BATINGAW; BELL; HERALD; The Voice of Filipino Migrants in AustraliaIssue 62 News, views and analyses from Migrante Australia July–August 2022 syDNEy pERTH MELBouRNE IN THIs EDITIoN ◆ Changing, challenging the narrative ◆ The status of displaced people in Australia ◆ Anakbayan sets its stake on WA ◆ Anakbayan Melbourne holds its first GA ◆ Community response project ◆ WA pushes back against Marcos historical distortion ◆ A trip to Mt Buller after two years ◆ soNA 2022
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Clearly, the response from the government is to deprive the Filipino youth of other alternative future to what the government would prefer. The mantra is to bombard them instead of lies and disinformation.Butwe,the Filipino people, especially the youth, must not stop to raise our voices. We will continue to question policies, laws and orders that do not benefit the majority of Filipinos. We will continue to mount protest against the disinformation, which forms an important part of the fascist rule of the Philippine government. It is in fighting for truth and against disinformation that we resist a regime built on lies and deception.
We are living at a time when the Filipino people are being conditioned -- in insidious ways -- to accept one narrative. This is the narrative of the Marcos family, whose return to power is made possible through the election of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Narratives that do not benefit their rule, and contradict their narrative are repressed -- books being removed from libraries and discredited, authors being redtagged, and historical resources mocked by hate trolls on social media. Schools are turned into laboratories of disinformation, with the Department of Education being headed by Marcos Jr’s running mate, Sarah Duterte, the daughter of alleged criminal under his war on drugs, previous presi dent Rodrigo Duterte. The miseducation of the FIlipino youth continues. Government disinformation agents have sought to discredit progressive literature and scholarship, and sow doubt about historical sources and information that expose the dirty past of the Marcos family. The government clearly wants to change the narrative of Marcos Sr Martial rule from 50 years ago. Books are now the hot targets of Marcosian revisionism. Last August 9, The “Komisyon sa Wikang Pilipino” issued a memorandum threatening the publica tion and distribution of several books it deemed subversive for promoting “anti-government ideolo gies.” Statements or pronouncement questioning or opposing any government policies or practices, which lie within the rights protected by the Philippine constitution, are being disallowed by the Philippine government. Yet government agencies and government offices especially the military continue to publish fake news without accountability, producing smears against civil society groups and mass organisations, especially those that are advocating for the poor and the oppressed Filipinos.
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Contributors: Reyvi Marinas, Ness Gavanzo, Mel Baltazar, Candice Rabusa, Geril Lumawig, Alexia Fuentes, Steph Rabusa, Malou Logan, Chona Davidson, Mark Pototanon. About Batingaw Batingaw is a bi-monthly newsletter expressing views, news and analysis from Migrante Australia.
Migrante Australia
Changing,RIAL challenging the narrative
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Editorial board: Lau Castillo, Kei Tan, Raul Diche, May Kotsakis, Joseph Lumanog, Gb Kotsakis, Berlin Guerrero, Stu Harrison, Joy Eduliantes, Inan Zanfranco, Aida Morden.
An important aspect of developing this newsletter is an intimate knowledge of and close involvement in all aspects of the Philippine and Australian struggles for justice, democracy and fair-go. Contributing to Batingaw: Articles, photographs, cartoons, clippings, comments or a few lines are all very welcome. All material should be sent electronically to: batingaw.migrante@gmail.com. Readers are encouraged to contribute whatever they can by sending donations to the above address.
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2021Chapter Continued on page 8
The of Displaced people in Australia Australia
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IMA Australia chapter had its first webinar titled: The Status of Displaced People in Australia on 24 August. The participants came from diverse backgrounds with a common goal of providing protection and advancing the rights of asylum seekers and refugees. Guest speakers gave insights and shared experiences of refugee campaigns in Australia. UNESCO Chair for comparative research on cultural diversity and social justice Prof. Fethi Mansouri, Deakin University, stated that in the context of forced migration refugees and asylum seekers will be greatly affected by contradictions and inadequacy of current protection measures and governmental responses. He added that community advocacy will be highly needed to secure protection rights.Ayoung activist from Tamil Refugee Council of Australia, Renuga Inpakumar, highlighted the community campaigns for refugee rights for protection and residency in Australia. She motivated the participants to stand behind displaced people and not to be scared to engage in political activism. She said the Tamil Refugee Council is ready to defend the rights of displaced people and asked the participants “Are You Ready?”
