UP Martial Law Museum Still Awaits Construction After 8 Years

MANILA, Philippines — Along CP Garcia Avenue at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman in Quezon City, a 1.4-hectare property is reserved for a museum meant to keep alive the stories of Filipinos who suffered human rights violations under the regime of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Eight years after plans were formalized, however, the construction of this museum has yet to begin. The planned museum was envisioned as a vital space to document the lives lost and the experiences of those subjected to unjust suppression during the Marcos regime, aiming to pass this history on to future generations. Despite the passage of eight years, the land remains secured, but actual construction work has not begun. The political landscape in the Philippines has seen the election of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of the late president, as president in 2022, reigniting discussions surrounding historical perspectives of his father's era. In this context, the delay in constructing a facility dedicated to conveying the memory of past human rights abuses could raise concerns about the fading of historical memory and the efforts to preserve it. This protracted delay in the museum project highlights the ongoing challenges in the Philippines regarding historical acknowledgment and how such memories are transmitted to younger generations. University officials and relevant stakeholders are urged to take concrete steps toward the early realization of this crucial initiative.