Hundreds gathered on June 16 to pay tribute to Ka Louie Jalandoni, highlighting his life as a priest and religious figure, his journey along the path of revolution, and his commitment to just peace. The event, organized by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Promotion of Church People’s Response (PCPR), Pilgrims for Peace, and Karapatan, brought together a diverse crowd from democratic groups and sectors in a fully packed UP Diliman Asian Center.
The tribute event, titled ‘A life of faith, revolution, and the struggle for just peace,‘ commenced with a cultural production honoring Ka Louie’s revolutionary journey and unwavering dedication to serving the people. “Today, we look back on the extraordinary journey of Ka Louie, from the landlord’s family in Negros to a priest serving the poor and as a revolutionary fighter for genuine freedom, democracy, and lasting peace,” BAYAN secretary-general Renato Reyes said as he opened the program.
Ina Silverio, author of the illustrated book ‘Louie Jalandoni: Revolutionary’, remembers Ka Louie’s evident humility during interviews. “He would always want to talk about other people, describe people he met, people he looked up to, people he thought greater than him,” recollects Ina, who had to remind Ka Louie that the interview was about him.
Fr. Frank Fernandez, fellow former priest and Negros native, recollects his first impression of Ka Louie in a message sent from Negros District Jail: “When I first heard his speech during his visit to the seminary, I immediately noticed his deep conviction that a priest would only be effective if he fostered love and service to the poor.”
Christians for National Liberation, the underground organization of church people, which Ka Louie co-founded, underscores that Ka Louie’s priestly vocation made him deeply aware of the systemic violence that Church people and communities also endured, especially under the Marcos Sr dictatorship. “These experiences fueled his commitment to a faith that sides with the oppressed,” stresses CNL in a tribute message.
Fr. Greg Patino, who was still a seminarian when he met Ka Louie, narrates in a video interview how Ka Louie became an inspiration to young seminarians in Negros. As director of Social Action Center of the Diocese of Bacolod under the then Bishop Antonio Fortich, Ka Louie has consistently supported the toiling masses of Negros; the striking workers of Victorias milling, the poor Aetas threathened with eviction due to landgrabbing in Cadiz. Fr. Greg added that when Ka Louie was still a seminarian, he provided financial support to the children of poor workers and peasants so they could attend school. Ka Louie’s contribution was instrumental in pushing the church of Negros to address the plight of the poor.
In a separate statement, the Pambansang Katipunan ng Magbubukid – Negros (PKM-Negros), shared how Ka Louie has been “the inspiration of all peasants and workers, leaving behind his landed class background, and abandoning all the comforts and privilege that came with it. He took a firm stand, overcame all sacrifices, hardships and defended and raised the integrity of the oppressed and exploited and the revolutionary struggle.”
Meanwhile, Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions (RCTU) spokesperon Patricia Librada stated “We will never forget his contributions to the peasant movement in his hometown in Negros, to the instigation of the first workers’ strike that broke the terror and fear of the Marcos dictatorship—the La Tondena workers’ strike in 1975 that inspired and gave courage to other workers in the country to fight. To this day, this historic strike serves as a lesson to revolutionary workers.”
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s representative stated that Ka Louie’s role “will remain an example of the tireless spirit of the new revolutionary man.” Ka Louie attended several diplomatic and international events in Venezuela.
The representative of the Royal Norwegian Government praised Ka Louie’s significant and crucial contribution in advancing the peace talks between the GRP and NDFP. Senator Loren Legarda, one of the advocates of the peace talks, also sent a message of solidarity and recognition.
Former GRP negotiating panel member Hernani Braganza expressed respect for Ka Louie as a negotiator. “I hope there will be more like Louie Jalandoni, Randall Echanis, Fidel Agcaoili, Joma Sison, Benny Tiamzon, Wilma. And on the government side, I hope you will also find people who can match them, who are open-minded and able to engage in proper dialogue,” he said.
“The entire Party and people’s army join you in celebrating the revolutionary life of Ka Louie. Across the country, the Red flag is raised high in recognition and honor of Ka Louie as a true hero of the Filipino people,” CPP chief information officer Ka Marco Valbuena said in his message read during the program.
