BAYAN@25: Plaques of recognition for contribution to the mass movement

Plaques of Recogntion for contribution to the mass movement

Bantayog ng mga Bayani

December 16, 2010

■ Bonus Tracks: Artista ng Bayan 2011 Calendar



Amado Gat Inciong		Poet-songwriter Jesus Santiago







MESSAGE TO BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN (BAYAN) ON THE CELEBRATION OF ITS 25th FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY By Prof. Jose Maria Sison Chairperson International League of Peoples' Struggle December 16, 2010 We, the International League of Peoples' Struggle, convey our warmest greetings of solidarity to the national officers and all the allied organizations of the multisectoral alliance, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance, BAYAN) on the occasion of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of its founding on May 5, 1985. We congratulate you for your achievements in pursuing the Filipino people's struggle for national independence and democracy, uniting the patriotic and progressive forces and mobilizing them in 1985 and 1986 against the US-instigated Marcos fascist dictatorship and against the subsequent similarly anti-national and antidemocratic regimes. The name of BAYAN resounds in the Philippines and in the world because of its accumulated and continuing accomplishments in political education, alliance work and mass mobilization. We are proud that BAYAN and its allied forces are major member-organizations of the ILPS and have made significant contributions to the ILPS. We are confident that you will reap still greater victories in the year ahead as you respond to and carry out the call of your 8th National Congress to further strengthen BAYAN and militantly advance the national and democratic struggle of the people amidst the grave crisis of the world capitalist system and the domestic ruling system of big comprador and landlords. The current grave crisis of the US and world capitalist system is rooted in the fundamentals of monopoly capitalist exploitation of labor and the wanton abuse of finance capital in a vain attempt to override the recurrent crisis of overproduction and raise the rate of profit. The policy of neoliberal globalization (denationalization of dominated countries, liberalization, privalization and deregulation) has accelerated and deepened the global economic and financial crisis and has led to the rise of repression, state terrorism, foreign military intervention and wars of aggression. The chronic crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system has rapidly become worse under the impact of the crisis of the world capitalist system. The Philippine economy is more than ever underdeveloped and dependent on the export of raw materials, semi-manufactures and cheap labor and on a rising level of public debt in order to cover budgetary and trade deficits. While the foreign monopolies and the local reactionaries keep on raising the level of exploitation, they also keep on raising the level of oppression. The reactionary puppet state serves the US global war of terror and follows the US Counterinsurgency Guide in its war against the people . Under the pretext of combating terrorism, it engages in state terrorism and allows the US military forces to violate national sovereignty and territorial integrity under the Visiting Forces Agreement. The new regime of Aquino represents the local exploiting classes and is servile to US imperialism. It has not differentiated itself from the preceding Arroyo regime. Aquino has had no real intention of fulfilling the promise of change, especially the promise to end poverty and corruption. He has not made any effective move to fulfill his promise to try and punish Arroyo and her criminal accomplices for corruption and human right violations. These crimes and poverty thrive under the continuing conditions of underdevelopment and plunder by the foreign and local exploiters. The resumption of formal talks in the peace negotiations between the National Democratic Front and the reactionary government, does not guarantee that an agreement on the social and economic reforms demanded by the Filipino people would be reached. By all indications, the reactionary government will continue to avoid addressing the roots of the armed conflict and to demand in vain the capitulation and pacification of the revolutionary forces and people. The Filipino people continue to suffer the worsening of the socio-economic and political crisis and the further escalation of exploitation and oppression. But they are moved to wage a resolute and militant struggle against the exploiters and oppressors by their own suffering and by their demands and aspirations for national independence, democracy, social justice and all-round development. It should not be too difficult to fight a regime whose shallowness and gimmickry cannot cover up its incompetence and blatant character of puppetry, corruption, brutality and mendacity. But BAYAN and all its allied organizations must seriously study why the national democratic movement did not suceed in removing Arroyo from power before 2010 despite her isolation and the intense hatred of the people for her crimes. Why was the effective denunciation of the Arroyo regime not complemented by expansive mass organizing and mass mobilization comparable to that against the Estrada regime? Was it simply because the US-Arroyo regime was good at repressing the people? Or was it because there was an inability to organize and mobilize large numbers of people due to certain errors and shortcomings? There is no end to learning lessons from experience and becoming more effective in arousing, strengthening the organized forces of BAYAN and mobilizing the broad masses of the people. There is an outcry for BAYAN and its organized forces to develop their capability for advancing the national democratic movement not only by taking up issues and making token protests but by being able to mobilize the people in their millions in the national capital region and on a national scale. In conclusion, we the International League of Peoples' Struggle take this opportunity to thank BAYAN and all its organized forces for supporting ILPS and for resolving to send their delegations to the Fourth International Assembly of the ILPS in July next year. We and the ILPS Philippines rely on the continuous support and cooperation of BAYAN for the success of the assembly. ###
	BAYAN Chair Dr. Carol Araullo





