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Writer's pictureAshley Marasigan

OSU PSA: Maging Magiting

Mabuhay! Greetings MAFA! We hope you are staying safe and healthy. Below are statements regarding current events from the Philippines and United States, all of which reminds us to be brave-- Maging Magiting.


Araw ng Kalayaan / Philippine Independence Day

On this day June 12th, the Philippines commemorates the Declaration of Independence after 300 years under the Spanish colonial rule. As we grasp our freedom in our hearts, let us remember the words from the hymn of our nation:


Lupang Hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting

Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil.


The Philippine national anthem honors our nation as a cradle of brave souls which no invader can oppress, and rightfully so. A myopic perspective of our Filipino culture points to various foreign cultures who have laid their stake over our ancestors at some point over the course of centuries. From the arrival of the Malays to the fall of the Spaniards to the military control of the Japanese and the departure of the Americans, there is no question that our Philippines have a radically changing set of influencers. And this profound cultural push and pull, hardly gave Filipinos a whiplash. Instead, it kneaded into shape a culture and identity unique from its neighboring countries. Our Filipino culture can find certain mirroring traits from all over the world, but it is not so much as a barely put together Frankenstein as it is a delectable marbled cake that uniquely combines both eastern and western cultural values.

Here is a message from the President. Mabuhay Tayong Lahat!

 
Black Lives Matter

Mahal naming bayan,


It is with a heavy heart that we reach out regarding the tragedy inflicted on George Floyd, Christian Cooper, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, among so many others. The Pilipino Student Association stands in solidarity with the Black Community. We share your sorrow. We share your outrage. We see the great chasm of injustice-- so intolerable-- like the dark impact of bias and racism.


We find our truths in the values we speak of. We ask you, how do your values weigh against the value of one’s life? Their blatantly disregarded lives? We must unite to balance the scales of justice. We must take our values and courageously live in them.


Amidst masks and social distancing, we find ourselves more than six feet apart. Everyone speaks of the New Normal for fear of change. It is for this fear that injustice and inequality remain. Let us work together to create a world no more than six feet apart. Your help counts. Here are some ways you can help. Stay safe. Ingat.


AAA Bingo Boards Results

Last week, PSA collaborated with the Asian American Association and the OSU APIDA community to raise monetary donations to support organizations committed to empowering the Black Community.


In total, the APIDA community raised $10,100, with PSA contributing $1,135! On behalf of PSA’s Executive Board, we thank you for your support and urge you to continue educating yourself and spreading awareness on how to support the Black Community.

 
Upcoming Event

Pilipinx Across the Country (PAC) is a virtual conference starting Monday, June 15th! It will be hosted by Kabataan Alliance and various regional Filipino-American student organizations, including our very own MAFA.


Every day will be a new opportunity to participate in workshops, and throughout the week, they will be raising funds for NAFCON, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and NAARPR.


See pictures for more details. Follow the Facebook event page, and RSVP if interested.

 
Current Events in the Filipinx / Filipinx-American Community

Anti-Terrorism Bill

The Anti-Terrorism Bill has been passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate and is now awaiting approval by President Rodrigo Duterte. If passed, this bill will allow law enforcement more leeway in “defining who is a terrorist and what rights these ‘terrorists’ have under the law” (Regino). This includes more warrantless arrests, secret surveillance and wiretapping. Many have expressed their disapproval of this law, including the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP), stating that this would violate human rights. Read more about the Anti-Terrorism Bill with these articles: AA Article and The Washington Post Global Opinion


COVID-19 Update in the Philippines

Philippine officials have announced that schools will not open until a vaccine for COVID-19 has been found. Due to this, the educational department is working on different means to continue the childrens’ education, including the use of “radios, televisions, online classes, and modular learning” (Reuters). Currently, more than 1,000 have died and 23,000 have been infected due to the COVID-19. Read more about it in this article: US News Article


Yellow Peril Supports Black Power

This slogan gained attention in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. The term “yellow peril” originates in the 1800s when Chinese workers immigrated to the United States and the white working-class feared losing their jobs, which led to the national Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. While the slogan “Yellow Peril Supports Black Power,” gained traction, some activists have disapproved this saying, stating that it creates “false analogies” between the Asian American and Black Community (Wun). Read more about this topic in this article: NBC News Article

 

Write-up by Ashley Marasigan and Czes Agaton

Sampaguita Art by Brian Waligura

Graphics and News credit to the Owners

 
Contact Us

If you or someone you know is interested in OSU PSA and has not signed up for our mailing list, be sure to visit and share this link.


If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us via e-mail at OhioState.PSA@gmail.com or connect with our social media: Facebook and Instagram.


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