Chit Bautista of Migrante started off the celebration with a short prayer followed by an introduction by Irene about her program that dealt with domestic abuse and violence against women. Mang Ric Lardizabal read a touching tribute about his mother, which was also a tribute to all mothers.

Antonio “Tonchi” Tinio, National Chair of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers – Philippines gave the event's keynote speech. ACT is the largest non-traditional teachers' organization in the Philippines working for the economic and political well-being of 15,000 members of teachers and education workers. Mr. Tinio's trip is sponsored by the Canadian Union of Public Employees CUPE National Global Justice Fund Project “Defend Human Rights in the Philippines: A Worker to Worker Solidarity Exchange.”

Mr. Tinio talked about the current situation of the Inang Bayan, the continuing extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances which have not spared the teachers, and the militarization of schools and communities. Of the 11 teacher victims, three were official leaders of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers. Mr. Tinio struck a responsive chord with the audience when he described the situation of the ordinary teacher in the Philippines. Everyone in the audience had a relative, a friend or a neighbour who was/is a teacher.There were many comments and questions directed at Mr. Tinio.

The mothers also added their names to a growing petition to demand the surfacing of a missing son, James Balao, indigenous activist from the Cordillera.

Cultural numbers were provided by Lingling Claver and Charisse Curata with their “Isang Bansa para sa mga Bata,” and by the Migrante cultural group with their interpretative dance of “Kababaihan.”

At the end, the children handed out little gifts to mothers and grandmothers. Everyone had their fill of the food and drinks lovingly prepared and brought by Migrante members and supporters. With roughly 55 people in attendance, Migrante B.C.'s Mother's Day was indeed a successful event.

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