Sa Bigwas ng Tagumpay ang Paglaya – UPLB February Fair 2025 calls for Good Governance, Justice, and Democracy
The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) is set to hold its much-anticipated February Fair 2025 from February 11 to 15 at UPLB Freedom Park. Known as FebFair, this five-day event is more than just a festival—it is a historic platform for activism, resistance, and change. Organized by the UPLB All Student Councils Assembly (ASCA), this year’s theme, “PAGBIGWAS: Buong Giting na Paglaban ng Timog Katagalugan tungo sa Mabuting Pamamahala, Hustisyang Panlipunan, at Tunay na Demokrasya!”, reflects the region’s call for justice, democracy, and good governance.
A Legacy of Activism and Resistance
The UPLB February Fair has its roots in the resistance movements of the 1970s, when student councils first organized the event as a response to martial law under Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Over the decades, it has grown into an annual tradition that fuses art, music, and activism while continuing to amplify social and political causes in the Philippines.
From its origins as a one-day September fair in 1961, it transitioned into a February event to allow for better organization. Despite the lifting of martial law, FebFair remained a non-profit, student-led event that continues to push for human rights, freedom, and justice.
Five Days of Advocacy and Protest
FebFair 2025 will feature performances by local and mainstream artists, organization booths, food concessionaires, and discussions led by mass leaders. Each day highlights a different socio-political cause, reflecting the struggles of various marginalized sectors:
February 11 (Tuesday):
“Kabataan, bumigwas sa neoliberal na edukasyon upang makamit ang makabayan, siyentipiko, at makamasang edukasyon!”
Led by Rock United 2025: After School and Alab UPLB, this day highlights the fight for nationalist, scientific, and mass-oriented education.
February 12 (Wednesday):
“Komunidad ng LGBTQIA+ at mga kababaihan, bumigwas sa mapang-abusong lipunan upang makalaya sa kaharasan!”
Featuring WAR Show 2025 and DRAG ON! XTRAVAGANZA, this day advocates for gender equality and LGBTQIA+ rights.
February 13 (Thursday):
“Mga manggagawa at pesante, bumigwas sa pahirap na sistema upang lagutin ang tanikala ng pagsasamantala!”
Organized by Karera, Freshie Fever, Class Distraction XXII, and Razzmatazz, this day calls for workers’ rights and genuine agrarian reform.
February 14 (Friday):
“Mamamayang Pilipino, bumigwas laban sa tiraniya at hustisya upang mapagtagumpayan ang kapayapaang nakabatay sa hustisyang panlipunan!”
Led by Karera, Class Distraction XXII, Sound of Sirens V2, and Kamurayaw, this day fights for genuine peace rooted in social justice.
February 15 (Saturday):
“Mga kasama, bumigwas upang singilin si Marcos at panagutin si Duterte! Isulong ang pagkamit sa pambansang demokrasya!”
Featuring Tunong Dunong, Class Distraction XXII, and Paglaum, this final day demands accountability from the Marcos and Duterte administrations.
More Than a Music Festival: A Platform for Change
FebFair has always been a space where music, art, and advocacy converge. It features:
- Live performances from local and national artists
- Interactive exhibits and advocacy booths
- Educational discussions led by human rights advocates
- Speeches from student leaders and mass organizers
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, FebFair persisted, adapting to online platforms to continue its mission of raising awareness and mobilizing communities. Today, it remains a vital part of the fight for democracy and social justice—not just in Southern Tagalog but across the Philippines.
Join the Movement at FebFair 2025!
Be part of history and stand for justice, democracy, and good governance. Follow UPLB February Fair on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok via @UPLBFebFair for updates.
Mark your calendars: February 11-15, 2025, at UPLB Freedom Park. Together, let’s rise for change!