𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲: 𝗧𝗦𝗨 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆-𝗔𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Report by Mary Ruth Orendain | Photo by Diya Nicole Gurung

Spearheaded by the Inclusive Ability Alliance, the “Every Ability, Every Voice: A Concert for a Cause,” a fund-raising event originally planned for July in celebration of Person with Disability Month, took place this August 30 at the TSU-Main Gymnasium.

In partnership with the International Differently Abled Indigenous and Marginalized Student Services (IDIMSS), the event brought together a community of students and performers, advocating to honor the differently abled students in the university.

The concert featured performances by local bands including Half Step, Chirpers, Soul Ache, Astatine, Palomar Band, Ethereal Marci, Drop Mic, and Pncls and Cryns. 

This initiative, led by the Inclusive Ability Alliance, received support from various university organizations, including the College of Arts and Social Science - Student Council. 

“The differently abled community in our university embodies courage, determination, and the will to rise above any challenge. Sa bawat hakbang na kanilang ginagawa, we see not just individuals but warriors who redefine what it means to persevere. This is why the CASS Student Council stands firmly with them, committed to championing their causes, amplifying their voices, and advocating for a more inclusive and empowering environment,” Gov. Alexander Ong shared. 

The event was further strengthened by the participation of the Safe Space Society (SSS). CASS student and Safe Space Society President Jeshren “Nixe” Alviar expressed their support in an interview, explaining what led their organization to partner with IDIMSS.

“Their goal isn't that far from Safe Space Society's goals, which is to be seen, advocate for our rights, and establish a community—a safe space inside the university. That's what pushed us to show up and support IDIMSS in every possible way we can. Because we firmly believe that through collective action and support, we can attain our goals to true inclusivity and acceptance for all marginalized groups," Alviar stated.

Alviar highlights the collective responsibility to advance the movement for safe spaces, stressing the importance of raising awareness and empowering marginalized groups to advocate for their own rights.

“It is up to us to continue this movement for advocating safe spaces for every individual inside the university. First, we can do so by spreading awareness and empowering marginalized groups to advocate for their rights. Because safe spaces are a right for every individual, regardless of their identity or ability,” she added.

With all funds raised going towards building student hubs that will offer essential resources and safe spaces for marginalized students, the concert for a cause marks the start of a continued effort and collective support towards inclusivity and empowerment at the university.