THE Makabayan bloc in Congress has filed a bill that seeks to declare January 26 of every year as the day of observance of the anniversary of the First Quarter Storm.

House Bill 8271, otherwise known as the "First Quarter Storm Anniversary Act," was filed on Thursday, September 20, just a day before the commemoration of the declaration of martial law by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Joining the Makabayan bloc in the filing of the bill was former Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary Judy Taguiwalo.

The First Quarter Storm, a period of unrest marked by a series of protests against the Marcos regime from January to March 1970, is one of the factors that led to the declaration of martial law.

"We take inspiration from the historical significance of the First Quarter Storm that is there is no other way to preserve our rights but to unite and fight against all forms of fascism and dictatorship," said Kabataan Representative Sarah Elago in a statement.

Taguiwalo, for her part, said the First Quarter Storm ignited the fire of struggle that toppled the Marcos regime.

Taguiwalo believes that the issues and challenges Filipinos face today are no different from the issues they faced in the past, thus "we must keep the flame burning and dare continue the struggle."

The bill mandates the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education to plan and implement any educational activity with relevance to the First Quarter Storm.

The Makabayan bloc is composed of Elago, Gabriela Representatives Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, ACT Teachers Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro, and Anakpawis Representative Ariel Casilao. (SunStar Philippines)