	AMADO GAT INCIONG Noon pa mang panahon ng diktadurang Marcos, kasama na natin siya sa kilusan para sa tunay na pagbabago sa ating bansa. Kasapi ng Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) at dating Labor undersecretary, kilala siyang matatag na tagapagtaguyod ng karapatan ng anakpawis at ng mga manggagawa. Hindi matatawaran ang kanyang pagiging makabayan at masugid na sumuporta sa maraming kampanya ng Bayan – mula sa pagpapabagsak sa diktadurang Marcos, pagpapatalsik kay Erap, sa kampanyang pagpapatalsik kay Gloria, pagpapalayas sa tropang Kano, at marami pang iba. -- from citation read by BAYAN




JESS SANTIAGO Makata, mang-aawit, kompositor, tagapagsalin, hindi na mabilang ang maraming protesta na pinangunahan ng Bayan na lalong pinasigla at pinag-alab ng kanyang mga taludtod at musika. Isa sa mga nangungunang personahe sa pagsusulong at haligi ng musikang progresibo at makamasa sa ating bansa, laging pinananabikan ang kanyang bawat pag-akyat sa entablado upang magtalumpati sa saliw ng kanyang gitara.		ARKIBONG BAYAN (MON RAMIREZ) Sa panahon ng internet at digital information, isa sa mga mahusay na inisyatibang dapat kilalanin ay ang website na Arkibong Bayan. Ito ngayon ang pinakamasaklaw at pinakamalaking taga-tipon at imbakan ng documentation ng iba’t ibang pagkilos ng ating mga organisasyon – mula sa mga kilos-protesta, mga porum, hanggang sa parangal sa mga kasama, at iba pa, hindi lamang sa NCR at iba’t ibang rehiyon kundi maging sa ibang bansa. At hindi maaaring hindi natin kilalanin ang masigasig at matiyagang nagmamantina ng Arkibong Bayan, na isa ring engineer at syentista ng bayan. Photo above shows Arkibong Bayan webmaster receiving the plaque of appreciation in behalf of its server host, Migrante Australia, and its group of volunteer photographers and archivists who keep the website supplied with photographs. statements and articles on various issues..

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Widow of Nards San Jose receives the plaque of appreciation	WILSON BALDONAZA Pumanaw noong Hunyo 30, 2010, kilala natin siya bilang dating pangkalahatang kalihim ng Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) pero marami sa atin ang hindi nakakaalam na dati rin siyang naging pangkalahatang kalihim ng Bayan sa balangay nito sa Valenzuela noong huling bahagi ng 1980s. Isa sa ating mga dakilang lider-obrero na kumilos mula pa noong Martial Law, siya ay naging union organizer at edukador na hindi na tumigil sa kabila ng kanyang karamdaman upang maglingkod sa mga manggagawa at mamamayan. (Plaque of appreciation received by a relatives)