Bilal Waheed, an information technology engineer and social worker from the Massoud Australia Foundation, informed the audience about the plight of Afghans who helped Australians before the Taliban takeover and called on the Australian government to expedite the processing of applications from Afghanistan and to increase the intake as many people are still very much at risk of being killed there. Bilal also commented on the work of the Massoud Foundation in fundraising for Afghan refugees. He said that the foundation is deploying financial and technical resources for the education of girls in Afghanistan.
Eni Lestari , chairperson of IMA (Global) has shared some important advocacy in the United Nations made in 2016 where she highlighted the voices of migrants and refugees from around the globe. She also shared the analysis that monopoly capitalism and its neoliberal policies have brought more miseries to the displaced people and render them more vulnerable to exploitation and abused in host countries. Moreover, the pandemic has exacerbated the conditions of displaced people as government discriminatory policies stood out for lack of relief aid to support them at the onset of pandemic. The participants were drawn to the question “ Where do we go from here? What needs to be done? Eni urged everyone to continue ongoing discussions between various refugee groups, reach out and organise community groups and raise their level of political understanding and the role of IMA in campaigning for the protection of rights of displaced people and campaigning for the protection of displaced people. She invited everyone to participate in the 5th Global National Congress on 30 Nov – 3 Dec 2022 , Bangkok Thailand. The Congress will bring important issues and shared experiences of delegates from around the globe and determine course of action to take.
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The ANAKBAYAN Western Australia Chapter will be rolling out future dates for mass orientations. For interested youths, please contact Mark 0413637851 or message the organising committee through Facebook ofanorwww.facebook.com/anakbayanwahttps://Twitter@AnakbayanWA.ThereisupcomingorientationattheendSeptember,sopleasestaytuned.
ANAKBAyAN sets its stake on WA with first mass orientation
Accessing prior issues: Prior issues can be accessed through the National Library of Australia at Trove.nla.gov.au. Search under journals, articles and data sets.
The progressive youth of Western Australia have heeded the call for the need for national democratic activism.
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By M. Pototanon
On the 3rd of July 2022, ANAKBAYAN Western Australia conducted its first mass orientation for its new members at Focal Way, Bayswater WA. The program began at 1 PM with a general situationer from Bayan Australia Secretary General Alan Eduliantes. This situationer discussed not only the conditions in the Philippines but also the experiences of Filipinos living in Western Australia. Among the key points raised was the labour export policy of the Philippines which forces people to leave their homes and face oppression and discrimination abroad. This was followed by the orienta tion proper headed by the organising committee. The orientation included the presentation of the nature and activities of ANAKBAYAN. The role of youth activism in addressing the worsening conditions in the Philippines was also brought up in the open forum afterwards. The new members were then sworn in after a short break. The program ended with a closing message from Carmelita Baltazar. She expressed her overwhelming joy that finally, there is an organisation that will consolidate the progressive Filipino youth in WA. This is a very crucial step as the youth should be educated and be mobilised to respond to challenges that the Filipino people face in their home country and in foreign lands.
ANAKBAYAN Melbourne holds its first General Assembly and consolidates its ranks towards advancement of youth resistance against fascism under Marcos-Duterte!
