Pakikibaka sa Panahon ng Walang Katiyakan: Exploratory Study on the Lived Experiences of Filipino Student Activist

This investigation delves into the phenomena of 'pakikibaka', a term denoting collective struggle, among student activists within the current political context of the Philippines, a landscape marred by misinformation and skewed public perceptions. Despite the initial high trust ratings for the current administration, as reported by the 2022 Pulse Asia Survey, a discernible erosion in public confidence was observed by 2023 and 2024, with the decline largely attributed to the government's perceived failures in addressing critical socio-economic challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on the student population, a demographic significantly impacted by recent budget cuts in the education sector, historical distortion, and widespread oppression and red-tagging, catalyzing a heightened sense of uncertainty and prompting this exploratory inquiry. Employing 'pakikipagkwentuhan', an indigenous qualitative methodology centered on conversational engagement, this research facilitates an unreserved discourse, enabling participants to express freely their insights predicated on their lived experiences. The study encompasses six enrolled student activists, all of whom are integrally affiliated with various mass organizations, are a minimum of 18 years of age, and self-identify as left-wing activists. The research findings demonstrate the perception of the experience of student activists. Central to the study's outcome is the conceptualization of 'pakikibaka' as a tool for recognizing the experiences of the marginalized sectors and advocating for their fundamental rights. Such engagement enhances their empathic understanding of the struggles of their 'kapwa' and articulates their advocacies through multifarious expressive modalities, encompassing writing, visual arts, and music, among others.