In its 48th year at the University of the Philippines-Los Banos (UPLB), Isko’t Iska seeks to show the history of student activism in the country, militarization in the campus and communities, historical revisionism, human rights violations, and the struggles of fisherfolks.
Isko’t Iska is an annual community theater production initially made to welcome and enlighten freshmen about the struggles and ills faced by UPLB students, marginalized communities, and the general Filipino masses.
As the biggest theater production in UPLB, Isko’t Iska continues to live by its motto, “dulang mula sa masa, para sa masa”.
Recently, the production conducts constant basic mass integrations (BMIs) in the fishing communities in Cavite for its actors and staff to have a deeper understanding of the stories of the communities they will portray.
The fishing community in Cavite has been greatly affected by oil spill caused by the sinking of Motor Tanker (MT) Terra Nova, carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial oil. SL Harbor Bulk Terminal Corporation, a subidiary of San Miguel Shipping and Lighterage Corporation, chartered the transport of the industrial fuel.
The oil spill did not only jeopardize the life below water but also hampered the livelihood and lives of the Cavite fisherfolks.
Moreover, the production visited the farmers of Lupang Ramos and Brgy. Tartaria in Cavite to get a grasp of their plights in defending their lands against landlords and State forces.
This year, the actors of Isko’t Iska 2024 will portray an episodic story that aims to remind the audience of the history and importance of student movement in amplifying the voices of the oppressed sectors in the current society.
Isko’t Iska 2024 will be held this November 2024.
