UP Mindanao students, faculty, and staff celebrated the UP Day of Remembrance from September 15 to 19, 2025, with various activities to recall the Martial Law experience, honor the sacrifices of Filipinos and UP constituents who participated in the resistance, and express their sentiments on current issues.
The USC-led rally
The University Student Council reported on the “UPMin Walk Out for 53rd Martial Law Commemoration Against Corruption and Budget Cuts.” Students, faculty, and other constituents joined this university-wide walkout led by the call, “Never Again, Never Forget!”
“History has proven that no dictator can silence the collective power of the oppressed masses. Every Iskolar ng Bayan who joined the walkout embodied the united force of the militant youth—ready to challenge the rotten and oppressive system brought by the Marcos regime,” they stated.
[See the USC bulletin here.]
Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao addressed the rally assembly with her thoughts on the misuse of public funds.
“Yung pondo na ginamit sa korapsyon, kung sana isinaalangalang ito sa Road to 5K, five thousand o limang libong pamilya sana ay mabibigyan ng pagkakataon ng bagong buhay, dahil ang anak nila ay nakapag-aral dito sa UP Mindanao,” she said.
“Kayong mga estudyante, malaki ang inyong ambag para sa pagbabago. Hindi lamang sapat ang alam natin ang problema, dapat marunong din tayong kumilos, magsalita, at makialam. Kaya huwag tayong kukurap sa corrupt. Once more, `Huwag tayong kukurap sa corrupt!’
Huwag tayong matakot. Mga estudyante, kayo ang pag-asa ng ating bayan. Kumilos tayo at maging bahagi ng solusyon,” she said.
[View “Reflections on UP Day of Remembrance” here.]
The UP Mindanao College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) Student Council published their album, “Tama na. Sobra na. Walk out na!” They reported of the snake rally passing from the Department of Human Kinetics building to the Administration Building Atrium.
“It served as a platform to confront current issues, condemning government corruption and opposing the continuing budget cuts in education that threaten access, quality, and equity,” they stated.
[View the CHSS Student Council post here.]
The CHSS Student Council also organized “Balik Lantaw: Gallery Walk,” an exhibit at the UP Mindanao Atrium on Martial Law. Student representatives of degree programs who are candidates for the upcoming Iskoka 2025 were present at the opening on September 17, 2025.
“Their [candidates] presence reflects not just their roles , but also their commitment in keeping alive the stories of those who came before us,” they stated. “By taking part in Balik Lantaw, the candidates reaffirm the ongoing call for remembrance, accountability, and truth—reminding us that history is not just to be studied, but actively engaged with.”
[View the “Balik Lantaw” opening here].
The CSM’s Candle-Lighting
UP Mindanao College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) Student Council published highlights of “Mga Gunita sa Sipnayan at Agham.” These featured a board walk gallery “Buklat Aghamat,” which exhibited history pages and statements for justice and freedom from scientists, students, workers, and communities. The “Candle Lighting” at day’s end honored Martial Law martyrs and the continuing efforts to defend science, the environment, and the people.
[View the CSM Student Council post here].
The Office of Student Affairs hosted a Freedom Wall at the OSA Bulletin Board from September 15 to 19, 2025, where UP Mindanao constituents were encouraged to write their ideas and reflections related to the observance of UP Day of Remembrance.
On September 19, the residents of Elias B. Lopez Hall dormitory were treated to a screening of the film “Dekada 70,” an adaptation of the novel by Lualhati Bautista, set in the Philippines during the Martial Law period.
Through the UP Day of Remembrance 2025, UP Mindanao constituents advanced their commitment to relevant participation in nation-building and sustainable development.