The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) is set to showcase its strength once again at the annual February Fair, widely known as FebFair, this February 11 to 15, 2025, at the UPLB Freedom Park and campus grounds. Organized by the UPLB All Student Councils Assembly (ASCA), this year’s protest fair carries the theme: “PAGBIGWAS: Buong Giting na Paglaban ng Timog Katagalugan tungo sa Mabuting Pamamahala, Hustisyang Panlipunan, at Tunay na Demokrasya!”
“Pagbigwas” symbolizes a powerful strike—the brave fistful blow and stance of Southern Tagalog’s defiance against injustice and oppression.
A History of Struggle and Resistance
The UPLB ASCA, which consists of the University Student Council, eight College Student Councils, and the Graduate School Student Council, represents the UPLB studentry in advocating the rights and welfare of the people.
Since the onset of martial law, UPLB student councils have organized FebFair, an annual event deeply rooted in advocacy and protest. Originating from one-day September fairs in 1961, it became a defiant response to Marcos Sr.’s dictatorial regime in 1972. This rich history of standing up against injustice and oppression is a source of pride for the UPLB community and a testament to the region’s resilience.
Eventually, it was moved to February so organizers could better prepare for the event. It continued integrating campaigns into its festivities even after martial law was lifted. Today, FebFair remains a non-profit platform for social and political awareness.
A Rally of Unified Voices
More than just a fair, FebFair is a vibrant gathering with performances of local and mainstream artists, booths from different organizations, and diverse food concessionaires. In addition to signature campaigns, interactive exhibits, and educational discussions, the event includes speeches from mass leaders and human rights advocates to highlight critical social issues.
Each day echoes the region’s call for good governance, social justice, and true democracy, showcasing programs from proponents led by student alliances. The five-day event focuses on a specific campaign for each day:
- February 11, Tuesday — “Kabataan, bumigwas sa neoliberal na edukasyon upang makamit ang makabayan, siyentipiko, at makamasang edukasyon!”
Brought by Rock United 2025: After School and Alab UPLB, this day will focus on the youth’s struggle for a nationalist, scientific, and mass-oriented education.
- February 12, Wednesday — “Komunidad ng LGBTQIA+ at mga kababaihan, bumigwas sa mapang-abusong lipunan upang makalaya sa kaharasan!”
Led by WAR Show 2025 and DRAG ON! XTRAVAGANZA, this day will highlight the campaign for equality and women’s rights and the LGBTQIA+ community.
- February 13, Thursday — “Mga manggagawa at pesante, bumigwas sa pahirap na sistema upang lagutin ang tanikala ng pagsasamantala!”
Karera, Freshie Fever, Class Distraction XXII, and Razzmatazz will forward the calls for fair wages for workers and genuine agrarian reform for farmers.
- February 14, Friday — “Mamamayang Pilipino, bumigwas laban sa tiraniya at hustisya upang mapagtagumpayan ang kapayapaang nakabatay sa hustisyang panlipunan!”
Karera, Class Distraction XXII, Sound of Sirens V2, and Kamurayaw will spearhead campaigns on genuine peace founded on social justice.
- February 15, Saturday — “Mga kasama, bumigwas upang singilin si Marcos at panagutin si Duterte! Isulong ang pagkamit sa pambansang demokrasya!”
Led by Tunong Dunong, Class Distraction XXII, and Paglaum, this day highlights the need to seek justice for state abuses while pushing for genuine national democracy and calling to impeach Sara Duterte, jail Rodrigo Duterte, and hold Marcoses accountable.
FebFair: A Platform of Change
The UPLB February Fair is a long-standing tradition that transcends its identity not as merely a music fest—but as a platform to call for change. Through various campaigns with deep social consciousness, it challenges everyone to get involved in the nation’s socio-political issues. It brings together music, art, and advocacy to strengthen the spirit of protest and resistance.
From being a physical event to transitioning to online platforms during the pandemic, FebFair has proven UPLB’s unwavering spirit in advancing social justice. It will continue to fight, evolve with the times, and never lose significance. The fair highlights local struggles and resonates with broader movements for justice and equity across the Philippines, ensuring its impact extends far beyond UPLB Freedom Park.
Join the FebFair 2025!
Join the UPLB community in this historic celebration of resilience, unity, and the fight for democracy! For more details, follow UPLB February Fair on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok using @UPLBFebFair.
This article is brought to you by UPLB All Student Councils Assembly (ASCA).