The Katipunan ng mga Gurong Makabayan (Kaguma, or Alliance of Patriotic Teachers) decisively overcomes its past year’s weaknesses and mistakes, inspired by the revolutionary struggle’s rectification movement. The revolutionary group’s Fourth National Congress held last October attests to this.

At least 79 members from Kaguma chapters across various regions, academic institutions, and universities within the education sector gathered for the congress. The delegates united under the theme “Advance the revolutionary teachers’ movement! Rectify! Expand! Struggle! Triumph! Advance the national democratic revolution with socialist perspective with utmost efforts!”

The group’s last congress was more than two decades ago. Its earlier congresses were held in 1985, 1987, and 2003. The organization was founded on March 28, 1971.

“Reinvigorate Kaguma, boldly expand and strengthen it nationwide. Vigorously advance the comprehensive tasks for the revolution,” the National Secretariat declared in its keynote report.

During the gathering, the secretariat presented Kaguma’s self-evaluation over the past two decades. It highlighted a humble self-criticism for having deviated from the basic principles and methods of a revolutionary organization in recent years.

The congress finalized and approved Kaguma’s major documents, including its orientation, constitution, and three-year tactical plan. It also outlined six resolutions that will guide the organization’s continuous development.

The congress elected a new National Council and National Executive Committee that will lead the organization nationwide. Guia Umili was elected as Kaguma chairperson and spokesperson.

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the Communist Party of the Philippines congratulated Kaguma for its determination and perseverance in holding its Fourth National Congress.

“We hope that this congress will consolidate your ranks, draw lessons from experiences, and advance more firmly in fulfilling your tasks of strengthening teachers’ revolutionary ranks,” NDFP secretary general Elias Dipasupil said.

CPP chief information officer Marco Valbuena said the recently held congress is undeniably historic—not only because it was convened after a long time but also because it marks the beginning of a new period of advancement for the revolutionary teachers’ movement.

Valbuena said Kaguma serves as a beacon for teachers, illuminating the path they must take to achieve their aspirations and those of the people. “Your perseverance inspires teachers to look beyond present hardships and join the wider masses in the struggle to fundamentally transform the social order,” his message to Kaguma said.

Concluding the congress, members and newly elected leaders took a collective oath, followed by the chairperson’s closing address. In her speech, Umili recognized and honored the martyrs of the sector and the people. “They offered and gave their whole lives to the revolution. Let us salute our comrades in the countryside who carry on the highest form of struggle,” she affirmed.

Umili also challenged the congress delegates: “May the link between our revolutionary theory and practice continue to grow stronger; may our documents and studies not become stagnant knowledge stored only in our minds but serve as guides for advancing our actions; and may our actions in turn elevate our revolutionary theory to a higher level.