DAKILA Honors Modern-Day Valor with Nationwide Grassroots Actions on Araw ng Kagitingan

Metro Manila—As the country commemorated Araw ng Kagitingan yesterday, DAKILA—a collective of artists, cultural workers, and human rights advocates—went beyond remembrance by turning the day into a resounding call to action. While we honor the valor of World War II heroes, DAKILA reminds Filipinos that true kagitingan lies not only in past battles but in the present struggles we courageously take on together.

With the 2025 midterm elections drawing near and democracy in continued peril—plagued by disinformation, poverty, incompetent governance, and the tightening grip of political dynasties—DAKILA regional collectives across the country mobilized youth and communities to reclaim democratic space through creative and collective action.

“This Araw ng Kagitingan, we do not only look back. We move forward. Our freedom was not handed to us—it was fought for. And we continue that fight in our schools, our streets, and our communities,” said DAKILA’s Campaigns Director, Sunshine Serrano.

From Quezon City to Cagayan de Oro, DAKILA’s activities highlighted urgent grassroots campaigns that embody everyday acts of kagitingan:

• Metro Manila-Rizal: Balota-ng Ina at Sine Pop convened youth advocates to push for rights-based teenage pregnancy prevention through film and dialogue, featuring Ramona Diaz’s award-winning documentary Motherland.

• Bacolod: Attended by senatorial candidate Atty. Luke Espiritu, STRAWryahanay gathered student government leaders, editors-in-chief, and youth organizers to identify shared issues on campus and unite through a growing student coalition for change.

• Iloilo: Express-U: Sakay sa Biyahe, I-hambal ang Imo Kamatuoran! celebrated student expression, transforming the jeepney’s spirit of community into a platform for empowerment and freedom of speech.

• Cebu and Laguna: Climate action campaigns spotlighted community-led initiatives tackling the climate crisis head-on.
• Dumaguete: Kabalaka sa Ugma, Ayuhon ang Karon! brought together barangay leaders and scientists to expose the harms of pyrolysis waste management and gather collective support for a local ordinance to halt its operations.

• Cagayan de Oro: A student-led Mental Health Forum advanced a campaign for a local ordinance to prioritize student mental health in schools and universities.

These regional activities reflect a bold, united front against normalizing political apathy and disempowerment.

“In an age when elections are treated like entertainment, we stand firm in reminding every Filipino: real power lies in our ballots, our voices, and our collective action,” added DAKILA’s Organizing Director, Hannah Jimala.

DAKILA urges all citizens to harness their giting—not through traditional politics or empty promises—but by choosing leaders who embody the people’s authentic voice and lived realities. Through creative resistance and community-building, DAKILA continues reframing patriotism as an ongoing duty to each other and the future we deserve.

This Araw ng Kagitingan, we vote not just for candidates—we vote for ourselves. #AtinAngHalalan #ArawNgKagitingan2025

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About DAKILA

DAKILA is a collective of artists, cultural workers, and activists building a movement of heroism and advocating for social change through creative and strategic initiatives. Rooted in people power and human rights, DAKILA works to engage citizens, especially the youth, in transformative advocacy and nation-building.

For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact:

Email: info@dakila.org.ph

Mobile: +63 927 546 8190