During the State of the Youth Address (SOYA) held on August 8 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish-Kinder School in Barangay Bata, Bacolod City, Kabataan Party-list together with various school publications and governments launched the Students Alliance for Liberating Education (SALE), bringing together a broad alliance of democratic student formations across Negros to build collective campaigns and coordinated action for students’ rights and welfare.

In a statement released today, August 10, Kabataan Party-list said SALE seeks to advance academic freedom and students’ democratic rights while campaigning for education that is quality, inclusive, scientific, nationalist, democratic, and accessible. It will also pursue research, policy advocacy, educational discussions, Social Investigation and Class Analysis (SICA), and inter-campus solidarity based on the concrete conditions and experiences of students.

Kabataan Party-list Negros said the launch of SALE marks a step toward strengthening collective student action in Negros amid continuing challenges in the education sector. The organization called for broader student participation and solidarity in confronting education-related problems and defending democratic spaces within schools.

The launch of SALE was in response to one of the concerns raised during the SOYA, regarding the restrictions affecting campus publications, excessive administrative oversight of student organizations, and measures that raise concerns over academic freedom and genuine student representation.

Last June, Bacolod City Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr proposed “An Ordinance Mandating All Levels of Educational Institutions and Student Organizations in Bacolod City to Secure Coordination for Research, Outreach Immersion, and Related Activities for Students.”

“These conditions demonstrate the need for students to consolidate their efforts in defending their rights and welfare,” said Kabataan Party-list.

Beyond restrictions on student expression, the group pointed to broader problems in education that remain unresolved, including the lack of accessible and affordable education, inadequate student assistance, rising educational expenses, and the continuing erosion of democratic spaces within educational institutions. The organization maintained that campuses should be spaces where students can freely think, organize, express themselves, and participate in discussions on matters affecting their lives and society.

As Marcos enters another year in office, Kabataan Party-list Negros said the concerns raised during SOYA 2026 serve as a reminder that the youth continue to demand meaningful action on the problems affecting their education, rights, and future.