Remembering Isagani Serrano as Hero: 5th Anniversary Commemoration

The 5th Anniversary Commemoration was observed last 24 February 2024 (11am-12:30pm) at PRRM Penthouse, Quezon City in a blended format.

RISe thanked all the speakers, cultural performers, family and friends for a successful 5th Anniversary commemoration in Remembering Isagani Serrano as Hero. Special thanks to the RISe Board of Trustees and Global Advisory Council, Bantayog ng mga Bayani, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and its chapters in Metro Manila and Bataan, Village Idiots, Bataan Peninsula State University’s CSI-Earth and RICCS, Social Watch Philippines, Foundation for Philippine Environment, Good Food Community, the Serrano Clan and the Dacanay Family.

Remembering Isagani Serrano as Hero is a video tribute to Isagani Serrano on his 5th Anniversary. As he articulated in a chapter of a book entitled, CITIZENS: Strengthening Global Civil Society published by CIVICUS, the World Alliance for Citizen Participation in 1994, “Surely humanity, though in trouble, has good reasons to be hopeful.”

Remembering Isagani Serrano as Hero (Video Tribute)

As a final offering for its week-long commemoration of Isagani Serrano’s 5th Anniversary since his passing and in celebration of his birthday, the video below highlights the face to face program of the celebration held on February 24, 2024 at the PRRM Penthouse in Quezon City.

Commemoration Highlights

Toni Serrano-Soriano, daughter of Isagani Serrano and Joseph Purugganan of Village Idiots serve as masters of ceremonies in “Remembering Isagani Serrano as Hero” during the 5th Anniversary Commemoration.

Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) President and RISe Vice Chairperson Edicio de la Torre welcomes RISe stakeholders to the 5th Anniversary commemoration.

Catherine Tiongson, Joseph Purugganan and Jonathan Ronquillo of Village Idiots sing several songs that they composed.

Bantayog ng mga Bayani Board Member Dr Juan Perez cites the many reasons why Isagani Serrano has been recognized as a hero by the Foundation.

Sharing from RISe Stakeholders

RISe Chairperson and Former Secretary of the Department of Education Leonor Briones articulates that Isagani Serrano deserves to be recognized as a hero worth emulating.

Dr. Antonio La Vina shares how Isagani Serrano has been a big influence in his life and journey as an environmental and climate justice advocate in and out of government.

Rappler Senior Desk Editor Isagani de Castro emphasizes that Isagani Serrano’s heroism should also consider his contributions beyond the martial law period

Here are some of the key highlights of the said commemoration:

RISe President Lisa Dacanay shares the plans of RISe for 2024-2025 including publishing a book on Isagani Serrano’s selected works in partnership with PRRM with the support of the Foundation for Philippine Environment (FPE)
FPE Executive Director Jerome Montemayor shares FPE’s recognition of Isagani Serrano’s valuable contributions to FPE and the environmental movement and commits project support to publish the works of Isagani Serrano on environment, climate justice and sustainable development.
Justin and Kenneth Serrano receive a plaque of recognition in behalf of their grandfather Isagani Serrano from the FPE represented by its Executive Director Jerome Montemayor.
Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement Executive Director Marlon Palomo and RISe President Lisa Dacanay sign a project agreement to publish Isagani Serrano’s selected works with the Foundation for Philippine Environment, represented by its Executive Director Jerome Montemayor while PRRM President and RISe Vice Chairperson Edicio de la Torre looks on.

Message from Youth

Jolinalyn Garbin, President of CSI-Earth, an environmental student organization from Bataan Peninsula State University expresses their interest in a partnership to promote the life and works of Isagani Serrano among students and youth.
Karl Serrano, son of Isagani Serrano commits to the pursuit of his father’s unfinished fight and advocacies for a better world.
Isagani Serrano’s son Karl, and his two sons, Kenneth and Justin play and sing their father/grandfather’s favorite songs “Imagine” (Justin) and “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” (Kenneth)
Founder-CEO of Good Food Community Charlene Tan explains that the healthy menu they are serving is consistent with Isagani Serrano’s advocacy for sustainable food systems

RISe Stakeholders in attendance were: RISe Board, PRRM Metro Manila Chapter, PRRM Officers, Staff and Alumni, PRRM and CSI-Earth, BPSU’s CSI-Earth and RICCS with PRRM-Bataan, Serrano Clan, Dacanay Family, Social Watch Philippines, Good Food Community, ISEA, Bantayong ng mga Bayani Foundation, Village Idiots, and Foundation for Philippine Environment.

Photo Credits to Marie Lisa Dacanay, Joseph Purugganan, Niva Gonzales and Judy Pasimio