		Top 10 Mass Movement Moments of 2010 by Renato Reyes, Jr. in Socio-Political For two years now, I’ve come out with this year-end list of what for me are the “Top 10 Mass Movement Moments” in recognition of the efforts of various sectors and groups in advancing the struggle for genuine freedom and democracy. It’s a personal list and I encourage folks to make their own so we can look back at the year with a positive vibe and look forward to the new year with great optimism and firmer resolve. Here are some of the “mass movement moments” that made a huge impact on public consciousness, mobilized a great number of people and showed oustanding militancy by the struggling people. 1. The fight to “Free the 43” is on top of my list. This campaign was a very broad fight, waged here and abroad, involving various sectors, groups, personalities, and political forces. It was a major human rights issue that tested the Aquino administration. The best part is that the campaign proved successful insofar as pressing the new government to withdraw charges against the 43. This is one campaign that should be summed up because it offers a lot of lessons both politically and legally. 2. The struggle for land in Hacienda Luisita. This fight has been waged for two decades now but 2010 was another major high point in the struggle. For the first time, the HLI land dispute, which had the stock distribution option as the main issue, was set for oral arguments by the Supreme Court. It was also during this period that the HLI management sought to maneuver and undermine the court proceedings by issuing a bogus compromise deal. The sham compromise was immediately exposed by the farmers and their lawyers. Protests were held at the SC and in HLI. The case is yet to be resolved. The farmers have rejected the mediation being conducted by the SC. 3. The militance of the North Triangle residents. This is one struggle where we saw the determination of the urban pooor in defending their right to housing. With no real relocation plans waiting for them, the residents of North Triangle QC relied on their own organized strength and militantly resisted the demolition teams, resulting in street battles along EDSA. The residents were able to get a reprieve and the demolition attempts appeared to have stopped for the meantime. 4. The “kuliglig” drivers’ resistance. This is another display of militance by working people defending their right to livelihood. On the day they were to be banned form main roads, the kuliglig drivers assembled near Manila City Hall and blocked the main road with their vehicles. The protest on December 1 was violently dispersed by the police. Thirteen were arrested, many were injured. The economic crisis is so severe that people are ready to protest when their livelihood is threatened. 5. The nationwide protests and strikes by students and teachers against budget cuts in education. The sustained protests against the budget cuts were able to mobilize thousands nationwide. The actions were laudible because aside from the numbers mobilized, the activities were broad, alliance-based actions. Students and teachers marched side by side with school administrators. 6. Guarding the automated elections. The year 2010 was historic also because of the first automated nationwide polls. People were anxious about the reliability of the elections, especially when there is the fear of a failure of elections and a GMA-holdover. Various groups were organized, including AES Watch, Kontra Daya and the nationwide network of TFPW. There were also broad protest actions against any failure of elections and GMA’s holdover. The Jericho March at the Comelec united many groups opposed to GMA. 7. Electoral victories – 2010 also saw gains in the electoral arena as progressive partylist groups gained more votes and a new progressive partylist entered Congress. The increase in votes however was undermined by the many bogus partylist groups that the Comelec accredited. The 2010 elections also provided valuable lessons in the conduct of a nationwide campaign for the Senate. 8. GMA’s last days in office. Arroyo’s last days in office were marked with protest actions demanding accountability. On June 29, Bayan led protesters to a march in Mendiola. A giant mural as unveiled and dancers dressed in prison orange danced to the tune of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” and Lady Gaga’s “Telephone”. 9. Aquino’s first SONA. The SONA march was the signal fire in challenging and exposing the new Aquino regime. The challenge revolved around economic policies, human rights, justice and national sovereignty. Nearly 10,000 marched to Batasan on that day. The SONA speech fell short of many people’s expectations and showed the main weaknesses and lack of depth of the Aquino government. 10. Fight against impunity. This year the fight against impunity continued. We marched to condemn the extrajudicial killings under the new administration. Despite Palace claims that 3 out of the 6 cases have been prosecuted, more killings emerged reaching a total of 20 as the year ended. This year also marked the first anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, with journalists and social activists holding activities in Mendiola and Maguindanao. The biggest challenge now is to arouse, mobilize and organize the Filipino people in their millions nationwide. The challenge is not without basis. The international and domestic crisis continues to worsen. The militant struggle of the residents of North Triangle and the kuliglig drivers is an indication of the readiness of the people to fight for their rights. As we take stock of our vcitories and shortcomings, we are evermore committed to the struggle for genuine freedom and democracy. 2010 has been a great year with its share of difficulties and trials. 2011 does not promise to be less difficult. However, in remaining steadfast in our principles and in continuing to rely on the strength of the masses, our future remains bright. P.S. Special recognition is in order for the people behind DUKOT which won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Cinematography in the recently concluded FAMAS Awards. Congrats to Direk Joel Lamangan, Boni Ilagan, Alen Dizon and the producers. This may just be the beginning of a renaissance of socially-relevant films getting mainstream success.
DOUGLAS DUMANON Isa pang dakilang lider-obrero, siya ang dating Vice President for Federation Affairs ng KMU na pumanaw noong Enero 25, 2010. Kilala siya sa kanyang mahusay na gawaing alyansa at katunayan ay nirespeto maging ng mga organisasyong hindi kabilang sa KMU. Gumampan siya ng susing papel sa pagharap ng KMU sa mga baluktot na ideolohiya at gawi noong huling bahagi ng 1980s at maagang bahagi ng 1990s. Bago siya pumanaw, pinagkaabalahan niya ang pamumuno ng Kadamay sa mga malalaking usaping kinaharap ng maralitang lunsod. (Plaque of Appreciation received by a member of Anakpawis)

