20/09/2026
SAMAHAN Co-Hosts Successful Culmination of MaLaya 2026
SAMAHAN, in partnership with the Hilway Human Rights and Peace Education Project, successfully co-hosted the closing and awarding program of MaLaya 2026 on September 18 at the Hasa-Hasa Theatre, ISUFST Main Campus-Tiwi Site.
September in the Philippines serves as a vital period of reflection, remembrance, and action, marked by National Peace Consciousness Month under Proclamation No. 675, s. 2004, and the commemoration of the 1972 declaration of Martial Law under Proclamation No. 1081 by President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr.
What once started as classroom discussions and individual organizational initiatives has now grown into its third year as a structured, institutionalized event at ISUFST. This collaborative effort was brought to life alongside the University Student Council, PAMMCO, Socialis Scientia, the University Library, and The Sea Treasure, centered on this year's theme, "Bakas ng Kasaysayan, Tanglaw sa Kasalukuyan: Katarungan at Kapayapaan, Sandigan ng Bayan."
The culminating program featured an insightful documentary film showing and lecture forum tackling crucial socio-political issues. Mr. Rinz Ivan Pineda, Editor-in-Chief of The Sea Treasure, spoke on Press Freedom and Martial Law; Instr. Maria Andrea Bernadas, BSEd Social Studies faculty member, discussed Fake News and Historical Distortionism; and Instr. Princess Myka Palec, also from the BSEd Social Studies faculty, emphasized the principles of Peace, Justice, and Human Rights. The lectures were followed by an engaging open forum where students and participants actively raised questions, shared reflections, and exchanged perspectives on historical truth and civic responsibility. These discussions directly fulfilled the mandate of Republic Act No. 10368, which tasks educational institutions with teaching the history and vital lessons of Martial Law.
In addition to the educational forum, the event celebrated student talent and critical thinking through the recognition of winners from the mobile photography, digital poster, and infographic online contests. Students also put their knowledge to the test during an engaging Quiz Bowl led by Prof. John Nino Vinson Crauz, USC Adviser and Gabay ng SAMAHAN. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and ISUFST's core principle of Social Justice, the activity provided a meaningful space for active civic participation and historical awareness.
The successful gathering concluded on a powerful and solemn note with a Peace Prayer led by SAMAHAN Suprema Khrystal Jhane Caimpon, followed by the singing of the solidarity song, "Bayan Ko."
Through continuous advocacy, education, and collective memory, the ISUFST community reaffirms its commitment to defending democracy and ensuring that MaLaya lives on.
