Filipinos build a global movement For peace and justice

Filipinos build a global movement For peace and justice

Filipinos now have good cause to hope for change in the Philippines. Not yet a million in Canada, but well-known as a stalwart and and important labour force in Canadian society, their hope resounds in the hearts of their compatriots all over the world. In their hearts, hope for this change still burns, for like many migrant workers and immigrants in Canada today, they have been compelled to leave their loved ones to find paths away from poverty and socio-political injustices, and know how important it is to resolve these issues in a world where their families and friends still live.

The reason for hope? Much-needed peace talks have resumed this week in Norway, between the new government headed by President Rodrigo Duterte and the revolutionary movement led by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. The civil war in the country that has been largely denied and covered up from view by past governments now has the opportunity to come to a resolution. There is hope that social reforms, which is the main agenda of the talks, can now be made, and possibly soon bring lasting peace and justice!

President-elect Duterte, true to his promise to resume the talks, has been much praised for releasing political detainees who were arrested although legally designated as negotiators at these talks. Expectations are rife that he will lead the country to the realization of the much needed reforms.
In view of this, Filipinos in Canada are now joining a global movement aptly called #Kababayan4Change. It is meant to inform, organize, and broaden a dynamic movement for economic, social and political reforms in the Philippines. We enjoin Filipinos to join it, and ask our friends in Canada to welcome and support this global movement! We promise you: it is not just your easy-on-the-eye or accessible hashtag, a user-friendly Facebook account, a social media event or a snap fad!

For there is much to be resolved in the country. While issues remain unaddressed, it is a dangerous place for many. Children die from the harsh conditions of dire poverty or from militarization. Women and mothers suffer illnesses from chemically-charged work environments in agribusinesses or mining projects. Workers in search for decent jobs all over the country or around the world, leave their families and risk trafficking – just like Mary Jane Veloso.

And yet the country is rich in mineral resources, and its people talented and highly educated.

For centuries, however, colonial powers and the local elite have controlled its vast haciendas, big businesses and government. Such conditions have brought us to many wars and battles.

The future now promises a great change: social reforms and the freedom to build a better place.

#Kababayan4Change is all about giving the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and the Filipino immigrant a voice and a hand in this massive undertaking.

For aside from helping our country through super typhoons and earthquakes, which we have dutifully done with the compassionate help of the rest of the people of Canada, we have a bigger goal. We want a better Philippines – where there are farms to till, industries to develop our own resources, livelihood and services for the people, and a secure and sustainable future for generations to come.

We call upon our friends and supporters in Canada: help us achieve our people’s dreams!

We call upon every Filipino: let us fulfill our people’s hopes!

We want peace, we want justice. Together, let us stand and work for change with our compatriots all over the world — with #Kababayan4Change.