Susan Macabuag, member of Samahan ng Demokratikong Kabataan (SDK) and MAKIBAKA shared her memories of Lorena Barros.
Lorena Barros was one of the founders of militant womens’ organization MAKIBAKA, short for Makabayang Kilusan ng Malayang Kababaihan.
Macabuag described Barros as a soft-spoken yet firm activist.
“Di naming siya nakakitaan ng kapaguran,” said Macabuag.
[We never saw her get exhausted.]
“Bilang mga aktibista ay puno ang aming mga araw ng mga rally at teach-in at sa gabi naman ay naglalamay kami upang pag-aralan ang pilosopiya at problema ng lipunan,” added Macabuag.
[As activists, our days were filled with rally and teach-in and at night, we keep vigil studying about philosophy and the problems of society.]
She narrated that Barros would often work until late night. Using a typewriter, she would spend hours writing press releases and manifestos.
“Hindi siya namimili ng gawain, maliit man o malaki ay gagampanan niya dahil mahalaga ito sa pakikibaka,” said Macabuag.
[She is not one to pick tasks, however big or small, she will do ito because she knows it is important to the struggle.]
When Martial Law was declared, Lorena Barros was on the wanted list because she was a prominent activist. She died on March 24, 1976 in an ambush by the military.
“Si Lori ay namatay sa edad na 28. Napakabata kung tutuusin. Pero siya ang naging ehemplo ng maraming kababaihan. Maraming mga anak na ipinangalang Lorena,” added Macabuag.
[Lori died at the age of 28. She was too young. But she became the model of many women. Many daughters were named Lorena.]
Years later, Macabuag went to Quezon province to conduct field work. She learned that some of the children in the communities were named Lorena. She found out that the parents of these children were also activists.
