“In accord with the observance of International Students’ Day and in recognition of the invaluable contribution of student activism to Philippine democracy for initiating efforts to foster leadership among Filipino students, November 17 of every year is hereby declared as National Students’ Day.”
So said in the House Bill 6283 which seeks to declare November 17 of every year as National Students’ Day in recognition of the contribution of student activism to Philippine democracy.
The House of Representatives unanimously approved in its third and final reading this week, principally authored by Reps. Evelina Escudero of 1st District, Sorsogon and Carlos Isagani Zarate of Bayan Muna Party-list.
The bill acknowledged the value of inculcating love of country and social responsibility among the youth, and support the observance of International Students’ Day which was spearheaded by the International Students’ Council in 1941 to commemorate the execution of nine Czechoslovakian students who fought against the Nazi occupation.
The bill provides that an annual program of activities for the observance of National Students’ Day shall be prepared and implemented, with the National Youth Commission (NYC) serving as the lead agency.
The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall support the NYC in all efforts to facilitate and promote related activities to all public and private schools.
Under the proposed law, all schools, colleges and universities are encouraged to extend their full support for exercises and activities launched by students during the observance of National Students’ Day.
“The bill’s passage is likewise in keeping with the avowed duty of the State to inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and an opportunity to harness the power of collaboration between students and to encourage meaningful youth involvement,” said Escudero.
Since it was first commemorated in London by the International Students’ Council in 1941, the tradition has been kept by various student organizations worldwide. “In the Philippines, the time has come for Congress to formally recognize the celebration of International Students’ Day as part of its commitment to legislate laws for the youth’s social, intellectual, and moral development,” said Zarate.
“The student movement continues to demonstrate its unfailing commitment to fight against all forms of discrimination, oppression and injustice. Education for all is a call continuously made by groups such as the National Union of Students of the Philippines, the League of Filipino Students, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, and the Student Christian Movement of the Philippines,” Zarate added.
Aside from Escudero and Zarate, Reps. Ramon Durano VI of 5th District, Cebu , chairman of the committee on basic education and culture, and Ann Hofer of 2nd District, Zamboanga Sibugay, chairperson of the committee on higher and technical education, sponsored the bill on the floor. | (Tina Joyce Laceda – PTV)