JOVEN AQUINO Panahon ng diktadurang US Marcos at binata pa lang siya, kumikilos na si Joven Aquino sa hanay ng maralitang lungsod sa dating KPML. Nang nagkabiyakan sa organisasyon, isa siya sa nanindigan sa tamang prinsipyo at naging tagapagtatag ng Kadamay noong 1998, kung saan nahalal din siya bilang Ingat Yaman. Naging ingat-yaman din siya ng Kadamay NCR noong 1999, subalit taong 2001 naputol ang kanyang pagkilos nang siya ay naaksidente sa Quezon Avenue. Taos-pusong siyang naglingkod at inalay ang kanyang buhay sa sambayanan. (Plaque of Appreciation received by a member of Anakpawis)

CHIKOY PURA Sinong aktibista ang hindi nakakaalam sa mga kantang “Sayaw sa bubog”, “Rage”, o “Reklamo nang reklamo” ng beteranong Pinoy punk rock band na The Jerks? At sino ang hindi nakakakilala sa vocalist at gitarista nito na hinangaan natin dahil sa paglikha ng mga awit na komentaryo sa inhustisya, kahirapan, paglabag sa karapatang pantao, kulturang kolonyal, at iba pang suliranin ng ating lipunan?



			BAYAN Secretary General Renato Reyes, Jr.

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BONUS TRACKS


	Get one now! Concerned Artists of the Phil.' Artista ng Bayan 2011 Calendar! A fitting tribute to some of our beloved artists-patriots. Available at Popular Bookstore (T.Morato) & Ibon Fdn. for P300; CCP Giftshop & Sining Kamalig (Gateway Mall) P300+. Let us support our artists and cultural workers! KADAMAY's Bea Arellano, an aunt of Mulong, and CAP member Joel Garduce hold a portrait of the poet in front of the FQS mural at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani. His portrait appears in CAP's Artista ng Bayan Calendar for 2011. The portrait of Mulong was done by visual artist and CAP secretariat member Renan Ortiz.J.► Click here for a high resolution copy of the FQS mural



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