The editorial staff of the different University of the Philippines (UP) Visayas student publications engaged with various sectors during a press conference dubbed “Bugtaw,” held in observance of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) and Peasant Month this October.
The concerns of the agriculture, fisherfolk, and indigenous peoples (IP) sectors were highlighted during the press conference conducted by UPV students on Oct. 25, held at the Administration Building second floor lobby.
Invited members of the panel included Mr. Melbert Balbon, Spokesperson of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya); Ms. Lucia Capaducia, Chairperson of the Paghugpong sang Mangunguma sa Panay kag Guimaras (Pamanggas); and a representative of the Tumanduk nga Mangunguma nga Nagapangapin sang Duta kag Kabuhi (TUMANDUK).
They each discussed the present situation of their sectors and disclosed issues on agrarian reform, developmental aggression, militarization, fishing ban, and the lack of subsidy for fisherfolks, among others.
The organizers invited student publications Pagbutlak, Tibud, SUGID, and The Accounts to be part of the press conference to acknowledge the “integral role of journalism in the fight for truth, justice, and freedom.” The Information and Publications Office (IPO) also covered the press conference.
Pagbutlak, the official student publication of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), posted the detailed statements of the panel on its X account (formerly Twitter).
Bugtaw is part of the series of activities conducted by UPV students for the IP and Peasant Month. The press conference was organized by the CAS Student Council, UPV University Student Council, Anakbayan UPV, and the Oikos Ecological Movement.
