“We must harness our shared history, however painful, to mold a future where human rights, inclusivity, and peace are not just ideals, but foundations of our society,” stated Chuck Crisanto, Executive Director of the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission (HRVVMC). His remarks set the tone for the forthcoming special screening of the documentary “11,103” at the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST). Scheduled for April 25 and 26, 2024, this event marks the first-ever showing of the film at the university, featuring personal participation from Crisanto himself.

 

The “Hilway: Human Rights, Peace Education, and 11,103 Film Screening” event aims to enrich the university community’s understanding of the atrocities during the Martial Law era. The documentary, directed by Mike Alcazaren and Jeannette Ifurung, won the Best Documentary award at the 46th Gawad Urian in November 2023 and offers a stark look into the lives affected by this dark period in Philippine history.

 

“By revisiting the shadows of Martial Law through the lens of ‘11,103’, we provide a powerful platform for education and dialogue. This film not only recounts the harrowing stories of the past but also serves as a critical reminder of the vigilance required to uphold democracy and human dignity. It is imperative that we embrace these lessons to ensure that history’s mistakes are not repeated but are used to foster an enduring commitment to human rights and justice,” added Crisanto, emphasizing the educational significance of the film screening.

 

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., a history and humanities academic himself, also commented on the significance of the event, “Hosting ‘11,103’ aligns perfectly with our mission to cultivate a well-informed community that values social justice, civic harmony, and civil liberties. This screening is not just about recounting painful memories; it’s an opportunity to educate and inspire our students and faculty to advocate for equity and peace in our society.”

 

Activities will span two days across ISUFST campuses, beginning at the Main Campus-Tiwi Site (8 a.m.-11 a.m.) and Dumangas Campus (1 p.m.-4 p.m.) on Thursday, April 25, and at the Main Campus-Poblacion Site (8 a.m.-11 a.m.) on Friday, April 26. The event, which targets both college and selected high school students along with faculty members, is a collaborative effort involving the university’s Office of Student Affairs and Services, Office of International Affairs and Linkages, Office of Gender and Development (GAD), Public Affairs, Marketing, and Communication Office (PAMCO), Main Library, and the student government bodies led by the Federated Student Council.

 

The program will also feature an open forum with resource speakers from various human rights organizations and the production team of “11,103.” Additionally, a mini-workshop focusing on conflict resolution and empathy will be part of the proceedings, aligning with the university’s commitment to fostering an environment of social justice and civic awareness. It is worthy to note that HRVVMC and its partner, Dakila, will be showing the film for free for the ISUFST audience as part of its organizational social responsibility initiative.

 

This activity underscores the importance of educational initiatives in confronting past injustices and promoting a culture of peace and human rights, essential for nurturing informed, compassionate future leaders. It is aligned with one of the guiding principles of the school which is social justice, where it believes that holistic, in-depth education is one of the best means to promote equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities for everyone.