The Benilde Center for Social Action (CSA) launched its inaugural Human Rights, Democracy, and Peace (HRDP) Festival this school year, with a lineup of events that highlighted art, advocacy, and awareness, taking place from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4.
The HRDP Festival serves as a platform for Benildeans to reflect on global and local issues of justice, equality, and human dignity. Rooted in Benilde’s core values of social responsibility, inclusive education, and compassion for the marginalized, the festival encourages the community to use their creativity, voice, and collective action in promoting human rights and building a culture of peace.
The festival opened with a screening of short films and documentaries on the impact of the war on drugs held at the 5/F Auditorium, Duerr Hall, Taft Campus, in partnership with DAKILA, Active Vista, and the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates. The lineup featured Basurero (2019) by Eileen Cabiling, Alunsina (2020) by Kiri Dalena, and Iiyak ang Langit (2025) by Kasharelle Javier and Monica Calderon, presenting different perspectives from victims, accomplices, and bystanders of the war on drugs during Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
The film screening was then followed by the post-screening discussion, wherein the directors answered questions and shared their experiences before, during, and after production, discussing their motivations and the creative process behind the films. The program concluded with a moving performance titled Nais na Bukas by the families of victims of extrajudicial killings. Holding placards and distributing white flowers as tears filled their eyes, the performers called for truth, justice, and remembrance for their lost loved ones.
The following activities on Sept. 24 included the “Misa ng Pag-alala” at the Chapel of St. Benilde at the Atrium campus to offer prayers and commemorate the heroes and martyrs of the Marcos dictatorship and the victims of the extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s War on Drugs.
Subsequently, the exhibit “Sa Pagbaba ng Luksa” was officially opened at the Atrium lobby, which featured different works of art created by students of Benilde as a commemoration and a call to action against impunity and apathy, in collaboration with various organizations such as LIKHA, Buklod Sining, DAKILA, Active Vista Human Rights Festival, Benilde Arts Management (BeAM), and Museum of Contemporary Arts and Design (MCAD). The exhibit launch also had an open-mic session at the end of the activity for students to share their poems, songs, and other performances related to the fight for justice and human rights.
Simultaneously, Silingan Coffee’s Courageous Hope Van served a variety of drinks at the Atrium facade as a platform for the advocacies of the staff who are mothers or family members affected by the controversial War on Drugs Campaign. Furthermore, Silingan Coffee gave a 30% discount on their products to celebrate Duterte’s charges in the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the same day.
The “Voice for Palestine Mural Wall Painting Exhibition Launch with Panel Discussion,” held on Oct. 5 at the 12th floor of the Design and Arts Campus, showcased artistic expression as a form of resistance, remembrance, and solidarity with Palestine. Spearheaded by the Benilde Arts Management, the event also featured Palestinian goods such as food and crafts, connecting art and culture to the act of advocacy.
The event was followed by a talkback with Sharon Cabusao-Silva, Executive Director of Lila Pilipina, longtime women’s and human rights activist, and National Council member of GABRIELA Women’s Alliance.
Cabusao-Silva discussed the history of Israel and Palestine, the roots of the ongoing war in Gaza, and the global political and economic interests, such as the Ben Gurion Canal Project, that have hindered other nations from providing aid. She emphasized the importance of understanding history to meaningfully participate in the struggle for Palestinian rights and also shed light on the forced settlements in Gaza, where residents are displaced without warning.
"No one should die just because someone wants their land," she answered during the Q&A portion of the event.
The event concluded with a heartfelt message from Laila Mohammed, a Palestinian who spoke of her people’s enduring strength and hope. She also shared a voice recording that began in calm and ended in chaos, filled with gunshots. A stark reminder of the violence her community continues to face.
To conclude the HRDP Festival, CSA and the School of New Media Arts (SNMA) held a screening of Benilde student-produced films connected to the theme of human rights on Oct. 4 at the 12th Floor Digital Film Screening Room of the Design and Arts Campus. Community partners from Sun for All Children Inc., Our Lady of Sorrows Outreach Foundation Inc., and Onesimo Bulilit Foundation Inc., attended the morning screening. Meanwhile, the afternoon screening was conducted for the rest of the Benildean community. The screening also highlighted a talkback spearheaded by Mr. Jag Garcia, along with film directors Ms. Ruth Hermosura, Ms. Darlene Young, Mr. Gian Arre, and Mr. Chester Arvie Dizor, which opened an insightful discussion revolving around the films and the importance of social awareness.
Through the HRDP Festival, the CSA reaffirmed the College’s commitment to championing human rights, democracy, and peace by engaging the community in dialogue, reflection, and creative expression. The series of events not only amplified voices that challenge oppression but also inspired Benildeans to take an active role in fostering compassion, justice, and inclusivity within and beyond campus.
Even as the festival concluded, Benildeans are reminded to continue upholding the values of justice and accountability in their everyday actions, carrying forward the spirit of advocacy and awareness beyond the walls of the College.
With this year’s success, the community looks forward to the next HRDP Festival, continuing the collective pursuit of truth, dignity, and lasting peace.
