Nanay Mameng: Militant, True Leader of the Masses

For more than three decades, Carmen 'Nanay Mameng' Deunida, with her endearing style of speech, was sought after by mass audiences in each and every people's street rally. She was the national chair of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (National Alliance of Urban Poor in the Philippines) since its establishment in 1998 until 2008. 

Despite her age, she remains an icon of urban poor struggle in the Philippines. Her contribution to the Filipino people's struggle for national democracy and freedom has been met with unparalleled cheers and recognition from ordinary masses and her comrades.

Delivering a speech at Liwasan Bonifacio, Manila on May 1, 2003 during a Labor Day rally, Nanay Mameng is among the most notorious critics of the Arroyo administration. She was 75 when the photo was taken by Arkibong Bayan.

At 85, she not only battles against the rotten system in the country. She was initially diagnosed with an early stage of vascular dementia, an age-related illness which causes difficulty in speaking and physical movement.

Please support KADAMAY's fund-raising drive for Nanay Mameng's fast recovey and maintenance of her health. Kindly contact Kadamay national office at +632.427.4315 for cash and other donations, or text Ka Bea Arellano at 0921.392.7457. Cash donation can be sent to Allied Bank Account Number: 363-0003251 (Account Name: KADAMAY Inc; Swift Code: ABCMPHMM).