The UP Economics Towards Consciousness (UP ETC) commemorated its foundation in March 2024 through a series of events geared towards fostering positive social change in this month-long celebration.
With the overarching theme “Espasyo: Syudad at Probinsya Patungong Kaunlaran, Espasyo para sa Mamamayan”, UP ETC sought to raise the discourse on multidimensional spaces, such as the intricacies of households and the complexities of urban and rural landscapes.
The Alumnight marked the start of the Consciousness Month, gathering alumni and incumbent members of the organization. This was followed by the ED-DG, a forum for dialogue discussing the interplay between economics, politics, and the spaces we inhabit. As the theme “TAHANAN: An Educational Discussion on Domestic Work and the Care Economy” espoused, the conversations in this forum wove around the understudied and undervalued concepts concerning the care economy in the Philippines, especially the intersection of gender and inequality.
A screening of the movie Dekada ‘70 served as a reminder of how the EDSA People Power created a space for Filipinos to oust the Marcos dictatorship and strive toward democracy. This was a befitting film, especially as UP ETC could trace its origins from the tumultuous Martial Law period. In 1979, the organization was established by the UP School of Economics students to spread information and awareness, and to rally students to stand up against the dictatorship.
To empower the youth with the knowledge of effective coalition-building and lobbying techniques, a Lobbying Workshop entitled “Aksyon: A Lobbying Workshop on Policy Making and Social Action” was conducted. Mr. Aljon Patrick Acupan (Convenor, FOI Youth Initiative) and Mr. Arjay Mercado (Program Officer, The Asia Foundation) passed on their knowledge and experience to high school and college students. In particular, Mr. Acupan shared his expertise in mobilizing advocacies into youth-oriented policies. Meanwhile, Mr. Mercado relayed tips on how to influence lawmakers into participating in youth-led movements.
Finally, the flagship event Kapekonomiya titled “Kapekonomiya Sa Siyudad: A Multiperspective Forum On Bridging The Urban Divide” brought together different urban space and transport stakeholders to deliberate on the utilization of city and rural spaces and the need to facilitate inclusive and sustainable economic development. The sub-topics were as follows: (1) Infrastructure Spending: Build Build Build & Build Better More; (2) Commercialization and Real Estate Development; (3) PUVMP and the State of Public Transportation; and (4) Rural and Regional Development in the Philippines. Among the key resource persons were Engr. Edrich Samonte, co-founder and convenor of PARA – Advocates for Inclusive Transport, an extensive coalition of individuals and organizations advocating for inclusive, people-centered, and sustainable public mass transport. The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (or PISTON), represented by Mr. Ruben Baylon, Deputy Secretary General, provided substantial inputs concerning small operators of jeepneys, tricycles, UVEs, and other informal public transport workers. Ms. Criselle S. Santos of the National Economic Development Authority imparted perspectives relating to public policy.
The successful celebration of the 45th Consciousness Month is credited to the steadfast commitment of current UP ETC members in continuing the legacy of its predecessors and the goals of the organization. It has likewise benefitted from collaboration with organizations such as the Action for Economic Reforms, Kilos Ko Youth, Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines, UP KAISA (K1), UP School of Economics Student Council, and Motivo Philippines. Media Partners included Usapang Econ, Wish 107.5, Monster RX93.1, Negosentro Media, and Now You Know.
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