Malaya Movement USA communique on the National Assembly
On behalf of the newly elected National Executive Committee, we extend our congratulations to all Malaya Movement USA members for holding our historic National Assembly on August 21, 2021.
The first National Assembly of the Malaya Movement USA was convened in between two historically significant dates: the martyrdom of Benigno Ninoy Aquino and the Cry of Pugad Lawin of 1896. It was held specifically in recognition of these two historic events, the struggle against the Marcos dictatorship on one hand and the beginning of the Philippine revolution for independence and sovereignty. With the Philippine National Elections in 2022 looming, the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to worsen, and Duterte’s final year in office ramping up, this gathering of overseas Filipinos and allies forged our collective commitment to fighting for human rights, democracy, and sovereignty in the Philippines.
The National Assembly was attended by more than a hundred participants, from 14 states, 54 cities, 24 chapters and 5 affiliate organizations. 37 delegates, representing more than a thousand members, voted on key amendments and participated in the first national elections for the National Executive Committee.
We ratified the Constitution that solidified the Malaya Movement USA’s core values and principles, national structure, formalized and established the National Council, and resolved to establish the National Advisory Council. The General Program of Action from 2021-2022 was approved by the Assembly, laying the foundations for the collective organizing work through the end of 2022, with key focus placed on campaigns, strengthening the committees from the local chapters to the National, and committing to building alliances with other Filipino organizations and solidarity allies.
The first elections were held and the National Executive Committee was established with Yves N of New Jersey as the National Chairperson, Tabs G of Oregon as the National Vice Chairperson, and Julie J of New York as the National Secretary General.
Tinay Palabay, Secretary General of Karapatan, said in her keynote speech, left us with these words: “we need to organize systematically and relentlessly, we need to communicate and reach more, we need to mobilize with even more fervor, we need to occupy spaces which are being denied of us, we need to build unities to put and end to this kind of governance exemplified by Duterte, we need genuine and thoroughgoing change. Friends, I end with stating the obvious for everyone – we have great challenges, we face State terror and violence – but I’d also like to end with something that is again very obvious for everyone, even if we do not feel it right now but because it is simply the course of history – that we will win. The people always win. We will win because we do not forget. We will win because we will not give up. We will win because we are on the side of truth and justice. We will win because the youth and our children deserve better.”
Looking ahead, on September 18, we will be hosting the National Summit for Human Rights and Democracy in the Philippines alongside many of our affiliate organizations and other partner organizations. We invite all Malaya Movement USA members to attend and invite people in your network as we carry out our founding national assembly’s theme of “Strengthen the Movement to Defeat the Fascist Duterte Regime! Fight For a Democratic, Just, And Sovereign Philippines!”
Makibaka! Huwag Matakot!
Malaya Movement USA National Executive Committee
Below are a list of resources and finalized documents from our founding assembly:
