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BAYAN-Ilocos holds 2nd congress

CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte (Sept. 23 — The second BAYAN-Ilocos (BAYANI) congress was successfully observed with the theme “Ipinget nga idur-as ti nailian a demokratiko a panakidangadang iti Ilokos, patibkeren ken palawaen ti intar” (Intensify the Advancement of the National Democratic Struggle, Strengthen and Broaden our Ranks) last Sept. 20-21 at UCCP Compound, Currimao, Ilocos Norte. Over 200 participants from different organizations including workers, farmers, students, professionals, women and church people attended the congress.

The congress paid tribute to the late Romy “Ka Romy” Sanchez for his dedication in serving the people to the extent of giving his life. His death gave inspiration to the BAYANI officers and members to serve, struggle and fight for the people’s cause.

A lone gunman at Baguio City public market killed Sanchez on March 9 this year.

Rev. Billy Austin admired Ka Romy for his dedication in serving the people.

“We will continue to serve and fight for the rights of the people and Ka Romy will serve as an inspiration in our resolve to strengthen our organizations,” Austin said in Ilokano. He said that the struggle social change is a heavy task. He added that the answer to the present crisis is the immediate ouster of GMA.

Gabriela-Ilocos, Youth Demands for Arroyo’s Resignation (Youth Dare), League of Filipino Students (LFS) and Gloria Stepdown Movement (GSM), Anak Bayan, Timik dagiti babassit nga mangngalap ti La Union (TIMIK) and other organizations affiliated with BAYANI also expressed disgust with the present administration.

The groups also appealed to the government for just wages, respect political activists’ right to freedom of expression, respect of children and women’s rights, affordable education and a stop to the harassment and killing of progressive leaders and journalist.

The participants believe that GMA will be ousted despite the murder of the impeachment case in the congress. They vowed to bring the fight to the streets through mass actions, which will serve as venue for basic sectors to express their feelings and position on the ongoing political and economic crisis in the country.

The newly elected officers also took their oath during the congress before Bayan Muna National Vice-Chairman Manny Loste.

In his talk, Loste said BAYAN is the broadest alliance in the Philippines that played important role during the first People Power in 1986 and in the second in 2001, BAYAN at present is the leading alliance that calls for the ouster of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

He also reiterated the need to strengthen and broaden organizations to work for genuine changes in the government and present political system. It is also necessary to take extra precautions in all that we do because we still have a long winding road to travel. One should always remember that it takes decades before you can shape good and dedicated leaders.

BAYANI, launched in March 2002, started with 9 affiliated organizations, now it has 12 member organizations. It serves as the coordinating body of multi-sectoral campaigns affecting the masses such as mining, farmer’s economic rights and militarization in the region.

The new officers are Austin-chairperson, Honorio Arcaina – vice-chair for internal affairs, Mark Galanga-vice chair for external affairs, Julian Daoa - secretary general, Sonny Boticario-deputy secretary general, Rev. Randy Manicap - treasurer, Carlito Villegas - auditor and Rolando Ponce as director on popular struggle. # Johnny Fialen for NORDIS

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