Message of Condolence from the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines
A committed educator, a painstaking organizer, a genuine and militant trade unionist, a valiant fighter to the end – Ka Wilson Baldonaza exemplified a life of service to the working class and the Filipino people.
We of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines Negotiating Panel, including its consultants and general counsel, mourn with the family, friends and comrades of Ka Wilson. With his life and legacy, Ka Wilson has joined the outstanding ranks of Ka Bert, Ka Bel, Ka Lando and others who have militantly served the cause for national freedom, democracy and socialism.
Ka Wilson made his mark as a leader of the Filipino working class from his time as a member of the Samahan ng Demokratikong Kabataan (SDK) at the University of the East before the declaration of Martial Law, as a community youth organizer in his hometown in Tarlac and as a leader in the trade union movement in subsequent decades. Quiet and unassuming, he exuded dignity with his unwavering commitment to the national democratic movement and international working class movement.
In the trade union movement, Ka Wilson was a formidable figure. Be it as president of the union of workers at the Mabuhay Textile Mills in Valenzuela, as a union organizer and later on president of the Alliance of Nationalist and Genuine Labor Organizations (ANGLO), and as secretary-general of the trade union center Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement), Ka Wilson showed the characteristics of a leader and fighter for the interests of the Filipino working class.
He was an educator among his colleagues and comrades. His dedication to raising the consciousness of the Filipino workers was exhibited in his seven years of work within the progressive church-backed organization, Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research (EILER). He conscientiously propagated the line and analysis of Genuine Trade Unionism among the Filipino workers that helped in the further advancement of the workers’ movement.
As KMU secretary-general from 2007 up to the time of his death, Ka Wilson bannered the cause of the Filipino workers and people and pursued the unity and solidarity of the working class worldwide. He actively joined KMU-initiated International Solidarity Affair and vigorously promoted the people’s concerns in conferences and other activities he attended in the Philippines and in other countries.
Indeed, Ka Wilson lived a full life of service to the Filipino people and working class and the international working class movement. Ka Wilson will be remembered by his colleagues, friends and comrades.
The NDFP Negotiating Panel pays our highest tribute, honor and salute to Ka Wilson – son of the toiling masses, unionist, educator, organizer and a revolutionary martyr.
Long live the memories and work of Ka Wilson!
Long live the Filipino working class!
Long live the international working class movement!
NDFP Negotiating Panel:
Luis G. Jalandoni, Chairperson
Fidel V. Agcaoili, Member
Julie de Lima, Member
Coni Ledesma, Member
Asterio Palima, Member
NDFP Chief Political Consultant:
Prof. Jose Maria Sison
General Counsel:
Atty. Romeo T. Capulong
Consultants:
Dan Borjal
Vicente Ladlad
Rafael Baylosis
Randall Echanis
Elizabeth Principe
Angelina Ipong
Eduardo Sarmiento
Emeterio Antalan
Glicerio Pernia
and others
NDFP Panel Secretariat:
Ruth de Leon
[Please visit online blog dedicated to Ka Wilson Baldonaza at http://parangalkaykawilson.wordpress.com]
