CONTACT US:

Door 2, RGU Apartments, 90 Medical Drive, Bajada, Davao City

Tel #: (082) 224-2642

Email: bayan.smr@gmail.com

ABOUT BAYAN-SMR

A multi-sectoral campaign center for its member organizations nationwide.Its range of activities include fora, seminars, lobbying, pickets, marches, demonstrations and people’s strikes;

Works with other patriotic and progressive organizations and individuals based on the principles of consensus, independence and initiative;

Supports progressive candidates and parties in elections; Conducts education campaigns on the country's basic problems and how to solve them in ways that are democratic and people-oriented;

Initiates and/or promotes socio-economic relief and rehabilitation projects in support and in defense of the democratic rights of internal refugees and other victims of militarization and natural and man-made calamities, especially among the peasants and national minorities in the countryside.

HISTORY

The mid-sixties saw the emergence of a new type of national democratic movement in the Philippines, founded on a clear patriotic and antiimperialist line. It gained national prominence during the First Quarter Storm of 1970 and took deep root among the people.

The declaration of martial law in 1972 failed to stem the growth of this movement. The peasant movement for genuine agrarian reform rapidly gained ground, as well as the workers' strike movement. Students, teachers, professionals and the religious took to the streets to defend civil liberties and the people's democratic rights.

The assassination of opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino in 1983 triggered bigger protests against the Marcos dictatorship. At the core was the national democratic movement, leading such broad alliances as the Justice for Aquino Justice for All Movement (JAJA); Nationalist Alliance for Justice, Freedom and Democracy (NAJFD); and the Coalition of Organizations for the Realization of Democracy (CORD).

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance) was formed in May 1985, bringing together more than a thousand mass organizations composed of more than a million members. Represented were different classes and sectors committed to the people's struggle for national freedom and democracy. The Grand Old Man of Philippine politics himself, staunch nationalist Sen. Lorenzo Tañada, was elected founding chairperson.

Bayan soon became the coordinating center for open mass mobilizations against the hated dictatorship. It led big demonstrations and people's strikes in Metro Manila and the country's major urban areas, contributing greatly to the eventual downfall of the U.S.-backed Marcos regime.

But the end of the Marcos regime was not enough to ensure the fulfillment of the people's just demands. Succeeding regimes further entrenched foreign domination and elite rule.

Recently, Bayan figured prominently in the ouster of the corrupt and rotten U.S.-Estrada regime.It helped forge the broadest unity of the people and served as core of the mammoth rallies and people's strikes until People Power 2 ousted Estrada from power.

Today, it is at the forefront of a growing mass movement for democracy and freedom.

THE ORGANIZATION 

Founded on the determination and strength of the majority of oppressed classes, Bayan is an alliance composed mainly of organizations of workers and peasant. Various sectors also account for many of our allied organization mass membership. Bayan counts as its members individual personages who serve in its leading bodies.

The local chapter in the municipal, provincial or regional level is the basic unit of Bayan.

The highest policy-making body is the National Congress.

In between congresses, the National Council meets twice a year or whenever necessary.

The National Executive Committee, through its various departments and the Popular Struggles Commission, ensures the implementation of Bayan's General Program of Action and other policies and directives laid down by the Congress and National Council.

The National Secretariat, headed by the Secretary-General takes care of Bayan's day-to-day operation.