Youth group Anakbayan marks 20th year

Youth group Anakbayan marks 20th year

By Ysh Cabana
The Philippine Reporter

Patriotic youth organization Anakbayan marked twenty years since it was established on November 30 and calls young Filipinos to continue the nationalist, anti-colonial struggle against tyranny and fascism.

The Friday activities in various regions were headed by the local chapters of Anakbayan as the Philippines also observed 155th Bonifacio Day, named after Andres Bonifacio whose legacy is the founding of pro-independence Katipunan that sparked the Philippine Revolution.

In Manila, where the group’s first assembly was held, a play titled ‘Ang Naratibo ng Bayan ay Naratibo ng Digma’ (The history of the nation is a story of conflicts) premiered under the direction of Jayroven Balais and scriptwriter Sheila Abarra. In Cebu, street demonstrations highlighted the “worsening conditions of Philippine society brought about by the continuing oppression and exploitation of the masses under this fascist US-Duterte regime”

Internationally, members of the youth group also celebrated as new chapters were established this year in University of California and in Milan, Italy. 

Here in Canada, the Montreal chapter urged other youth to go back to the Philippines to not only learn about one’s roots but to raise consciousness and integrate with the masses. 

“As a comprehensive organization that unites Filipino youth from different backgrounds such as workers, peasants, urban poor, students, professionals, Moro and national minorities, migrants, etc. with the basic forces for national democracy against Duterte’s fascist dictatorship, the establishment of Anakbayan is historic and significant,” the group said in a statement.

Anakbayan in Manila mobilization

Anakbayan Toronto

Anakbayan-Central Luzon

Anakbayan Bicol