Social Movements
Blog #6: Social Movements
The Philippines has a notable history of organizing various social movements. From the time of EDSA revolutions to Duterte’s Diehard Supporters, we can say that social movements continues to be visible and progressed in the society. But do these mass movements really change the political course here in the country?
As the current global pandemic remains to be a concern in the health and medical field, it is no doubt that many people are rapidly getting consumed by this crisis we are facing. Its been almost two years since were in this lockdown situation and yet, it seems this is gonna be a never-ending catastrophe. And since the government is not doing well in containing the virus, various groups have been explicitly expressed their sentiments to treat them fairly because ever since the virus has strucked the country, they have been deprived with low cost benefits even if they are the ones fights the disease. These are the frontliners who continuously battle and sacrifice their lives just to protect and care for the people affected by this deadly virus. As a result of this incessant concerns by the frontliners, different organizational groups rally to support these brave medical workers. Mass movements are being done not only through marching in the streets but also through online discussions. Thus, the people from the medical field are gradually getting the attention of the authority and receiving their fair treatment.
This example of social movement only shows us that we, the citizens, have the power in achieving a social change. Our right to speak up is the key in reforming the political course here in the Philippines. We just have to be cautious with our released statements because sometimes, instead of being beneficial, it can lead into being harmful. Occasionally, organizing mass movements could aggregates political polarization. The perfect example for this is the dilawans and the DDS. Instead of uniting, we are picking up sides. And this is where social movements are vulnerable. Nevertheless, mass movements still have its advantages.
References:
Schock, K. (1999). People Power and Political Opportunities: Social Movement Mobilization and Outcomes in the Philippines and Burma. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/3097105
Quevedo, R. (2021). Look: Health workers hold online protest on Day of Valor. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1416910/look-health-workers-hold-protests-on-day-of-valor