Awarded writer, poet urges artists to speak out, fight

"NEVER again. Never forget." These were the words that award-winning writer, poet and activist Jose "Pete" Lacaba used to end a pointed speech remembering martial law — 52 years after its declaration — as he accepted the 2024 Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining medal at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati. Lacaba, a journalist, essayist, screenwriter and martial law detainee, was one of eight recipients of the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining 2024 medal for their significant contributions in their respective fields of art. "I call on my fellow artists to speak, intervene and continue the fight. Let's remember the lesson of our history and fight for the future. Never again, never forget," Lacaba said, drawing cheers from the crowd, which included Irene Marcos-Araneta, sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and daughter of the strongman who declared martial law in 1972. "At this time when EJK (extra-judicial killings), red-tagging, imprisonment and disappearance of activists, the poor, environmentalists, natives, artists and journalists continue, for me, this Award is a reminder that we have to continue the fight towards democracy, freedom and social justice," he added. Lacaba also paid tribute to his late brother, Eman Lacaba, a known writer and activist who died in 1976 during the martial law era. "It just happens that tomorrow is the anniversary of the declaration of martial law, right? The time that shaped my consciousness and pen, I now remember my murdered brother Eman Lacaba, a poet who lived the highest responsibility of writer and teacher," he said. In his well-applauded message, Lacaba, now 78, dedicated his award to his fellow artists and journalists, including his departed personal friends Nick Joaquin, Bien Lumbera, Rolando Tinio, Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal. Joaquin — regarded as the Philippines' greatest writer in the English language — worked with Lacaba in the pre-martial law weekly magazines Philippines Free Press and Asia-Philippines Leader, both of which published Lacaba's eyewitness reports of the First Quarter Storm (the wave of student demonstrations against then President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.), which became the book, "Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage." In 1976, Joaquin was named National Artist for Literature but said he would accept the award on one condition: that Marcos free Lacaba, who was then imprisoned. Marcos relented. Lacaba went on to win a string of awards at the Gawad Urian as co-screenwriter of Brocka's "Jaguar" (1979) and "Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim" (1985), Mike de Leon's "Sister Stella L" (1984), and Tikoy Aguiluz's "Segurista" (1996) and "Rizal sa Dapitan" (MMFF, 1997). Ending his speech, Lacaba called on his fellow artists to speak out, be involved, not to forget that dark episode in Philippine history, and fight for freedom. The other Gawad CCP recipients were choreographer Gener Caringal, singer-songwriter Joey Ayala, performing artist Lea Salonga, filmmakers Mike de Leon and Mario O'Hara, sculptor Julie Lluch, and costume designer Gino Gonzales. On Sept. 21, 1972, the late President Marcos signed Proclamation 1081, placing the Philippines under martial law. According to data from the Human Rights Victims' Memorial Commission, more than 11,103 victims suffered from violations of human rights. A total of 2,326 victims of enforced disappearance were recorded. The strongman's son, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a message read by his sister Irene, lauded the Gawad CCP awardees for their contributions to nation-building as "a testament to the heights of Filipino creativity." He also thanked the awardees "for reminding us that we are indeed a nation capable of great beauty, depth and meaning." "Your work challenges us, moves us, and ultimately inspires us to think bigger, dream bolder, and see further. You show us that art does not just mirror life; it transforms it. As I think about what it takes to reach this level of artistry, I'm genuinely amazed by the journey each of you has traveled," the President said. Marcos said this achievement represents the fulfillment of "a dream that our creativity and talent are not just enough, but that our stories matter deeply."