By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

I believe I’m going to die doing the things I was born to do. I believe I’m going to die high off
the people. I believe I’m going to die a revolutionary in the international revolutionary
proletarian struggle. — Fred Hampton

A simple yet very brave man from Albay, a good and loving husband and father. He dedicated more than half of his existence in this present society serving the Filipino toiling masses especially the workers. He represented well the Filipino poor in the house of Congress where the few elite snore and make anti-people laws. He voiced-out as loud as he could the aspirations of the people.

At a young age, he already offered himself in genuine service to the masses not minding the dangers and hardships.

He was judged the man of the century by many because of his staunch stand for the people. He was honored not only here in the country but internationally. He earned the respect not only of the Filipino poor and elite but also the international community because of his sincere servitude to the oppressed.

Once he said, “If serving the poor is a crime then I plead guilty as charged”. He never regreted that he served the class he loved most as he was unjustly incarcerated by the oppressors. He was never cowed by the persecution of the repressive government instead he shouted his lungs out saying he will never give up the fight as more and more Filipino poor will continue the cause towards a just society.

Where in the world can you find a congressman who did not have enough money to buy a new pair of shoes and instead kept glueing his worn-out shoes, comparing him to many congressmen who ride in luxury vehicles at the expense of the people’s taxes. Where in the world can you find a congressman who can give only one peso coins to small boys, compared to many big bellied congressmen who throw away millions of pesos just to quench their thirst. Where would you find a congressman who actually does repair the roof of his house (from which, sadly, has caused his untimely death) in contrast to many congressmen who own not just houses but buildings here and abroad.

Rare in this world is a man who does not boast who he is but humbly does the things he knows that can help the majority. Rare is a noble and a servant who never says that because of him, the people have a better life.

The Filipino people is grateful as only Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran had the guts to say, the president in Malacañang does nothing good but to worsen the poor situation in the country. The Filipino workers can be proud that there was a Ka Bel from their kind who stood not only for the rights and welfare of the people but who showed them the real spirit of a selfless proletariat.

On his 2nd death anniversary, let us remember what he fought for. The struggle continues and Ka Bel left us not only the pride but also the determination to go on with the fight until the better tomorrow will be achieved. The life of Ka Bel might have set but his life’s example gave rise to a new morning that a higher form of society is possible.# nordis.net