Features | Jude Faustino
Now focusing on #SolusyongMedikalHindiMilitar, the third night of the UP Fair Advocacy Booths was filled with passion for change and pleasing performances from the featured acts. Lance Al Francis Daniel and Gabriell Garcia were the hosts for this event which was broadcasted through Facebook Live last November 10.
Karen Faurillo, president of All UP Workers Union — Manila, discussed the plight of health care workers in the country during the pandemic and the continued ignorance of the government towards their calls for better treatment. All UP Workers Union — Manila is a public sector labor union that represents workers, especially those who work in health care.
Faurillo continued talking about the state of health care in the Philippines, pointing out the unfortunate situations that our health care workers experience such as the issue of contractualization and the lack of employee benefits they receive.
The red tagging of workers in health care was also discussed as it is extremely unjust, considering our health care workers do nothing but serve the people and fight for their rights. This only shows that the government is not doing their best to help ease the health care situation brought about by the pandemic and instead is focusing on impulsive measures and band-aid solutions.
“Mayroong hustisya na nakakamit kapag sama-samang kumikilos at maninindigan tayong health care workers at mamamayan. Gawin natin itong mas matibay pa kung tayo’y makikipag-usap at alyansa,” Faurillo said, reminding everyone of the power of joint community effort. She also expressed her hopes for the future of the country and her fellow health care workers.
The presentation was then followed by lovely performances of Gin (Glenn Leones) and UP ASTERISK. Gin passionately performed three of his songs: “Attendance,” from his Online Class EP, “Pamanhikan,” and “Alalut.” UP ASTERISK — composed of members Vianca Itaralde, Gian Delgado, Glenn Leones, Joyce Tagunicar, Janina Batislaong, and Moses Gealogo — rendered a powerful cover of Gloc-9 and Jeazell Grutas’ “Upuan” and Ben&Ben and SB19’s “Kapangyarihan.”
Donations for the beneficiaries of the UP Fair 2021, Kariton ng Maralita Network, and Tulong Isko were also once again encouraged as in the previous nights of the UP Fair and was continued leading to the benefit concert held last Friday, November 12.
