Linda as a student & community activist in the homeland

For outgoing Executive Director Linda Oalican, it all started in the homeland.

In 1969, Linda went to the University of the Philippines (UP) and joined the UP Nationalist Corps, a UP-funded, exposure and outreach program that connected UP students to poor farmers in Central Luzon. Coming from a family of poor farmers, the problems of the peasants resonated with Linda. Back in UP, she became a member of the Samahan ng Demokratikong Kabataan (Youth Democratic Association) and later joined the street protests to oppose the student tuition fee increases, workers and farmers issues, militarization and corruption in the government. She joined the “First Quarter Storm” (FQS) in 1970 and the Diliman Commune in February 1971. These momentous events shaped her political consciousness. Linda became a community organizer and supported workers’ strikes and helped organize the urban poor.

Her passion for organizing and empowering workers continued in New York City and Jersey City, where she co-founded Damayan and organized domestic workers to fight for their labor and immigrants' rights. Join "Isang Pagpupugay: A Tribute to Outgoing Damayan Executive Director Linda Oalican" on Feb 25th at The People’s Forum, as we celebrate Linda and her 53 years of service, organizing and activism,  together with workers, allies, friends, and our community.

Ticket prices for the event are $25, and $50 above for non-workers/allies. Part of the funds raised will go towards an appreciation package intended for Linda, as she welcomes this new phase in her life. To RSVP: damayanmigrants.org/TributeParty We hope to see you there!