More than 60 students from various colleges and universities in Davao flocked on Freedom Park on November 16 to voice their concerns in a cultural rally as part of their commemoration of the 73rd International students’ day.

The students expressed their concern and call for a quality and accessible education through songs, poems, and dances performed by Mindanawon Artist. Speakers- representatives from the different participating schools also showed their solidarity with their own sharing of inspiring messages.

Ivy Tupas, a 2nd year Education student of AdDU said in her speech that the event only proves that students are not only concern with their everyday worry at schools, but they are also active when it comes to societal issues.

“As a student, we have to exercise our voice and be heard,” she stressed.

Along with the cultural rally, a forum was also held on the same day to celebrate the international students’ day.

Trisha Ann Samantha Aligato, Chairperson University student council of UP Mindanao and national executive committee vice chair for Mindanao of Kasama sa UP was the speaker of the said event.

She discussed the situation of the youth around the world especially in the Philippine context. She said that the numbers of out of school youths are increasing because of the tuition fee hike that inhibits the poor to have access to free and quality education as required by the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

She stressed that given this situation; young people must become more conscious to their responsibilities in the society.

She also said that the well-known phrase “Tayo ang Pag-asa ng bayan” will remain just a slogan hearing unless youths will be critical in everything they do.

“We can make a change. It’s a cliché, but it’s the truth,” she added.

Joselito Lagon, coordinator of KARATULA Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay na Kalayaan, stressed that the celebration of International students’ day is not just a one day celebration but a day to day journey of students fighting for their rights.

The commemoration of International students’ day traces back from November 17, 1939 when nine students from Czechoslovakia, who fought against the commercialization of education were executed.