Celebrating its 61st anniversary on November 30, Kabataang Makabayan (KM) chapters launched studies, assemblies, rallies, and other activities. This also forms part of KM’s effort to reinvigorate the underground movement among the youth to strengthen their integral part in the revolutionary movement.

The KM strengthens itself while Filipino youth lead massive nationwide anti-corruption protests since September. It encourages the youth to continue to raise their voices and fight against corruption and bureaucrat capitalism. At the same time, it clarifies that the youth and the people can only achieve genuine change through people’s war.

Study the people’s war

In Manila, a college KM chapter gathered to discuss Ka Amado Guerrero’s Ang Mga Partikular na Katangian ng Ating Digmang Bayan (The Specific Characteristics of the People’s War). They chose the work to study the people’s war being waged by the New People’s Army (NPA), to understand its particularities, and to learn the method of advancing it from one stage to another.

“This deepened my understanding of the people’s war,” new KM recruit Ka Sharon shared. “Despite my class background, I am now more eager to join the next group of students bound for revolutionary integration,” Ka Len said.

KM members also watched the Sine Proletaryo documentary Buhay Komunista 2 (Communist Life) together, studied the revolutionary song Pagbati (Greetings), and read Comrade Jose Maria Sison’s poem Ang Gerilya Ay Tulad Ng Makata (The Guerrilla is Like a Poet). The chapter also discussed revolutionary art and how it reflects the art of guerrilla warfare.

Chapter official Ka Ces expressed optimism about the positive outcome of their gathering. “May these discussions enable us to further strengthen ourselves in the realm of ideology,” he said. KM members need this even more amid the intensifying political situation under the Marcos regime.

KM Rallies, assemblies, and OP-OD

Defying the regime’s fascist repression, KM chapters determinedly launched rallies, assemblies, and grafitti-and-poster operations (OP-OD) in several places. They meticulously planned these to ensure safety and security in each activity.

On November 27 and 28, and December 5, KM chapters held rallies in Quezon City and Manila. Carrying the KM flag, they called on Filipino youth and the people to join the NPA and dedicate their strength, intelligence, and abilities to advancing the people’s war.

In Metro Manila, KM held three assemblies in November. Meanwhile, KM chapters launched OP-OD at De La Salle University (DLSU)-Manila, DLS-College of St. Benilde, University of the Philippines (UP)-Manila, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila. Similar KM activities were carried out in UP Los Baños, in Calamba City in Laguna, and in UP Cebu. In Canada, a KM chapter composed of Filipino migrant and diaspora youth also reported launching OP-OD.

KM chapters also released various statements to mark its anniversary. They paid tribute to KM founding chairperson Ka Joma for his invaluable legacy for the youth in advancing the Philippine revolution. Chapters from the regions of Ilocos, Metro Manila, Negros Island, Panay, and in Laguna, Cavite, and Cebu issued statements.

“In immersing among the masses, we boldly forge our conviction. We are summoned to detach from our comfortable and habitual lives…the sacrifice to end the rotten system holds far greater meaning,” KM declared.