Kampuhan sa Sarili kong Bayan
Youth is the time for exploration, discovery, and wonder.
But for some, youth consists of sleepless nights wondering when the military will invade your home, of fear when you’re reciting in class and the next moment is followed by a gunshot.
Your mother has been seized by uniformed men. Your teacher has been shot by a police officer. And the next thing you know, your home and school - places of exploration, discovery, and wonder have been seized by men who vowed to serve and protect.
This is what I wanted to explore in “Kampuhan sa Sarili kong Bayan” - the Lumad youth, stripped off of its vibrant colors only to reveal their struggle against the system that cages them. But what lies underneath is something bigger - their fighting spirit.
Padayon.
One of the hallways at International Center in University of the Philippines - Diliman, where it houses over 200 Lumads from Mindanao. They went to Luzon to appeal to the government regarding the military’s occupation of their schools. Hundreds have been killed but the Lumads intend to stay here until Martial Law is lifted.
A number of shoes and slippers are located outside one of the rooms at the International Center. Each pair represents a volunteer teacher who chooses to dedicate his/her life in the pursuit of educating the Lumads.
Diego, 17, Allan, 16, and Justin, 16, concentrate on inserting one bead after another in a nylon string. They are making bracelets, and necklaces to sell to visitors where proceeds will go in buying their basic needs like food and water.
Mary Jay, 18 (center) practices with Arjena, 15 (left) and Rona, 15 (right), a dance presentation for their Culmination Night - an event that aims to uplift the spirits of the Lumads amidst their ongoing struggle.
Melvin, 14, John Loie, 16, and Maribie, 16, high school students from MISFI Academy in North Cotabato, spend their Saturday afternoon in the balcony. Barely reaching the legal age, they have already been separated from their parents when they decided to join the kampuhan.
Prince, 16, a 4th year high school student from Mindanao, recalls the story of how the military occupied his school. Everyday, while eating the same can of sardines, he hopes to return to a peaceful home.
Junrae, 12, plays with the drum. He says playing music is the only way he can alleviate the longing for his mother who was left in Mindanao.
A Lumad teenager embraces his friend as they listen to fellow Lumads share their stories of horror under the military.
A group of Lumad children clings to art as a way of expressing their feelings of hurt and terror regarding the intense militarization in Mindanao.
A student paints his experience back home. Illegal logging and forest fires now destroy what once a safe haven for this young boy.
A reminder of hope for every Lumad passing by.
