Unbowed on its 58th anniversary, the Kabataang Makabayan Southern Mindanao Region continues to fight for justice and genuine national liberation. Our militant and revolutionary spirits remain unceasing in serving the people and the revolution.

No state-perpetuated violence and threats, black propaganda, and deceit can stop the youth in Southern Mindanao Region to voluntarily join Kabataang Makabayan. In fact, the utter negligence of the government in addressing the people’s socioeconomic demands, the anti-poor and anti-people political reforms, and the cultural degradation imposed by the U.S. imperialism, further pushes the youth to participate in the struggle to destroy the system of exploitation and pave the way for a society where poverty and hunger is non-existent.

Currently, the membership of Kabataang Makabayan in Davao City alone has seen a 60% increase. This clearly proves that the youth are discontent and furious at the schemes of the Marcos Jr.-Duterte regime, affirming the necessity and political correctness of the national democratic revolution.

Disillusioned by the lies of the powers that be, the youth obtained discerning eyes, seeing through the tactics of the state such as parading revolutionary traitors like Ariane Jane “Ka Marikit” Ramos and Joy “Ka Amihan” Saguino, among others. This is to discourage the youth, spread utter falsehoods, and malign the revolution, but to no avail, these malicious efforts are in vain.

Once again, we are reminded of the fact that THE REVOLUTION IS A MUST.

The revolution is for the oppressed and exploited. The revolution is for the people. It is our answer and response to the inutile government that prioritizes personal interests and immense profit, to the repressive police and military that murder dissenters in cold blood, and to the rotten system that only seeks to preserve the status quo.

In Davao City, the so-called “home court” of the Dutertes, the inflation rate has already reached 10.4%. As a result, the prices of basic commodities increased. Indeed, a “golden” economy albeit literally and negatively. However, despite the price increase, the minimum wage is still at Php 427.00 for non-agriculture workers and Php 422.00 for agriculture workers even though it is supposed to reach Php 1,119.00 considering the ratio of price to wage. This just means that the wage earned by the workers cannot suffice for the basic needs of their families.

Experiencing such socioeconomic distress, the youth and the masses have expressed their grievances and called for concrete and legitimate solutions including free and accessible education for the youth and students, livable wage for workers, land for landless farmers, affordable and safe housing, and assistance and subsidies.

What is the response of the Marcos Jr.-Duterte regime? Red-tagging. Threats. Harassment.

That is why the Kabataang Makabayan, as part of the machineries of the revolution, never stops in contradicting the neoliberal framework and policies on education and other basic services. After all, revolution is born out of the cause to build a just and humane society. And the revolution will continue until such society is grasped and built.

The Kabataang Makabayan Southern Mindanao Region vows to remain steadfast in upholding the teachings of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. As the youth called and echoed on the streets, “Rebolusyon, Sagot sa Kahirapan”, Kabataang Makabayan Southern Mindanao Region will keep on fighting for national industrialization, genuine agrarian reform, and sustainable agriculture through armed revolution, the highest form of struggle.

Stand united, be firm, and take part in the people’s protracted war. #