‘For Their Future’: Smart Parenting Village on Joining the Trillion Peso March

“Hindi tayo anak ng contractor.”

It’s a joke, sure—sometimes with a laugh, sometimes with a sigh. We say it over coffee with friends, during school drop-offs, or when crunching bills with coworkers. But behind the humor is a deep frustration: Why do a few families live in excess while the rest of us count every peso? Why do they flaunt mansions and first-class flights while we patch our homes and wade through floods? The truth is, our taxes—meant to serve the people—are funding the lifestyles of the powerful.

And why are the very politicians who should fix this mess seem to be the same ones tangled in it?

On September 21, the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, Filipinos once again said, tama na. Thousands gathered in protest—fed up with corruption, demanding accountability. Among them were parents from the Smart Parenting Village, marching not just for themselves, but for their children’s future.

“As parents, I believe we need to be intentional about where we devote our time and energy, and that includes standing up for important social issues. Part of raising our children is teaching them what it truly means to be Filipino, and that love for country can be expressed in many ways, including protest.”

“Before I left, I explained to my six-year-old daughter that I was doing this for her future, and that it’s important to keep people accountable. I also showed her photos of families affected by flooding so she could understand how these issues impact people’s lives.”

“Pagbaba ko pa lang sa LRT, habang binabaybay ang kahabaan ng Kalaw, I felt so proud as a parent. I am setting a good example to my kids–lumalaban sa mali, nakikibaka para sa bayan. Nung kinanta ang Lupang Hinirang, pumatak ang luha ko, bakit kailangan umabot tayo sa ganito? I was there until 10am, mapayapa ang buong Luneta, bagamat ramdam ang galit ng taumbayan.” 

“Habang palabas ng Rizal Park, nakasalubong ko ang mas marami pang grupo ng mga magkakaibigan, pamilya kasama ang mga bata and even pets. Pati mga celebrities, unti-unti na ding dumarating. Naisip ko, ‘This is it, this is HOPE.’ Hindi pa huli para magka-isa.”

“Importante sa akin ang makilahok sa rally na ito, I want my voice be heard, I want to influence other parents to go out, speak, fight against corruption and any kind of injustices sa bansa natin. Kabataan ang lakas ng bayan pero tayong mga magulang ang dapat numero unong source ng kanilang lakas. Around 80% ng mga kasabay kong lumahok sa protesta ay mga kabataan, estudyanteng mulat sa realidad at pagod na din sa bulok na sistema.”

“Alam ng mga anak ko ang pinaglalaban ko at kaisa ko sila, suportado nila ako sa mga paniniwalang pinaglalaban ko dahil alam nilang ang lahat ng iyon ay ginagawa ko para pagdating ng araw, hindi ganitong klaseng bayan at lipunan ang kanilang mararanasan.”

“I joined the rally without my child. At the 2022 presidential rally, I brought him with me, but this time I wanted to focus on the experience and not worry about his safety in such a large crowd. I believe kids should witness these moments someday, but sometimes it’s better for them to learn through our stories first.”

“It was overwhelming but also inspiring. Seeing so many people come together gave me hope. I realized how important it is to keep teaching the next generation about courage and standing up for what is right.”

“As a parent, I want to model integrity, courage, and love for our country. I explained to my son that I joined the rally because I want to fight for what is right, not just for myself but also for his future.”

“Before the rally, my son asked me where I was going and why. I told him it was a peaceful gathering to show concern for our country. When I came home and shared what happened, he said he was proud of me. That made me realize he understood why speaking up matters, even if he wasn’t there.”

“I was teary-eyed the entire time we were at the rally. My emotions were a mix of anger towards the corrupt government, deep sympathy for our fellow Filipinos who are struggling every day, and an overwhelming sense of pride for every person who showed up to stand for what is right. Being there reminded me that we are not alone in wanting change, and it strengthened my resolve to keep fighting for a better future for our children.”

“My side of the family are supportive, but of course, hindi maiiwasan ang side comments from the titas na dinadamay pa raw ang bata sa rally, I just ignore them.”

“At first, my child was confused. He had a lot of questions about what was happening, and we answered him in a way that he would understand at his age.”

“I participated in the Trillion Peso March together with my school-aged daughters. We went to EDSA Shrine to express solidarity with the people for the injustices the nation endures collectively spawned by corruption.”

“We discuss matters as a family, and even in their youth, my daughters have formed strong opinions on political matters. When we learned of the then upcoming protest rallies, we talked about it, what it's about, what it aims to do, and if it is feasible to join. I sought the advice of family members and they all agreed. We went, with caution and prayers.”

“We prepared for the rally, physically, emotionally and mentally. The kids' safety came first, so I made sure I'm familiar with the exit points of the area, and had implements with us like drinking water, snacks, raincoats, personal alarms, loose change and pepper sprays. Everyone slept early, was well fed and watered, and briefed on what to expect, and how we will move as a unit at all times. We also prepared a contingency plan in place in case we were separated.”

“I need my children to understand that inequality can never be justified, that there is hope for the Philippines, and that the people have every right to demand from their government the same accountability it holds its citizens for. Our voice is amplified and heard, when we come together.”

“The girls were on alert the entire time, and made sure they followed orders as directed. They understood that the situation is volatile and that so many people have much to say about what is wrong in the country today, and it took courage to walk for what they believe in, with others who may think differently. When the rains came and we left for home, we talked about how the other rallies were going, and what all this could do for the country in the coming days. Tired as we all were in the end, we felt proud for standing up for our beliefs, knowing we are doing this not just for us, but for everyone else—especially those that can't.”

“The most important conversation we had was about how they should remember everything they experienced today, and learn from it. Their generations just may be the key to unlocking the change we all have been asking for.”

These parents didn’t show up for social media posts or performative outrage. They showed up because our children deserve a better Philippines.

They marched not just in protest—but in hope.

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