UP, human rights victims body to hasten Martial Law museum

The construction of the Freedom Memorial Museum for victims of human rights during the Martial Law period is expected to begin soon following the agreement between the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Human Rights Violations Victims Memorial Commission (HRVVMC) to sign the turnover document.

"The HRVVMC and the University of the Philippines (UP) are pleased to announce that they have agreed on united efforts to expedite the Freedom Memorial Museum in UP Diliman. This initiative underscores their shared commitment to preserving the struggles of a people during the Martial Law era and, thus, honoring the victims of human rights violations," the parties said in a joint statement Friday.

UP and HRVVMC said they have agreed to sign the deed of transfer of the new UP Diliman campus maintenance offices and workshops, funded by the latter, on September 27, 2024.

"The transfer will pave the way for the clearing of old structures and start of construction at the future site of the Freedom Memorial Museum which will serve as a vital educational resource and a poignant reminder of our nation’s history," they said.

The non-signing of the turnover documents has stalled the construction of the museum.

UP has offered an expedited time frame to establish the museum within four months, including office transfers to make way for the construction of the site.

“The human rights victims of Martial Law, human rights defenders, and the UP community welcome this gesture of unity between two freedom-loving institutions,” said former Social Welfare secretary and retired UP professor Dr. Judy Taguiwalo, who was also incarcerated during the Martial Law period.

The construction of the Freedom Museum is provided under Republic Act 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act, which grants monetary and non-monetary compensation in recognition of the heroism of the victims of human rights violations during the Martial Law period from September 21, 1972 to January 17, 1981.—LDF, GMA Integrated News