Communique of the FFPS Second General Assembly
The second general assembly of Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle (FFPS) was successfully held on the 20th of June, 2024. This event marks a significant milestone for our organization, as it is the first time in our young history that we were able to come together in person from all corners of the world, and unite further to develop and strengthen our comprehensive efforts.
The assembly brought together 43 participants from 15 member organizations of FFPS, along with 57 observers and 3 guest speakers who provided valuable resources and insights. Resource speakers Julietta de Lima and Coni Ledesma, both of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) negotiating panel and long-time Philippine revolutionaries, were able to sharpen and expand the understanding of the attendees on the current situation of the revolution in the Philippines. Victor Garces of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) closed off the assembly with valuable insights on the importance of international solidarity and the synergy of the work of various solidarity organizations.
Overall, the successful convening of our first in person general assembly is a testimony both of the growth and continued maturing of FFPS as well as the commitment of all of its members to continue strengthening our work for the Philippine revolution. It gave concrete meaning to the guiding theme of the conference, “Ignite and spread the flames of solidarity for the Philippine revolution across the world”.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, FFPS was founded in 2021 as a solidarity organization which stands in direct solidarity with the fighting Filipino masses and their representative, the NDFP. Throughout the past three years we have held actions, spread propaganda, conducted education and given concrete forms of support to the Filipino people’s struggle.
During the assembly we looked back on our past 3 years with a lot of pride in our achievements, and with humility that we want to stand even more resolutely and bravely side-by-side with the Filipino people as they are dealing blow after blow against US imperialism.
In this first half year of 2024 alone, we have successfully established and/or recruited 5 new member organizations to FFPS. As the assembly vowed to further ignite and spread the flames of solidarity with the Philippine revolution across the world, it united on its goal to double its membership over the next three years.
Resolutions of the assembly
In order to guide the particular FFPS work over the next three years, the participants unanimously adopted a new General Program of Action (GPOA) for the period of 2024 – 2027. The GPOA gives attention to the primary task of FFPS to give all-rounded solidarity to the NDFP and the Philippine revolution, while giving particular attention to campaigns that are aimed at exposing and isolating the people’s enemies, namely the Marcos Jr. and Duterte cliques, from the international community, as well as strengthening the organization of FFPS and its alliance and international solidarity work.
The assembly furthermore reaffirmed its basic unities as outlined in the constitution of FFPS and ratified the existing constitution with minor language updates.
It also affirmed the suggestion of the outgoing coordinating committee to join the ILPS as a member organization, in an effort to build ties with other anti-imperialist organizations, solidarity organizations engaged in supporting national liberation struggles, anti-war alliances and local pro-people organizations, and to contribute in the strengthening of our anti-imperialist struggles.
In line with FFPS growing and maturing as organization, the assembly unanimously decided to give particular attention as well to strengthening the global operations, including the strengthening of our capacity to raise material support both for the global secretariat operations and for the Filipino people in struggle.
Elections
The assembly successfully held in person territorial caucuses for the territories of the United States of America, Canada, Europe and Asia-Pacific which were able to unite and present their respective nominees to the new coordinating committee (CC). All of the nominees were unanimously affirmed and elected into the CC body by the general assembly. Robert Reid was re-elected as chairperson by the new CC and an alternate representative for Asia-Pacific was identified. The new CC also re-appointed Global Coordinator Eevee Garcia to convene the Global Secretariat in support of the CC’s work as outlined in the constitution.
Overall the assembly serves as an important uniting and agitating moment in FFPS’ history. The flames of solidarity with the Philippine revolution continue to be ignited and it is up to the general membership, its allies and contacts, and all pro-people organizations and individuals to further spread and strengthen the solidarity with the Filipino people as they are waging their just and urgent struggle against US imperialism and all reaction.
Let us try to emulate and match the braveness of all fighting people in the Philippines and of all those on the forefront of the fight against imperialism. Let us continue to strengthen and consolidate our organization to be able to support the advance of the Philippine revolution all-roundedly through all forms – moral, political and material support. Let us be true Friends of the Filipino people, by struggling side by side with them and fully supporting their struggles for their rights, including their collective rights to self-determination and liberation!
Signed
Robert Reid | Chairperson FFPS
On behalf of the Coordinating Committee of FFPS
