ARPAK artists troop down at Department of Agriculture armed with brushes and musical instruments
Disclaimer: This article is a narrative of the protest of ARPAK, and in no way reflects the opinions of the publication on which it is shared, nor does it reflect the opinions of the publication’s parent company or fellow businesses.
Artists and advocates led by the Artista ng Reboluysong Pangkultura (ARPAK) staged a protest in front of Department of Agriculture (DA) office in Quezon City last February 4. The protest is to call for genuine land reform.
According to ARPAK’s Facebook page, it is an organization of artists “na nagsusulong ng tunay na repormang agraryo at seguridad sa pagkain.”
Artists who attended the rally brought paint brushes, pens, musical instruments, banners, and placards to express their stand on the issue.
These artists and peasant advocates also brought artworks calling for an end to extreme hunger, poverty, and violence.
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According to ARPAK, artists are quintessential in the call. The organization explains that this is important “in a period where the state silences peasant organizers through a notion of ‘peace’ through harassment, abduction, trumped-up charges, illegal arrests, and murder instead of providing democratic demands.”
The artworks presented in the Department of Agriculture is part of their art caravan in celebration of Art Month. This is for the art show “Mula Trangkahan Tungong Sakahan.” These are exhibited at Stall 09, Cubao Expo from February 12 to 18.
Agricultural Crisis
ARPAK sees the present administration as not worried with the food and agricultural crisis that the country is facing. They also mentioned that prices of food and basic commodities continue to rise “while farmers continue to bear the burnt of low wages.”
ARPAK also adds that the Rice Liberation law disables farmers and agricultural workers. They further add that this disengages farmers with their jobs due to the farm gate prices of rice and due to the arrival of foreign grown grains.
“These crises are ultimately tied to land monopoly and foreign dependence, intensified by Marcos Jr.’s neoliberal policies,” stresses ARPAK.
Photos Artista ng Reboluysong Pangkultura (ARPAK)
Banner Art Dani Sison