By Alexia Fuentes
ANAKBAYAN MELBOURNE – The most comprehensive national democratic Filipino youth mass organisation in Melbourne, Australia (Naarm) held its second general assembly since its founding in 2012. This signals the advancement and consolidation of the youth’s ranks that are now swelling in numbers in their resolute resistance to tyranny and oppression amid heightened contradictions throughout the term of the fascist Duterte regime and the full Marcos restoration currently unfolding in the Philippines.Theorganization conducted two mass orientations this year, on June 19 and July 10, respectively, whilst over thirty (30) new members signed up to join Anakbayan Melbourne in the first half of 2022 so far. Since Marcos Jr.’s visit in May, there has been a clamour from the Filipino-Australian youth to organise, arouse, and mobilise in their largest numbers.
On August 14, the general assembly was held in the Melbourne CBD. Alexia Fuentes was elected as Chairperson, Sharmane Rabusa as Vice Chairperson, Geril Lumawig as Secretary General, Annie Ladera as Finance Officer, and Angelo Ladera as Political Education Officer. Two new committees have also been created to assist in delegating the tasks and fulfilling the general program of the organisation: the Membership Committee and the Welfare Committee.
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The assembly also reviewed and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the constitution and general program of Anakbayan and discussed its plans for the remaining half of the year. many coalitions they joined, and the challenges they faced over the course ofThe2022.Filipino youth stand resolute together in their continued indignation and resistance to fascism and imperialism amidst the darkness enveloping Philippine society and the world over. Lumalakas, lumalawak, lumalaban! Anakbayan!
Anakbayan Melbourne, together with Anakbayan USA and Canada, was also invited to join the national council meeting organised by Anakbayan chapters in the Philippines on August 29-30. Anakbayan Melbourne will represent Anakbayan chapters in Australia, including that of Sydney and Western Australia, in the upcoming congress. The group will be expected to report the campaigns they led, the
6 Issue 62 The sharing of learning on COVID-19 part 3 last July 24 at Dandenong Uniting Church. It was a fulfilled afternoon to share and strengthen the community response during these pandemic times. Thank you to all participants! Community Response project on CoVID-19 management
Issue 62 7 Part 4: More sharings of COVID-19 experiences to strengthen our community response during these challenging times. Ross House, 3 pm Sunday, 07 August 2022
Bruno Di Biase, Chairperson of IMA Au encouraged the attendees to strengthen the grassroots organising to make our campaigns stronger and effective. “We have to make sure that the voices of displaced people are heard and addressed by governments, UN agencies and NGOs advocating for displaced people “. In terms of advocacy pointed to two urgencies for the Australian government: (1) Repeal the Temporary Visa regime for refugees, that is, they should be given a normal visa and be allowed to stay in Australia indefinitely (2) Reinstate a humanitarian intake for Australia. He then concluded by thanking all the guest speakers and participants and encouraged all to join IMA to represent the voices of all migrants and refugees in Australia.
By M. Pototanon
The status of Displaced people in Australia from page 3
WA pushes Back Against Marcos Historical Distortion
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The return of the Marcoses to Malacañang has opened the floodgates for the distortion of the past. A film allegedly based on the last 72 hours before the Marcos family fled the country in 1986 is now being shown in theatres in the Philippines, produced by Imee Marcos and directed by Darryl Yap. Titled “Maid in Malacañang” this film has caused an uproar based on the teasers and trailers which reeks of distortion of historical facts. Last 12th of August 2022, the same film has been shown in Raine Square Palace in Perth City. As a response to the arrival of dubious propaganda, progressive organisations in Western Australia, BAYAN Australia, 1Sambayan WA and MALAYA WA, staged a protest at Yagan Square to expose the true legacies of the Marcoses: Tyranny andThePlunder.protest staged an art installation showing the true state of the nation during the Marcos regime. The pictures of the Marcos family atop a pile of shoes (symbolising their opulence) are juxtaposed against bloodied dummies and pictures of the victims of the Martial Law. Speeches were given by the involved organizations and a statement of solidarity was also expressed by the CFMEU. With the raging disinformation and distortionist propaganda, progressive groups in WA continue to push back for the welfare of the Filipino people.
