Ka Bel

By: Bienvenido Lumbera

                                                            Photo by: rolandotolentino

Philippine is a democratic country where the voice of the people heard through rallies and other activities that calls the attention of the government. During the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Ka Beltran was an active leader who speak up and stand for change of the wrong doings of the administration. His courage led him behind bars. A good poem was produced out of this story, titled "Ka Bel" written by Bienvenido Lumbera. The poem only proves that even if a leader of an organization is in jail, it does not mean that the members will lose hope on what they are fighting for. Even if you are powerful, you can never imprison a mind that wants freedom and change.