It is no secret that state forces have sought for decades to stifle activists, leading to the arrest of protesters. Some activists even lost their lives in the struggle. Every tear shed by the families of the deceased reflects how these activists want to make a difference and fight for what they believe is best for them and the world. Activists and progressive organizations are working to bring about social change that improves living conditions, improves urban environments, and reduces health and social inequalities.

Activism attempts to encourage, obstruct, guide, or interfere in social, political, economic, or environmental reform to bring about societal change for the better. Activists may work in several areas, including law, the environment, science, and architecture (art). Historically, most advocacy has aimed to affect significant shifts in a government's or industry's strategy or practice. Rather than persuading politicians to amend rules, some campaigners attempt to convince citizens to change their actions personally. For example, the cooperative movement aims to create new organizations based on collaborative values rather than lobbying or protesting political issues. On the other hand, other protestors attempt to convince citizens or government policies to stay the same.

Democratic advocacy has links to improving psychological well-being. Activism gives you more power over your life and helps you overcome feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Finding a cause worth supporting helps one to find a sense of belonging. It would be a failure to overlook the need for social reform. We are seeing the catastrophic effects of inequality in our socioeconomic system now more than ever.

It's encouraging to see activists, especially young people, protesting. They want to achieve freedom, liberty, and harmony. In these times of pandemic, we need to work together. Being a voice for all is a huge opportunity to elevate society's standing, allowing us to flourish as individuals and gain expertise to improve our economy. Such topics, such as climate change, reproductive rights, and gun control, have seen youth people take the forefront in mass protests and activism. Unlike in previous decades, technology has been the foundation of many of today's youth movements. Research shows that internet usage, and easy access to information online, had a positive effect on civic participation.

Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have been the newest tools for millennial progressives of the twenty-first century. Technology and the use of new platforms have transformed the way young people engage in activism worldwide, and young people are more interested in the media than previous generations.

According to the national data, more than 42% of Filipinos are under 18 years old are the youth whose participation in politics has been on the rise. Young people, who are also concerned citizens, campaign for reform in their respective neighborhoods.

In the Philippines, the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Law became a cause for alarm. It contradicts the vision of activists. Human rights campaigners have expressed concern about the proposed law, citing punitive and unconstitutional clauses such as detention without warrants that they believe may be exploited to target his critics. These individuals reiterate that they are not terrorists and that they are only battling for their civil rights and future. Although we are amid a pandemic, over 1,000 Filipinos braved the risk of coronavirus contamination to demonstrate against a proposed new anti-terrorism bill on June 12, 2020. But on July 3, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Republic Act No. 11479 or The Anti-Terrorism act of 2020.

Critics claim that this law is detrimental to all, while others argue that it is imperative in the fight against terrorism worldwide, especially in our country. However, regardless of the repercussions, we should all accept the views of others, especially though they are on the opposing side. Activists don't want to be silenced; they want to be heard. They all want unity and freedom to have a prosperous future for their children.

Activists and military enforcers have clashed in the past during demonstrations, and others have been wounded or even killed. Military enforcers, we must refrain from using arms against activists. Be cautious about what we do because it can threaten the lives of others.