QUEZON CITY, Philippines ꟷ On Monday, July 25, 2022 newly inaugurated President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos, Jr. delivered his first State of the Nation (SONA) address. Thousands of Filipinos including laborers, medical frontliners, educators, artists, freedom advocates, and citizens, marched in protest at the event.
The protesters marched from Commonwealth Avenue at the University of the Philippines to Tandang Sora Avenue. They are demanding a clear plan and strategy from the newly inaugurated president regarding multiple crises facing the country. Citizens protested over issues including oil prices, inflation, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and national debt. Coverage of the event points indicates strategies are missing around critical human rights. It also points to the lack of strategy on climate change, and attacks that have occurred against environmental activists.
George Buid is an independent photographer and journalist based in Metro Manila, Philippines. His work has been published in Stern Crime, Transcontinental Times, InterAksyon, and Deutsche Welle news. He also contributes to the news wire Zuma Press. In addition to writing journalism, George is a self-taught photographer who started his photojournalism career and visual documentary storytelling in 2014. He focuses on capturing stories of everyday individuals, communities, and culture. Occassionally, he also covers science, history, sports, politics, art, and human interest.
