Tatak TIBAK

TIBAK - Tibak is a play on the Filipino word, aktibista (activist), and generally refers to activists and street parliamentarians. (http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Tibak:_University_of_the_Philippines_Activists)

Activism, I believe, is not what most people think it is. When we, UP students try to express our thoughts and opinions on matters that are socially related, or even in simple discussions and we try to defend some points that we think are right, we are almost always quoted as “tibak”, with matching line, “taga-UP ka nga, aktibistang aktibista,eh”. If you come to think of it, it’s kinda offensive for us UP students, or UP people that we are called activists just because we came from UP. Yes, we are activists, but not the activists that they think we are. There is a misconception that activism is just about going out on the street, marching to Mendiola or Malacañang, holding placards and shouting their complains against the government. I remember when I was in first year college, one of my professors, (Philosophy 11), who admitted that he was a “hard-core” activist (who joined rallies every now and then), told us that if we want this country to be better, (just like what most “raliyista” want), we should study well. He told us that instead of going out on rallies, we should just give focus on our studies. In that way, according to him, we were already helping the country to be better. I could never forget that.

After that day, I thought I wanted to be an activist. I started being more vigilant and more socially-aware and concern. I shared my opinions and stand on issues in and out the campus. I started gaining information on matters that concern not only our university but the entire country as well. I started reading materials about society. I started having a “say” on what’s happening. I started to be critical. I started to be an activist. I never went out on rallies though. I never shouted on streets. I never held placards. I never marched to Mendiola or Malacañang. What I did was I finished my studies. I worked to earn money for my studies. I performed on streets. I delivered speeches in class. I shared opinions on my advocacy on quality education. I graduated without distinction but I still graduated without failing any subject. I was an activist in my own way.

Now I am teaching in a University. I am still an advocate of quality education. I try my best to give my students the best of me. I give them whatever I am capable of giving just to ensure that they get the kind of education I believe they should have for them to succeed in life. I fight against hunger, poverty, illiteracy. So I teach. I am an activist.

The term “tibak” now has a deeper sense to me.  It’s simply, generally about fighting for what you believe is right, in any way you can. It’s about being aware of what’s happening around you and doing something to solve it and not just complaining about it. Those prominent and ordinary people who go out on streets to express their protest against the government are activists. Students who study very hard to help their families afterwards are activists. Reporters and media men who give their time and risk their lives just to deliver the news accurately are activists. Doctors and medical practitioners who dedicate themselves to ensuring good health to the Filipino people are activists. Agriculturists who spend their days ensuring the quality and quantity of food supply for the country are activists. Janitors who clean the surroundings are activists. People who give alms to street children are activists. Those who turn off the light when not used to conserve energy are activists. We, in one way or another, are all activists.