It was an ordinary day, seemingly nothing special. Ka Louie was invited by friends for afternoon tea or so he thought. How surprised was he when he entered the “tea room”. A loud “Happy Birthday, Ka Louie!” greeted him. “We are here to celebrate you”!
Comrades, compatriots, and international solidarity supporters and friends gathered last February 16, 2025 to celebrate the life of Luis “Ka Louie” Jalandoni. A celebration of the life of a man who spent most of his 90 years in the service of the Filipino people.
Throughout his decades of experience in revolutionary work, Ka Louie has worked with various comrades many of whom have been martyred in battle or died a hero of the Filipino people. It was only fitting that the program started with a silent tribute to the brave and selfless Kasamas that have been part of Ka Louie’s life and struggle.
Testimonials were given by people he worked closely with as a member of the religious, social action activist, fighter for peasants and workers’ rights, peace warrior, internationalist and leading member of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the Communist Party of the Philippines. Through all the testimonies given during the celebration there was a common thread in his life: his transformation from affluent beginnings to a comrade who has served the Filipino people earnestly, with humility and with firm determination. He is a comrade beloved by the masses, worthy of their admiration, esteem and gratitude.
It was through his participation in the peasants’ struggle that he began to understand the depth of oppression they faced. This struggle steeled him to bravely confront the wrath and danger brought by the ruling classes. He embraced armed struggle as a necessary means to free the people from their suffering at the hands of the ruling classes and create a just social system.
Engaging with progressive elements in the Church, he recognized the disconnect between Christian teachings and the suffering inflicted by an unjust system. This realization propelled him to organize members of the clergy and laypeople, drawing them into the national democratic struggle.
Ka Louie was zealous in arousing, organizing and mobilizing the Filipino and foreign priests and nuns especially during the time of the Marcos fascist dictatorship. During the celebration, Irish and Filipino priests narrated how Ka Louie also opened their eyes to the grave situation of the peasants and workers, and the brutality of the US-Marcos Sr. regime; and how the courage of Ka Louie in facing the oppressors and exploiters gave them courage to act and undertake even the simplest of tasks.
A number of them helped many comrades escape the enemy’s encirclement, brought food and supplies, accessed medical support, and brought to the international community the situation of the Filipino people under martial law thus gaining further support and solidarity.
International solidarity activists for the Philippine struggle told of the relentless work Ka Louie did to gather support for the people’s struggle and strengthen the ties among the Filipino people and the international community. He tirelessly traveled and met heads of states, representatives of movements, parties, political organizations and explained the situation and struggle of the Filipino people to get their support and solidarity.
Ka Julie De Lima spoke of Ka Louie’s role as chairperson of the NDFP Negotiating Panel. What is constant with Ka Louie as he sat across the negotiating table with the GRP was his firm hold on principles. For him, the interest of the Filipino people is first and foremost.
Ka Louie’s family not only understands but wholeheartedly supports his lifelong commitment to the revolution. Despite the challenges and sacrifices that come with his dedication to the struggle, his family has remained steadfast, offering him both strength and encouragement. They recognize that his work is not just a personal mission but part of a broader fight for justice and liberation—values that they, too, have come to embrace.
His son talked about how Ka Louie would spend precious time with him as he was growing up, spending time together during vacations and camping; and how Ka Louie would attend the basketball tournaments of his grandsons and how he cheered them on.
Ka Coni, Ka Louie’s beloved comrade and partner recounted heartfelt and vivid anecdotes from their life together. She spoke of moments that revealed Ka Louie’s deep compassion, sharp political insight, and tireless commitment to serving the people, both in times of quiet struggle and in the heat of mass campaigns. She also thanked the organizers of the event and the guests for celebrating Ka Louie’s 90th birthday.
A highlight of the celebration was the tribute awarded to Ka Louie by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines dated February 15, 2025. The tribute recognizes Ka Louie as one of the “strongest stalwarts of the Philippine national democratic revolution” whose tireless work secured widespread recognition and solidarity for the Filipino people’s cause for national and social liberation.
The Central Committee of the CPP stated in its tribute to Ka Louie: “….( The Central Committee) firmly honors the revolutionary legacy of Ka Louie and other revolutionary pioneers like him, drawing vital lessons from their experiences and struggles to serve as a powerful source of inspiration and strength in advancing the revolutionary cause.
“The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines expresses its deep gratitude to Ka Louie for dedicating his life to the Filipino people, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the Communist Party of the Philippines. We will forever cherish and treasure the contributions made by Ka Louie, and vow to continue his legacy of selfless service and unrelenting commitment to waging the people’s democratic revolution.”
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is the revolutionary united front organization of the Filipino people fighting for national freedom and for the democratic rights of the people. The NDFP seeks to develop and coordinate all progressive classes, sectors and forces in the Filipino people’s struggle to end the rule of US imperialism and its local allies of big landlords and compradors, and attain national and social liberation.