student organizations committed to the protection of the student’s democratic rights. Now, the activist group continues to propagate the line, program and principles of national democracy and to fight the offensives of imperialism, the reactionary government and other counter-revolutionary elements.

Way back 2001, September 11 became a relevant date to US since this is the time when the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Virginia had been attacked by the military group Al Qaeda led by Osama Bin Laden which brought “War on Terrorism” invading Afghanistan which is still being carried out by the US government.

ANG PAGDADALAMHATI NG SANTA SANTITA SANTA MESA

IN THE HEART OF MANILA

I AM BIASED. I always say that I am proud Manileño when there are times that I have to say what place is the best. Certainly, Manila.

Being the capital city of the Philippines, Manila established good and quality infrastructure. The Intramuros which is the Walled City was built for the protection against Spaniards. Up to now, the Old Manila is still firm, gladly observing how people and culture of Filipino have changed. I am far from this place. The heart of Manila is where its historical landmarks are in. Manila City Hall, the center of government of the city is in front of the Old Manila. Near to it is the Luneta Park which marked the ending of the life of the National Hero. Fort Santiago, National Museum, and Manila Bay are some of the best places in Manila.

But aside from this great products of architecture and environment, Manila is where the best universities and colleges reside. The oldest is here. Students around the country chose to study in Manila for its schools are recognized.

I am from PUP. Not UP, LA SALLE, ATENEO, OR UST. Im from PUP as in POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES.

The name itself shouts out that Im a scholar. Not just by my mother, but by my nation. And without Manila, I am nothing.

Because of Manila, I finished my high school for free. My tertiary education commands tuition but it's just cheap.

Because of Manila, I learned the high's and low's of life. That there is poverty even in the Heart of Manila.

My future will succeed. Really. And I assure, that whatever will happen to me, I'll always be proud to be MANILEÑO.