The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) founded during Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s dictatorship marks its 40th anniversary this week and continues to perform its avowed role as a voice for the people. 

The nationwide alliance celebrated the occasion on Jan. 14 with a program titled “Bayan Kwarenta” at the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Ignacio B. Gimenez Theater, where Bayan chair Teddy Casiño described the milestone as more than just a number.

“The 40th anniversary of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan is not just a simple counting of years. It is a sign of a higher level of maturity—in action, in social analysis, and in standing up for the nation,” said Casiño, a former lawmaker representing the party-list group Bayan Muna.

“There’s a popular saying: Life begins at 40,” he said. “When you reach 40, it’s said that you have been through enough to better understand how the world works. You see more clearly what is right and wrong, what matters and what does not. And most importantly, you know better how to make your life meaningful, not just for yourself, but for others.”

Casiño added in Filipino that Bayan and its ideals have not grown irrelevant, that their role in history remains significant, and that they have become, not fatigued, but even more prepared for what’s to come: “Hindi tayo naluluma; mas nagiging makabuluhan ang ating papel sa kasaysayan. Hindi tayo pagod; mas handa tayo.”

He voiced the popular rallying cry to resist and not to yield to fear: “Makibaka, huwag matakot!”

Decisive response

For Carol Araullo, Bayan’s chair emerita and a former political prisoner, the founding of the alliance in 1985 was a decisive response to a dark era.

“Bayan was established as a national alliance advancing the struggle against the US-Marcos dictatorship and the Filipino people’s fight for democracy and freedom,” Araullo said in her remarks at the program.

She cited Bayan’s active role in the coalition that toppled the dictator, in the campaign for the removal of US military bases on Philippine soil, and in the mobilization against the corruption-plagued presidency of Joseph Estrada.

Bayan secretary general Raymond Palatino, a former Kabataan party-list representative, said the alliance continues to organize despite state repression including Red-tagging of its members and the filing of fabricated charges and acts of violence against them.

“Bayan has never abandoned the streets as a parliament of struggle, from the barricades of the 1980s to the 2013 ‘Million People March,’ the Occupy movements, and the ‘Baha sa Luneta’ and other nationwide mobilizations in 2025,” he said.

Palatino acknowledged ongoing challenges, citing as an example the multibillion-peso corruption scandal involving flood control and other infrastructure projects as a reminder of the work that remains, especially in grassroots communities.

“We do not retreat. We face the challenge. And most importantly, if someone steps aside, there are others ready to continue the action,” he said. 

Clarice Palce, secretary general of the women’s group Gabriela and the youngest to hold the post, also spoke at the event. She said today’s economic and political crises have posed an immense challenge on young people, especially women.

The Gen Z activist rejected claims that young people are “brainwashed” into joining mass movements, saying that their involvement is grounded in an awareness of land-grabbing, labor exploitation, militarization, and corruption. 

“We know why we are here… and in whose behalf we are acting,” she said in Filipino, adding: “We are not just leaders of the new generation; we are leaders of today.”

Uniting Filipinos

Elsewhere, in an interview with CoverStory, Bayan president Renato Reyes reflected on the alliance’s decades-long journey and defining achievements.

“Our biggest achievement is uniting the Filipino people in the struggle for national freedom and democracy,” Reyes said, pointing out that Bayan brings together workers, peasants, women, youth, indigenous peoples, urban poor, professionals, and other oppressed sectors for the common cause of social change.

According to Reyes, Bayan’s work extends beyond mere protest. “We fight for the rights and interests of the people, whether at the local or national level,” he said, citing their campaigns against fuel and electricity price hikes, high taxes, and corruption in government, as well as their advocacy for the people’s land, rights, and environmental concerns.

He acknowledged that the biggest challenges facing Bayan today include building and strengthening the people’s movement, uniting anticorruption forces, and organizing amid “fascist attacks.”

“The crisis will worsen as we approach [the 2028 election], with reactionary factions trying to plunder public funds and worsening the economic situation of the people,” he said. “National and social liberation cannot be won by merely changing the occupant of Malacañang. We need common ground on immediate issues while nurturing long-term change.”

Reyes cited Bayan’s electoral work, pointing out that the emergence of progressive party-list groups since 2001 is an offshoot of the alliance’s mass organizing.

“Our effectiveness in elections relies on the mass movement, which is our only real advantage because we lack the resources of traditional [political] parties,” he said. “But what makes Bayan different is we do not rely on elections to effect change. We point out the reality that the elections are controlled by the elite and foreign powers, and that the people must organize and build their own power.”

Movements for lasting change

Addressing a common misconception of the alliance, Reyes said: “Bayan is known as an activist organization, but we are not just about organizing rallies. Protests are integral, but our work encompasses community organizing, advocacy, and building movements for lasting change.”

He urged the young generation to continue Bayan’s work, emphasizing hope and collective action.

“A society without activists will stagnate. The real power rests with the people, not politicians. Trust in our people, don’t fall into cynicism, and always retain hope for a better world,” he said.

“Bayan is much more than rallies,” Reyes said, citing their continued push for land reform, rural development, national industrialization, independent foreign policy, respect for human rights, and a just peace. 

He added: “Youth participation is essential. The poor and oppressed greatly outnumber the rich oppressors, and it is why people must organize and realize their collective power.” CS

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