Various protest art paintings and graffiti were first seen on the Technological University of the Philippines Freedom Wall on March 2. The theme of the works called to uphold democratic rights and to defend academic freedom in the university.
The centerpiece “RESIST” grafitti features a red fist with the names of the six TUP colleges united. Another spray paint design said “Public Service, not Publicity Stunts!”
Issues surrounding the Office of the President cancellation of student activities, and other grievances of the students ignited the TUP Artists’ Collective initiative to paint in the Freedom Wall in campus.
“Bilang mga artista ng bayan, tungkulin naming lumikha ng sining na magpapahayag at magsusulong sa mga karapatan ng mga mag-aaral sa TUP,” said one of the artists.
[As artists of the people, our role is to create art that expresses and advances the rights of TUP students.]
One of the artists added, “Patuloy ang aming pangangalampag hanggang hindi tumutugon si Pres. Torres sa aming panawagan.”
[We will continue to raise attention on these issues until Pres. Torres responds to our call.]
The issue of students’ rights repression continues to gain attention within the university as various progressive groups also urged for responsive pro-student actions from the university president.
