Edicio dela Torre

Started blogging sometime back, but stopped. Have taken on Frank Sinatra’s challenge: “Let me try again.” Could be a good way to exchange ideas for the book I hope to write for my 65th. Usap tayo.

A bit of my life story: Was an SVD priest in 1968, wanting to write a Filipino theology, sharing the nationalist spirit of the Second Propaganda Movement of the late 60s. Got involved in farmers’ organizations fighting for land reform and mobilized students to take up their cause. Was drawn to the urban poor community organizing program experimenting with Alinsky’s methods.

In the crucible shaped by the First Quarter Storm, engaged in the dialogue between reform – oriented Christians and the national democratic movement. Helped gather Christian student youth and church people into the Christians for National Liberation.

Martial law accelerated the political radicalization process, and I joined the National Democratic Front. Wasn’t very good at underground work, though – got captured twice, and spent over 9 years in various prisons. I could do a comparative study of prison architecture!

In between two prison stints, spent a year in Europe working with Filipino migrants and solidarity groups, and meeting other liberation movements.

Post EDSA 1986, was identified with the “popular democracy” initiative which sought to broaden and deepen the democratic space that opened up.

Was advised not to return from a trip to Denmark in late 1987, because of threats to my life, part of the extra-judicial killings that targeted former prisoners and activists. Stayed for four and a half years in Europe working with solidarity groups and Filipino migrants. Decided to return home 1992.

Started the Education for Life Foundation to help train a new generation of grassroots leaders in the needed shift from the politics of resistance to the politics of participation. ELF combines the Gruntvigian folkehojskole ideas with those of Paolo Freire, and Sikolohiyang Pilipino with Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences.

Accepted the challenge offered in 1998 to be director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). “Punisment for my sins,” I tell friends. But a valuable learning experience on the possibilities and limits of national governance.

Rejoining the “sovereign citizenry” since 2001, my core passion is to be an educator, especially of grassroots leaders, advocating and helping build ALS or alternative learning systems.

My other fields of involvement are agrarian reform, rural electrification, participatory local governance and biodiversity conservation.

Have taken to heart the aphorism: Make your learning greater than your experience.

Am an assistant instructor or pelatih of Tetada Kalimasada, based on an Indonesian martial arts practice, renewing my energies for the long haul.