CEBU CITY, Philippines — Progressive youth organizations and student councils took to the streets on Tuesday, April 21, staging a solidarity march along Osmeña Boulevard to protest rising fuel prices and ongoing global conflicts, while expressing support for jeepney drivers participating in a nationwide transport strike.
Dubbed the “Youth Solidarity March Against Oil Price Hike and War,” the demonstration gathered students and youth leaders from various schools and advocacy groups across Cebu. Participants carried placards and chanted calls demanding immediate government intervention to address surging oil prices, which they say continue to burden both commuters and transport workers.
The group emphasized that jeepney drivers are among the most affected sectors, as increasing fuel costs significantly reduce their daily earnings. By joining the protest, the youth sector highlighted the broader impact of oil price hikes—not only on transportation but also on the prices of basic goods and services.
Aside from fuel concerns, the protesters also raised pressing education-related issues. Among these were the continuous rise in tuition fees, the shift of some institutions toward full online classes, and the implementation of a four-day work week policy in certain sectors. According to the organizers, these developments further strain students and working families already grappling with economic challenges.
Organizers stressed that the ongoing economic crisis requires urgent and concrete solutions, calling on authorities to prioritize subsidies, wage adjustments, and accessible education policies. They also underscored the importance of youth participation in national issues, positioning the march as a platform to amplify the voices of students and young workers.
Despite the strong turnout, the protest remained peaceful, with participants marching in an orderly manner under the watch of local authorities.
Photo from Jacq Hernandez, PBB Photojournalist
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