Filipino youth in Canada joins BayanMuna and Makabayan 11 online proclamation rally

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PA Correspondent
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Bayan Muna Partylist Nominee Neri Colmenares joined the global proclamation of Bayan Muna and Makabayan 2025, with the Makabayan senatorial slate, held in Hong Kong on February 19, with the backing of various overseas Filipino workers organizations worldwide. (Photo: Bayan Muna Partylist)
Bayan Muna Partylist Nominee Neri Colmenares joined the global proclamation of Bayan Muna and Makabayan 2025, with the Makabayan senatorial slate, held in Hong Kong on February 19, with the backing of various overseas Filipino workers organizations worldwide. (Photo: Bayan Muna Partylist)

By Bayan Muna Canada

The Filipino youth diaspora in Canada gathered online Thursday night, February 19, for a global proclamation rally in Hong Kong. The youth group Anakbayan sponsored a watch party with national members from Winnipeg, Alberta, Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto.

The Vancouver-based Filipino youth group Anakbayan performed with great vigor during a watch party yesterday night, February 19, at the online global proclamation rally of Makabayan 11 and the Bayan Muna Partylist, which was held in Hong Kong. (Photo taken from Albert Lopez's Facebook post.)
The Vancouver-based Filipino youth group Anakbayan performed with great vigor during a watch party yesterday night, February 19, at the online global proclamation rally of Makabayan 11 and the Bayan Muna Partylist, which was held in Hong Kong. (Photo taken from Albert Lopez’s Facebook post.)
During Neri Colmenares' visit to Toronto as part of his Human Rights Tour in Canada, Thomas S. Saras, President and CEO of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, bestowed the organization's official medal upon him in honor of his contributions to social justice and human rights. (Photo credit: Mila Garcia)
During Neri Colmenares’ visit to Toronto as part of his Human Rights Tour in Canada, Thomas S. Saras, President and CEO of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, bestowed the organization’s official medal upon him in honor of his contributions to social justice and human rights.
(Photo credit: Mila Garcia)

The youth have been out in force in support of Makabayan 11 and the Bayan Muna Partylist, with Neri Colmenares as the front-running candidate. Colmenares gained popularity among young people following his brief visit to Canada two years ago to discuss human rights. The successful one-week visit to Canada sponsored by International Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP)  in partnership with Malaya Canada drew a lot of support, notably from youth, migrants, and Filipino compatriots in Canada.

Colmenares spoke with NDP MP Heather McPherson, the Critic for Foreign Affairs and International Development, who is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, during his most recent human rights visit to Canada. On her official Facebook page, McPherson expressed her deep concern over reports of an increase in extrajudicial killings and abductions. McPherson said that "Canada should urge the Filipino government to adhere to international law and human rights." (Photo :ICHRP-Canada)
Colmenares spoke with NDP MP Heather McPherson, the Critic for Foreign Affairs and International Development, who is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, during his most recent human rights visit to Canada. On her official Facebook page, McPherson expressed her deep concern over reports of an increase in extrajudicial killings and abductions. McPherson said that “Canada should urge the Filipino government to adhere to international law and human rights.” (Photo :ICHRP-Canada)

Attendees at the global proclamation rally included Bayan Muna Rep Neri Comenares, Fifth nominee lawyer Maria Kristina Konti, Makabayan senatorial slate members Teddy Casiño, former Gabriela Partylist Rep Liza Maza, and Gabriela Partylist Rep Arlene Brosas.

In his speech, Neri Colmenares emphasized the need of ensuring Bayan Muna’s victory in the forthcoming elections, as the party is in danger of being delisted. The Bayan Muna Partylist has been at the forefront of fighting for the Philippines’ underprivileged and poor sectors.

For the record, Bayan Muna Partylists in the House of Representatives have authored more than 25 laws that have had a positive impact on Filipinos. These laws include R.A. 9504 (Tax Relief Act of 2009), R.A. 9653 (Rent Control Act of 2009), R.A. 9745 (Anti-Torture Act), R.A. 10069 (Health Workers’ Day Act), R.A. 10353 (Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act), R.A. 10366 (Accessible Polling Places for Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens), and R.A. 10609 (Protection of Students).

The Filipino youth diaspora in Canada, as well as overseas Filipino worker organizations in the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, and Canada, came together online Thursday night, February 19, for a global proclamation rally in Hong Kong.

The three-hour proclamation event featured statements of support from a various of Filipino global  organizations, including Canada, the United States, Australia, and Hong Kong.

Danilo de Leon, Migrante Canada Chair, underscored the significance of guaranteeing the success of the Bayan Muna Partylist and Makabayan 11 in his solidarity message. Liza Maza and Bayan Muna collaborated to establish an additional consulate in Alberta, in addition to addressing other immigration concerns, according to De Leon.

As their 2025 election platforms call for, Bayan Muna Partylist demands more food per table, reduced rice and food prices, lower water and power costs, living wages, and regular employment as well as combat corruption, plunder, and other government corruption.

The following candidates are running for senate seats and party lists in the 2025 elections:

Makabayan senatorial candidates

Former Bayan Muna Rep., Teddy Casiño

Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas

Gabriela Partylist Rep. Liza Maza

ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro

Kilusang Mayo Uno Secretary General Jerome Adonis

Pamalakaya Vice Chairperson Ronnel Arambulo

Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) Chairman Mody Floranda

Urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) Mimi Doringo

Filipino Nurses United Secretary General Jocelyn Andamo

Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas Chairperson Danilo Ramos

Sandugo Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination Co-chairperson Amirah Lidasan

Bayan Muna party-list

Former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares

Former House Deputy Minority leader Carlos Zarate

Former Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite

NUPL Lawyer, Atty. Kristina Conti