Activists share brief recollections on Kabataang Makabayan

Jose Rizal once declared: the youth is the hope of our nation. Five decades ago, his words radically transformed into a concrete reality, event organizers said.

By DENNIS ESPADA

QUEZON CITY – It’s been 50 years and yet it seems as though it were only yesterday when young and freedom-loving men and women took the road less traveled, braved the storms, sacrificed their lives and made a difference.

Last November 12 was recollection day for five activists who fought and survived the dark years of Martial Law, namely: Satur Ocampo, president of Makabayan Coalition; Randall Echanis, deputy secretary general of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP); Marie Hilao-Enriquez, chairperson of Samahan ng mga Ex-detainees laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA); Lou Roque, women’s rights advocate; Bonifacio Ilagan, multi-awarded writer; and Dr. Carol Araullo, chairperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN).

The event was organized by Saligan sa CSSP (College of Social Studies and Philosophy), Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students (LFS), Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay na Kalayaan (KARATULA), Linangan ng Kulturang Pilipino and the Institute for Nationalist Studies.

They gathered a sizeable audience inside Palma Hall, commonly known as “AS” within the University of the Philippines (UP) campus, the site where the entire UP community defied military rule in an event known as the Diliman Commune of February 1971. Opening remarks and introductory speeches were given by UP Chancellor Dr. Michael Tan and National Artist for Literature Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera respectively.

For many activists who were part of, or heard about, the historic First Quarter Storm (FQS) of 1970 and related events that followed, the occasion wasn’t just speeches and cultural presentations. It was also a time to celebrate the struggles, sacrifices and achievements of the first comprehensive youth organization that started it all—the Kabataang Makabayan (KM or Patriotic Youth).

From legal to underground

KM’s place in the nation’s history is indelibly chronicled in books like Jose Maria Sison’s Struggle for National Democracy, Teodoro Agoncillo’s History of the Filipino People, Jose Lacaba’s Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage and in numerous articles and speeches as well. In fact, several KM activists who had died fighting the repressive regime were honored in the “Bantayog ng mga Bayani” (Monument of Heroes).

According to documents of its first national congress, KM was formally established in Manila in November 30, 1964—the 101st birth anniversary of patriotic-revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio—by a group of young intellectuals who vowed to continue the “unfinished Philippine revolution” and resolutely adopted a “national democratic program”. Then Professor Sison, who delivered the opening speech, was elected chairman; while then Senator Lorenzo Tañada, who gave the closing speech, became honorary member and consultant.

The members were college students and young trade unionists, which later included young teachers and professionals. They conducted study groups to inspire everyone to join their militant cause. Aside from schools, factories and slums within Manila and Rizal areas, they also managed to form chapters in cities, towns and rural districts of their home provinces.

Together with the Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan (SDK or Democratic Association of the Youth), labor federations and peasant associations, KM organized and directed massive rallies and demonstrations on a broad range of issues: United States’ (US) war of aggression in Vietnam, US military bases in the Philippines, oil price hikes, graft and corruption, among others. Its fame and influence consequently resulted to nationwide expansion.

It is believed that KM sparked the creation of “national democratic” mass organizations and formations after the FQS, all of which were eventually banned upon the declaration of Martial Law in 1972. It has since gone underground and remains as such up to this day.

Discipline and determination

“MAKIBAKA! HUWAG MATAKOT!” (STRUGGLE! DON’T BE AFRAID!) was the popular battlecry during the late 1960s and early 1970s. How was youth activism like back then?

Ocampo, a charter member since KM’s founding, explained how theories, experiences and events here and abroad boosted their generation’s politicization, fuelling a revolution that seeks to break the fetters of colonial and feudal bondage.

To be relevant and effective in arousing, organizing and mobilizing the youth, he emphasized the need to “connect with the workers and peasants, live and struggle with them.”

Ocampo added: “Rely on the strength of the masses; help them realize the problems that hinder their own progress and the proper course of action. Give them the capacity to understand their situation so that they themselves can do something to change it.”

Meanwhile, Echanis suffered “illegal” arrest and detention twice. As chairman of its chapter in the University of the East in 1970, he recalled setting up their HQ (headquarters) in the heart of Pandacan, Manila to organize slum dwellers and jeepney drivers.

“Though organizing in schools are necessary, students must not forget to organize people outside the schools, and join the struggles of the toiling masses,” he advised.

Today’s breed of young activists should also consider the value of discipline and solid determination, said Hilao-Enriquez, a former member of KM’s Kamuning chapter.

“Out-of-school youths and teachers frequently visited our HQ where educational discussions were held. We always kept the place clean and tidy—no hanging clothes and no slippers on the floor,” she reminisced. “We used to go around Kamuning asking homeowners to donate funds and even though we received very small amounts of money, the chance to have conversations with them was more important. That way, we had trained ourselves to become better speakers and witty in answering questions.”

Passion and commitment

Looking back, the following speakers pointed out that organizing women as well as cultural work were crucial in advancing the people’s resistance in the countrysides.

“On the international scene, the women’s movement focused on individual rights,” said Roque, former head of the KM women’s bureau. “But in our semi-colonial, semi-feudal society, the basic demands of women include social and economic justice.”

Ilagan, former chairman of the UP Diliman chapter who later headed its cultural bureau, narrated: “I listened to speeches at rallies but was not yet organized. One time I rushed to help a female student who was being attacked by anti-riot policemen. I was beaten up, my arm turned painful and swollen. The next day, I went to Vinzons Hall to look for KM members. I really wanted to join.”

After being recruited into the ranks, he had to quit college later. “Leaving the university wasn’t so difficult for me. My passion with work and deep commitment made me forget about personal ambitions. And I can honestly say, after so many years, I didn’t regret it.”

Half a century had already passed. Under the current Aquino administration, the issues are still the same: return of US military bases through the Visiting Forces Agreement and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, the killing of Jennifer Laude by a US soldier, oil price hikes, graft and corruption, among others. Scores of activists and ordinary citizens continue to become victims of extrajudicial killings, tortures, incarcerations and enforced disappearances.

Dr. Araullo, who was then involved with the Student Catholic Action and UP student council, told the audience that there’s indeed life after being a “YS” (youth-student), reminding them to carry forward the struggle wherever they are, whenever they can, and for as long as social problems remain unresolved.

“To those who are thinking of becoming activists or revolutionaries, I can tell you with conviction that you’ll never regret it,” she said. “They who remained as activists and revolutionaries, despite having reached a mature age, are one of the most intelligent, incisively analytical, broad-minded and happy people.”

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