Notes:Torequest a recording of “The Status of Displaced People in Australia: What needs to be done?” send an email to imaaustralia2021@ gmail.comFordetails on the IMA 5th Congress, please send an email to ima.5thga@gmail.com
By Lou Kabingue The rise of COVID cases made the world stop. From face-to-face classes to online classes, from dining out to copying famous recipes, and from hanging out with friends every weeknight to spending every night with your family. To cut a long story short, our routines were changed, and some plans were delayed.
A trip to Mount Buller after two years.
“Pasyel” or Pasyal sa Yelo started back in 2009 by Migrante Melbourne. Almost every year a tour to the snow fields such as the Lake Mountains and Mt Buller was organised by various chapters of Migrante Melbourne or by its sister organisation, Gabriela Australia.In2019 the tour to Mount Buller Resort was made possible by Samahang Tatak Pinoy - Migrante Melbourne Northeast Chapter. Because of the unprecedented situation, the organization decided to pause the tour. On July 30, 2022, after two years, Filipinos went back to Mount Buller again – and this time, they were joined by several Australians as well. From one bus back in 2019, to two buses this 2022. Everyone seemed to had fun during the tour. Activities such as skiing, tobogganing, snowboarding, and chair lifts were enjoyed not just by kids but by adults as well who joined the tour.
The organization looks forward to more expeditions that will unite and connect Filipinos living in Australia in the future.
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12 Issue 62 Address:Name:Tel:Email: I would like to: become a member of member organisations of Migrante Australia be updated with information from Migrante Australia donate to Migrante Australia Migrante Australia is an alliance of community organisations of Filipino and Filipino-Australian migrants and workers in Australia. Migrante seeks to uphold and promote migrants welfare, workers and human rights. It addresses migration and settlement issues and deepens awareness of the causes of Filipino diaspora in over 200 countries. SEND TO PO BOX 606, LAVERTON, VICTORIA 3028 Contact us: Mel 0414 247 154 (WA); Onofre (Bong) 0410 632 707 (NsW) Dan 0452 667 244 (VIC); Edwin 0409 461 600 (NsW) Alan 0449 288 233 (QLD); Joseph 0447 182 439 (Albury-Wodonga) Raul 0425 796 901 (VIC); Nelson 0426 237 910 (WA) Manny (Bebot) 0404 105 899 (NsW); George (Butch) 0413 041 514 (VIC) Sheryl 0405 364 893 (QLD) G ET I NV o LVED ! Important Dates and upcoming Events 24 August 2022 – International Migrants Alliance (IMA) Australia Webinar THE STATUS OF DISPLACED PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA 7.00 PM AEST, Online 1 September 2022 – Anakbayan Melbourne Situationer CURRENT MARCOS RESTORATION 7.00 PM AEST September 2022 – Anakbayan Western Australia MASS EducationORIENTATIONsessionfor members and friends 10 September 2022 –Anakbayan Melbourne Martial Law 50 th Anniversary commemoration BATAS MILITAR FILM FESTIVAL 2.00 PM AEST 11 September 2022 – Gabriela Australia Online Forum MARTIAL LAW & ITS IMPACT ON 6.00WOMENPM AEST 14, 15, 16, 17 September 2022 – Academy pf Performing Arts Students Theatre Performance 2.00IMELDAPM, 16 Sep, Matinee Show The Blue Room Theatre, James St, Perth, WA 17-18 September 2022 –CommemorationMartialLaw@50 IN PERSON RALLY Sydney, Melbourne & Perth Details will be advised later 21 September 2022 – Martial Law 50 th year ML@50 COMMEMMORATION OF THE DECLARATION OF MARTIAL AmongLAW the darkest years in Philippine History Hybrid events – details will be advised later September 2022 – Gabriela WA Get Together Details will be announced later 30 Nov – 4 Dec 2022 –International Migrant Alliance (IMA) 5th Global Assembly Bangkok, InvitationsThailandweresent to all organi sational members and to interested parties. Contact any IMA members such as Migrante chapters for more details.
