Students, faculty, staff, and partners of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) came together as one community for TINDIG @ 53: A Communal Prayer for Truth, Justice, Accountability, Then and Now. The event, held on September 19, 2025, at the BC Quadrangle, served as a powerful community gathering to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. Organized by the Social Development Unit (SDU), Formation Office, the SLA Social Science Department, El Consejo Atenista, and La Liga Historia Zamboangueña, the prayer assembly aimed to remember the nation’s painful past and call on the community to safeguard democracy, human rights, and social justice today.
The communal prayer served as a vivid reminder of the responsibilities Filipinos share in preventing the recurrence of historical mistakes. Attendees, many of whom were dressed in black as a sign of mourning and solidarity, were urged to deepen their awareness of fundamental human rights, social justice, and good governance. Through reflective prayer and shared narratives, the event fostered a critical dialogue against contemporary issues such as corruption and impunity, ensuring the lessons of the past remain relevant in today’s political landscape.
The gathering was a powerful demonstration of Compañerismo, amplifying ADZU’s voice and collective commitment to truth, justice, and accountability. By bringing together diverse segments of the university, the event reinforced the institution’s role not just as an educational body, but as a conscience for society. The call to action was clear: to maintain vigilance in an era where historical facts can be easily tainted, and to never forget the sacrifices made for democracy.
