City of Manila declares May 20 as Beltran Day

MANILA, Philippines - Mayor Alfredo Lim has declared May 20 of every year as “Beltran Day" in the city of Manila in honor of the late Anakpawis party-list Representative Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran. By issuing Executive Order No. 11 designating a day to commemorate the militant lawmaker, Lim hopes to encourage the people of Manila to launch civil activities to call to mind the very “significant lessons" left by Ka Bel, a respected labor leader. Beltran died last year in a freak accident while fixing the ceiling of his house. Lim also agreed that a bust of the late lawmaker be placed in one of the pillars in Plaza Miranda. Ka Bel’s party-list coleague Rep. Joel Maglunsod said Thursday that members of Anakpawis, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, drivers’ group PISTON, urban poor group Kadamay, state workers’ group COURAGE and other progressive organizations would be launching simultaneous activities on the first death anniversary of the late labor leader. Meanwhile, rural folks groups are set to bestow Ka Bel the honor of “Filipino of the Century" in a symbolic action in front of the House of Representatives. Militant workers will also launch simultaneous union walk-outs alongside film showings and forums in different communities and jeepney terminals. Several government agencies will also mount exhibits in honor of the late congressman, Maglunsod said. He also called on his fellow congressmen and the Filipino people to relive the examples of Ka Bel who, up to his last breath, had crusaded for the rights and welfare of the toiling masses. "Ka Bel had fought for genuine social change that will liberate the toiling masses from the bondage of chronic unemployment, hunger and poverty. All the fiery speeches he delivered during his time called for national industrialization and genuine agrarian reform. We must learn from his examples and do our best to fight for genuine social change," Maglunsod said. - GMANews.TV