In Oblation Run 2023, UP fratmen call for lower prices of goods, higher minimum wage

In Oblation Run 2023, members of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Philippines' Eta Chapter called for lower prices of goods and higher minimum wages, especially for those experiencing more difficulty since Pres. Bongbong Marcos sat in power.

Covered in masks to hide their identities, Oblation runners appeared naked at the UP Palma Hall on Thursday, with slogans that expressed but hope for a better Philippines.

Among the cards read: “Unahin ang bayan, ‘wag ang pangalan,” “Never again, never forget,” “Sahod itaas, presyo ibaba,” and “Ibalik ang kaban ng bayan.”

They carried these all throughout running in halls and corridors while also chanting “never again.”

In an interview with GMA Integrated News, resident APO member Brent Xyler Blas said this year’s theme “Sama-sama tayong babaon muli” is a wordplay from Marcos’ campaign last elections.

“Because sa mga naranasan natin na economic recession, bumabaon tayo ‘di lang sa utang kundi pati mga kapatid natin na previously nahihirapan na, much more nahihirapan pa ngayon,” he said.

“One of our calls is to lower prices, to control the prices ng mga basic needs natin and iangat ang minimum wage para naman makatulong sa mga nasa laylayan nating mga kapatid,” he added.

Among this year's runners is a fourth year student who asked for support in what they are doing. He also reminded Filipinos to “fight for their rights.”

GMA Integrated News has reached out to Presidential Communications Office’s (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil for a reaction from President Marcos’ camp but has yet to receive a statement as of writing.

This year’s Oblation Run is the first after two years of cancelled events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last Oblation Run was held in 2020, when they championed the environment and climate issues.

The Oblation Run has been an annual tradition at UP Diliman since the late 1970's. — LA, GMA Integrated News